Living Life On The Ledge At SkyDeck Chicago
The Willis Tower, which will always be known as the Sears Tower, is a 108 story skyscraper in Chicago, IL. It is the second tallest building in the United States. Inside the Willis Tower is The SkyDeck located 103 stories up. The SkyDeck offers amazing views and The Ledge. When I got the opportunity to visit I was very excited!
From what I had heard it is best to arrive right when they open, around 8am. Otherwise the lines are long and there are a great deal of people. We didn’t get the chance to arrive so early in the day, but rather mid afternoon. As soon as we arrived there was a line out the door, but it moved quickly. Once inside I realized the line was to go through security and then to get on an elevator.
Once you get off the elevator you can obtain your tickets and/or a fast pass. They also have staff taking pictures in front of green screens. There were long lines to get onto the next set of elevators to go up to the SkyDeck. I would recommend the fast pass, it will help save a lot of time by skipping the long lines.
When we got on the elevator there was a television screen that counted the floors up. It also informed us what was as tall as the height we were at as the elevator kept going up. I also noticed the elevator numbers went up by 10s. Once we got off the elevator there were people everywhere. There were also big windows with some of the most amazing views.
Views from the SkyDeck ©2015 HollyDayz 
Amazing city views ©2015 HollyDayz 
The most amazing views ©2015 HollyDayz
Looking out each window offered another amazing view. We could see the Chicago River, all the amazing skyscrapers, and so much more. There were also telescopes, just make sure you have quarters. As we continued to walk around I noticed a gift shop. There were all kinds of souvenirs as well as water that can be purchased.
As we continued to walk around we saw lines forming. The lines were for the infamous Ledge. This is something you have to do or at least get near. There are 4 ledges. Each ledge is a glass box that extends out 4.3 feet. 3 of the ledges have 3 lines to allow people to walk onto the glass box and take pictures. You can always get back on the line if you didn’t get enough
The last glass box has 1 line. There is a photographer there with a full set up to take pictures for you that you can potentially purchase later. You can also take your own pictures while standing on the ledge. I first waited on one of the lines and shared the ledge with others. I got some nice pictures. It was a little scary, but mostly amazing looking straight down and seeing everything underneath.
I decided I wanted to get some more pictures so I got on the line with the photographer. I saw parents trying to get photos with their kids. They were only able to get so many before there kids were ready to get off the glass. Looking down is really no joke. It certainly gave me a ‘woah’ moment!
I was happy I was able to take my own pictures by myself on The Ledge. Not only did I have the entire ledge to myself to take my personal pictures, but I got a full experience of seeing everything without others. I was also glad I got my own pictures, because I didn’t like the pictures the photographer took. They didn’t come out as nice as others that she worked with to get great photos.
Once I made myself stop taking photos, which was extremely hard to do, we decided to try and head out. The line to leave was extremely long. The same elevators that we used to come up are the same ones that transport people down. Once we were finally able to get downstairs we saw another souvenir shop that had other great items in it. I purchased a couple of items before we headed to the next elevator to leave.
We definitely enjoyed the experience. I loved living life on The Ledge at SkyDeck Chicago. It was a thrill and something I had to do. It was unforgettable. Visiting The SkyDeck is a must when visiting Chicago. Even if you are afraid to step out on The Ledge, getting close to it is an accomplishment in itself.
Have you ever been to the SkyDeck? Did you go out on The Ledge?
Disclaimer: Thank you to SkyDeck Chicago for having us. While receiving complimentary admission all opinions and views are my own.
See more of my time in Chicago and get some ideas for your next visit!
thesophislife
That looks very cool! I did the top of the John Hancock building there but will head here in August. The ledge reminds me of The Skywalk at the Grand Canyon.
Holly Dayz
It was very cool! Yes, you should head there, you will enjoy the the thrill!
officialgaetano100
Wow great photos! I’m scared of heights so I’ll live this vicariously through you 🙂
Holly Dayz
Thanks! Awwww just don’t look down
Aysha
Always seeing those skydeck photos. This look really interesting, putting this on my bucket list right now! Also, great photos!! You didn’t look scared at all and it looks like you really enjoyed yourself.
Holly Dayz
Thanks! I wasn’t scared I had a lot of fun and thought it was pretty cool. A little intense if I looked down too long. I hope you get to go soon.
Chris
Great view of Chicago . I don’t know if I would stand on that display and look down but that’s just me lol
Holly Dayz
It was an amazing view out of every window I looked out of. I think you could even if its long enough to snap a picture and get off.
