Should You Visit the Sears Tower Skydeck?

The Skydeck on the 103rd floor of what everyone still calls the Sears Tower gives you 360-degree views stretching across Lake Michigan, four states on a clear day, and straight down 1,353 feet if you step onto the glass boxes that jut out from the building. Expect a standard high-rise observatory experience: security screening, an elevator ride with a short video, then a crowded indoor viewing area plus those four protruding glass ledges. The whole visit usually takes 45-90 minutes depending on lines and how long you linger. It's genuinely impressive at night when the city lights up, but the interior space feels dated and can get loud with tour groups.

Best time is late afternoon through sunset, especially in spring or fall when the air is clearest and crowds are lighter than peak summer. Expect to pay around $30-45 per adult for basic entry; kids are cheaper and under-3s are usually free. Add $10-20 if you want to skip the worst of the lines or get a timed reservation.

Honest tip: do the glass ledges once for the thrill, but don't wait in a second line for photos if it's busy; the regular windows give almost the same view without the hassle. Skip the overpriced photo packages and on-site snacks; grab a drink at a ground-level spot afterward instead.