Get Out On The Ledge!- Experiencing the Chicago Skydeck Willis Tower

For the best views in town, you're going to have to go up. Way up, 103 stories high, that is. To the top of Chicago's Willis Tower formerly known as Sears Tower. At 1,353 feet in the air, brave, albeit and daring visitors, can get to experience 'the ledge', a glass box that extends just over 4 feet for hair raising views of the the city below.

The Sky-Deck Willis Tower has always been one on the top of my travel bucket list. I've been to Chicago quite a few times and just didn't have the time to do it. So this time around, I made sure that we get to do it.

At 1,353 feet and 110 stories above the streets of downtown Chicago, The Ledge at Willis Tower's Sky-Deck will transform any visitor or local for that matter - a good experience with the Windy City. In January 2009, the owners of the Willis Tower began a major renovation of the beloved Skydeck which originally opened in 1974, and served as a premier tourist spot throughout the skyscrapers tenure as the Sears Tower. When ownership changed, fresh blood added a fresh look and adrenaline rush to the 103rd floor in the form of retractable glass balconies extending just over 4 feet over Wacker Drive and the Chicago River down below. Remaining as the 8th tallest building in the world and the absolute tallest in the western hemisphere, the Willis Tower will reward anyone brave enough to step onto its Ledge with unparalleled views of Illinois ' enthralling metropolis.

We got to the tower at around 4 o'clock in the afternoon thinking that the line wouldn't be as long as it would be in the morning and early afternoon. But it was the holiday season so, we were greeted by lines and rows and rows of people and tourists also wanting to experience the Ledge. However, it was surprising that everything was organized and the pace moved fast for that many people waiting in line. There were ushers and security personnel who were in charge of making everything go smoothly.

When you visit the Willis Tower in Chicago, you're still a tourist whether you live in Chicago or an out of towner. My best advice is to have fun and try the Ledge at least once. Then you can reward your brave self with a slice of pizza like a true Chicagoan.

just a quick note: Bringing people who are afraid of heights to the Ledge is not recommended unless you are a mean-spirited person or just don't really like them.

XOXO,

Karen