Great Tower Observatories of Chicago Illinois

John Hancock and Sears Skydeck Offer a Bird's Eye View of Windy City

Dec 5, 2008

John Hancock Observatory and Sears Tower Skydeck are popular Chicago attractions that give visitors a bird's eye view of the Windy City and up to four states.

Chicago, Illinois, a city famed for great architecture, is the site of two of the great towers of the world. John Hancock Tower and Sears Tower are two Chicago landmarks with observatories with views from the skies. Visitors to the Windy City often make one of these towers a priority on a visit to the city. Whether traveling solo, on a family friendly excursion or for a thrilling romantic date, a visit to the towers is a memorable experience.

High speed elevators whisk visitors to skydecks with a birds-eye view of the city and surrounding states The John Hancock Observatory and Sear Skydeck Tower each offer views of up to four states, weather permitting. On a clear day visitors and tourists can see as far as 40-50 miles, with views of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. .

John Hancock Tower Observatory

On the famed Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue John Hancock towers over surrounding landmarks, including historic Water Tower Place. A high speed elevator whisks visitors up to the 94th floor in 39 seconds. The skydeck is the highest open air viewing deck in the Midwest, with views of four states on a clear day. Audio narration is available in English, French, Japanese and Spanish.

Signature Room Restaurant and Lounge at John Hancock Tower

Even higher than the Observatory are the Signature Room Restaurant and Signature Room Lounge. The Signature Room Restaurant, on the 95th floor, is a great place for a special occasion meal with views of the city. Signature Room Lounge, on the 96th floor, is a terrific meeting spot offering cocktails, appetizers and sandwiches.

There is no admission fee to enter the the Signature Room, but the prices for food and beverages are above average. The great experience of dining in the sky is worth the price.

Sears Tower Skydeck

Sears Tower, at 1,353 feet high, is the highest observatory in Chicago. Internationally friendly Skydeck touch and tell computers bring Chicago landmarks to life in six languages, including English, French, German, Japanese, Polish and Spanish. Approximately 1.3 million people visit the Skydeck every year. Sears Tower is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

On the inside of the Skydeck are museum quality exhibits so guest can see more of the history and historic characters of the city. Knee-high Chicago is a kid level display that extends all around the Skydeck. Cut out windows are at eye levels for children. High Powered telescopes offers views in greater detail.

The copyright of the article Great Tower Observatories of Chicago Illinois in Illinois Travel is owned by Christine Nyholm. Permission to republish Great Tower Observatories of Chicago Illinois in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.