It is hard to believe that I have lived in Chicago this long, yet until just this week, I had never been up to the Skydeck of the Sears Tower.
The Sears Tower is 110 stories tall and is the tallest building in North America and has always been one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago.
Just riding in the elevator to the 103rd floor of the Sears Tower is fun. I couldn’t believe it when I stepped into the elevator to see that there are 50-inch flat screens inside. The monitors feature views of the Earth sponsored by NASA.
Once the elevator opened up to the Skydeck and I stepped out, I was in awe. The view is more amazing than I could have imagined. The day was clear and bright, and the view of the city seemed to go on for miles and miles. As I stood at the windows and looked out at Chicago, I once again appreciated what a beautiful city I live in.
There is more to the Skydeck than just the view. There are interactive exhibits that feature Chicago’s history and interactive kiosks that take you on a tour of Chicago’s landmarks. Since the skydeck attracts tourists from all over the world, this virtual tour is featured in 6 languages. It is great that a visit to the Sears Tower is also a learning experience, but none of the exhibits can out shine such a fabulous view. But, after paying $11.95 to go up to the top, I was glad to be able to make an afternoon of it.
Several kids seemed to be having a blast wandering around and exploring Knee-High Chicago, a display that goes all the way around the Skydeck at the kids level. There were cut out windows that the kids could peek into and view scenes of Chicago’s history. I admit that I just had to drop down to my knees and take a peek to see what the kids where having such a good time seeing!
After a couple hours of interacting, exploring, and taking in a breath taking view, I had worked up a bit of an appetite. It was difficult to decide between the four restaurants in the Sears Tower. There was Mrs. Levy’s Delicatessen, Mia Torre, Eadies Kitchen and Market, and my choice Dos Hermanas for Mexican food. I orded a huge burrito and sipped on a margarita while I wrote in my journal for a bit about my impression of my Sears Tower excursion.
I was glad that I took myself on this little Chicago afternoon adventure. I wish that I had gone to the Sears Tower sooner and will definitely have to go back this spring when everything is green and blooming.
The Skydeck opens daily at 10 a.m. May through September it closes at 10 p.m. and October through April it closes at 8 p.m. Tickets to the Skydeck are $11.95 for adults, $9.95 for seniors 65 and over, and $8.50 for children 3-11. Kids under 3 get in for free.
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Comments: 6
And where are the photos?