The feature we most wanted to see in the building was The Sky Deck. I posted before that my husband was scared to go, but he surprised us and came along. He didn't step out into the glass boxes, but he came along. :)
The building itself is pretty amazing, being 110-stories high. When you get on the (very fast moving) elevator to go to the Sky Deck (on floor #103), they flash informational screens that let you know just how high you are, and what famous landmarks you have surpassed in height at that particular time.
The views go all around the building, and are outstanding. There are notes to let you know exactly what it is you are looking at through each window. On a clear day you can see (4) states from the Sky Deck: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
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| The tall building in the middle was our outside view of Willis Tower when we were walking up to it. |
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| The whole box that extends from the building is made of glass, so you can see directly below you too, which is awesome!! |
All of that is impressive in itself, but when you get to the side with the ledge's glass boxes, you really start to ooh and ahh. Extended 4.3 ft. from the building are glass boxes that allow you an unrestricted view of the city in all directions, including below. That was easily our favorite part. Here, our photographer (ahem, not me) didn't even want us to step in the boxes, hahaa, and when we did (we had to, lol :) ), he was ready to go. ;)
My daughter hammed up some photos in one box, while I went in a box directly next to hers and snapped a couple of pics. I think it was fantastic to visit in the day, but I bet it would be quite the sight when it is nightfall as well.
If you are in Chicago any time soon, this is an awesome building to visit. It is my second favorite attraction in the whole city that we've seen (and we've seen quite a few), second only to The Bean, which I really can just never resist. :)
There are some fun facts about the building that you can read here: http://www.theskydeck.com/for-kids/fun-facts
Or you can learn more about the SkyDeck by visiting the website: http://www.theskydeck.com
Looked like fun, but would probably be too afraid to go all the way up after having lived through the Twins Towers. From some reason, when I think tall buildings that still is what comes to my mind. It looks quite amazing though and just so glad you all had a great time!!
ReplyDeleteThey had a lot of extra features too, like a movie and informationals (before you got to the SkyDeck). It was really just an all-around great visit. Thank you for reading the review. :)
DeleteBeautiful skyline :)
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty amazing. :)
DeleteAs long as the glass was as tough as the bullet proof stuff, i step out. If not, give me a parachute just in case haha
ReplyDeleteFrom the website:
Delete"The Ledge is built to withstand four tons of pressure and can hold 10,000 lbs!"
It felt perfectly safe. :)
You are right... nice during the day but at night it would be fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI think so too, especially when they started lighting things up all around the city.
DeleteWow! I admit I have fear for heights but with this amazing view from top, I will surely try :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth the attempt, it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing to be that high up with views like that all around you. It was really fantastic!
Deletethe screen telling you what landmarks you have passed as you go up sounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was trying to get all of them but you just move up way too fast. :)
DeleteWhat a fun visit, but I'd not be in that glass box. No way. I'm terrified of heights as my husband is. We'd be standing back from all those windows too.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day honey. Big hugs. ☺
Fabulous day to you too. Thanks for the visit! :)
DeleteI couldn't do that glass box either! But it looks like a fun time! Would love to have you share it at our Ladies Only Blog Share link party - which has a summer theme this week! Visiting from Social Sunday! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://mommifried.com/ladies-only-blog-share-link-party-funtastical-summer/
Thanks for the invite, I've linked up. :)
DeleteNice view of the skyline
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty incredible. :)
DeleteGorgeous! I didn't go up when we were in Chicago - now I am wishing I did! Great pictures and fantastic post.
ReplyDeleteNext time... :)
DeleteI haven't been up there since my 5th grade field trip! I remember the elevator going down felt a little faster than the norm.
ReplyDeleteWOW! This place looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty sublime. :)
DeleteHi there! I am co-hosting this week on the Raising Imperfetion Sunday Link Party. Thanks for sharing your creations with us! I hope you found inspiration in all of the terrific posts.
ReplyDeleteI host a (Not SO) Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop and a TGIF Link Party at my place -- A Peek Into My Paradise... http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/ I would love for you to link up and follow if you like what you see. =) I follow back - I love making new friends!
I can't wait to see what you link up next week!
Hugs, Cathy
Thanks for the visit, Cathy.
DeleteAmazing view!! If I ever make it to Chicago, I will definitely have to add this to my list of things to do!