Janelle McLeod
OMG! This is AWESOME though! Scary looking too. Very bold here LOL. I visit Chicago just one time for a few days and man it was FREEZING COLD!!! Plus it was super windy.
Holly Dayz
Yea, the more I look at that picture looking straight the more I go wow that is intense lol. It was a gorgeous day and very warm. Hopefully you go back soon on a warmer day. At the very least enjoy the views from the SkyDeck.
staciesayzso
I have been to Chicago a few times and have never been on the Sky Deck. It looks cool but aint no way I’m standing on that box!
Holly Dayz
Nice! Next time you go head up to the SkyDeck. You will enjoy it, even if you don’t venture out onto the Ledge.
Kiwi
I keep seeing people do the Chicago Skydeck and thats a big nope for me! I would cry the entire time but you look really brave doing it so you go girl. Me I am spazzing behind my computer right now just looking lol!
Holly Dayz
Thanks, I was excited to try it out. It does look a little intense on that one picture looking straight down. The more I look at it the more I can understand people’s fear. You should visit the SkyDeck even if you don’t do The Ledge.
Nicole (Nicole's Lifestyle Lounge)
As cool as that looks, it looks very scary at the same time. I stopped in Chicago once, the food was awesome.
Holly Dayz
Yes, it gives you mixed feelings. I was excited though. The food is great in Chicago.
Kita Bryant
I am too afraid of heights so this isn’t something I would do I can see myself having a brown bag but I do love Chicago and this is very neat to experience
Holly Dayz
Chicago is an amazing city. You should still check out The SkyDeck, just don’t step out in the glass box. We don’t need you having to use the brown bag.
Tyra (@BarrisTourista)
You are an insane woman! Sitting on that Skydeck glass like that is craziness! I just did this in May and I had a panic attack. And yes, it is Sears Tower. 🙂
Holly Dayz
At least you did it! Yea I sat down like it was nothing. Looking straight down is no joke though.
Sue Reddel
You’re braver than me! I live in Chicago and have been up in the Sears Tower (it WILL always be the Sears Tower for us Chicagoans) many times. I haven’t done the ledge and I’m not hurrying to try it. Next time you’re in town do to the Hancock Tower too they have a crazy tilt ledge that’s even scarier.
Holly Dayz
Yep! That is why I called it the Sears Tower as well and I am not even from there. Now see I have to contemplate that one lol. This to me wasn’t as intense as that.
faegirlyn
I would be scared to go on it, but I think it would be amazing at the same time…definitely putting this on my list of things to do for Chicago
Holly Dayz
It does give mixed emotions, but you would be glad you did it. You should definitely go when you visit!
travelling chingrita
You have some great shots! I’ve never been to Chicago but definitely going to check this out 🙂 If you ever make it Toronto, check out the CN Tower.
Holly Dayz
Thank you! I have been to the CN Tower, but I never went inside or up to the top. Maybe next time I am there I will.
Patrice M Foster
Love these images great graphic. Chicago never been there or CNN tower interesting article and your courage is contagious.
Holly Dayz
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed my pictures.
brmsimmons
An amazing view of one of my favorite cities in the US.
Holly Dayz
It is a great city.
LaShawn
WOW! The view here is AMAZING! I think I might be initially scared but the view would trump everything!
Holly Dayz
Yea that is pretty much the feeling you get, but the views are amazing!
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green
I’m both excited and afraid at the same damn. If I had the chance I would totally do it but I know my heart would be racing. Kudos to you for doing it and snapping great pictures. I would so be that girl.
Holly Dayz
Thank you! You gotta do it, it is amazing!
Vashti (veepeejay.com)
Kudos to you Holly! The pictures are amazing but I need a little more courage to get in that glass box.
Holly Dayz
Thank you! I think you could do it! Even if it was just for a moment to get your photo opp.
tamarasw
Looks like a great experience–both scary and fun. The views are great! Reminded me of the empire state building but there’s no glass ledge there.
Holly Dayz
The glass ledge makes it unique. Something that must be tried. It is a bit scary when you look straight down too long.
carolcolborn
Out on a limb, out on a ledge…both are exciting feelings to have. I can’t remember when I did the Toronto one but I should do this Chicago one to get the feeling all over again!
Holly Dayz
Yes this is a lot of fun. You will get that exciting feeling doing this as well. I would love to see your pics when you do go to Chicago and hang out on the ledge.