How to Visit the Sears Tower

One of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Sears Tower stands at 1,450 feet and was the tallest building in the world for over 25 years. Even today, it is the largest building in the Western Hemisphere and the distance from the ground to the top of its antennas, 1,725 feet, is the longest in the world. Towering over the Chicago skyline, the Sears Tower is an obvious tourist attraction. There are several important things, however, that you should know to make the most out of your trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Beat the crowds. Whenever you go, there’ll be lots of people there. However, there’ll be significantly more people on weekends. If you want to elude the crowds, go on a weekday after 5 p.m.
2. Pay attention to the weather. Your experience can vary wildly depending on the type of day when you visit. Remember, your experience will largely depend on how much you can see. On a clear day, you can see over 40-50 miles in all directions.
3. Get to the Sears Tower. Located at the intersection of Adams and Wacker, there are many ways to reach the building. Union Station, the largest train station in Chicago, is located across the Chicago River only a few minutes away. For those driving into the city, there are many parking garages around the building. For the best experience, however, take public transportation to a spot about a mile from the building. For example, any of the Loop L stops on State Street would be ideal. Then watch the Sears Tower grow as you gradually approach it on foot.
4. Head to the skydeck. Enter the building on Jackson Avenue, which is on the South Side of the building, and follow the signs. After paying, an elevator will take you up over 100 stories to the skydeck.
5. Look down. From the skydeck, you’re 1,353 feet in the air. Many people are afraid to look directly down, but that’s the best indication of just how high you’re standing. Lean over the railing and see how far down you can see. Try to see people moving around like insects on the streets below.
6. Go through the exhibits. The skydeck features a variety of exhibits about Chicago’s past and present that are well worth looking at. They can also tell you a lot about the different things that you are seeing. For example, the displays can tell you a great deal about the city’s fabled architecture, which is on striking display.
7. Try to notice the things that other people don’t. For instance, try to feel the way that the building sways with a strong wind. Or, look out and try to see where Illinois ends and Indiana or Wisconsin begins.
8. Appreciate the uniqueness of what you’re seeing. The Sears Tower provides a birds’ eye view, from the highest observation deck in the city, of one of the world’s greatest cities.

Tips & Warnings

• Do everything you can to avoid the crowds. In addition to going after 5 p.m., you could also try arriving before the skydeck opens at 10 a.m.
• The skydeck is open 365 days a year. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from October to March, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from April to September.