ReplyDeleteYour boys would probably LOVE it! :)
DeleteWhat an amazing view! Not sure if I would enter the boxes :D
ReplyDeleteWhen we were in the box hubby said, 'If you're not nervous, jump up and down,' he made everyone laugh because even though we knew it was secure, no one wanted to (nor did we) jump. Funny how that works, isn't it? :)
DeleteGreat view! I'm not sure about the glass boxes, I think that would make me have a panic attack :)
ReplyDeleteThe idea for that is pretty innovative. I'm still hugely impressed. :)
DeleteGreat view. I'm glad to see that you're enjoying your summer.
ReplyDeletehttp://joycelansky.blogspot.com
I love summer, Joyce!! I dread when the school year starts back up (and I'm a huge proponent of education). I just like the kids being home. It's more fun. ;)
DeleteOh goodness I am afraid of heights haha I couldn't do that but it looks so pretty.
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty magical to be viewing the city from that high up.
DeleteWe love the Willis Tower, been there many times. We've been talking about going with all of our kids sometimes soon, we live about 40 min. away. You got some great shots!
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the pictures running when we were there (where they get a family shot while you're standing in the box) but I'd like to do that if we went back. I saw that they do it, I just don't think it was being done while we were there that particular time.
DeleteI've been to the Willis tower!! Pre-kids, though :) All of these Chicago posts are making me jealous!
ReplyDeleteI do like being able to just drive over. I wish we could do it more often. :)
DeleteWow~I shared on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/helen.lemon/posts/10201376299871520
ReplyDeleteThat was nice, thank you!
DeleteI miss this city so much. Our honeymoon was in Chicago, and what fun we had. thanks for sharing this post...you are a brave girl.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place for a honeymoon!
DeleteWhat great pictures! I have never been in a building that high before!
ReplyDeleteThey say it sometimes sways at the top because it's so big, but we didn't feel anything. :)
DeleteThe view looks amazing!! Reminds me so much of our CN Tower up here :)
ReplyDeletewww.howtosurvivelifeinthesuburbs.com
The CN Tower is pretty awesome looking, and I bet the views from there are amazing too.
DeleteThat would be very neat to see and experience.
ReplyDeleteFor us oldies, that's the re-named Sears Tower.
That's what it was called the first time I went there too. ;)
DeleteWOW! That looks so amazing!! What a cool experience!
ReplyDeleteThe kids loved it!! It was a good day. :)
DeleteYa know I live about 45 minutes from Chicago, and I worked downtown for 18 yrs. and I've never been in that building, and I have nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo desire to be up there in that building!!! Nope Not Me... Ain't no way! Pictures are fine for me. Thanks for sharing! You are much braver than I Gunga Dinn! hehehehe
ReplyDeleteNice, I think working in the heart of Chicago would be awesome. :)
DeleteI would love to go up the building. The night view would be beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI think the night view would be awesome too.
DeleteThis looks so awesome! What a great experience!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cheriese. :)
Deletethat would be an awesome experience, i am not so sure i would step far like your hubby, i am terrified of things like that.
ReplyDeleteI'm not scared of heights and he is...
DeleteHe's not scared of fast driving, or mountain driving, and I'm not overly fond of either. ;)
Wow what an adventure!
ReplyDeleteYes I'd love to visit that tower and I might be a bit cautious, but certainly would step in one of those boxes! I couldn't give up that experience :D
Thanks for sharing Rosey! Glad you enjoyed the tour!
I thought those boxes were really cool. :)
DeleteLoving your VBS post today, Colette!
I've always enjoyed going up in that, but it will forever be the Sears Tower to me. ;) I can't decide what's better; night or day viewing!
ReplyDeleteYou're lucky if you've seen both. I bet they're both spectacular in their own way.
Deleteawesome... but i would be freaking out about that glass floor.
ReplyDeletenot a fan of that !!
It's really a pretty incredible concept, and amazing that they have the ability to make it. We felt completely safe and it was the most amazing thing to see the view like that, Noelle! :) What we didn't do though, was take a picture of the view below us. Ugh. Guess we'll have to go back sometime. :)
DeleteWhen we went last year I didn't have a problem with the heights. If I'm on a ground that's stable I'm fine. If I'm on a mountain or ride that's moving, I don't like it!
ReplyDeleteThough I totally appreciate the view and beauty of a mountain, I do admit they kind of freak me out (and I don't like driving on them either).
Deletewoah that view looks amazing!!! think I'd freak out a little looking down that glass floor though ;p
ReplyDeleteAi @ Sakura Haruka
It wasn't scary at all once you were in it. It's nice and solid like the rest of the building, you can just see through the floor. :)
DeleteI didn't get to go to Willis Tower when Brian and I were there but the views are incredible. Definitely a must do next time we go!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking to Raising Imperfection.
Please come back Friday to see if you were featured. :)
¤´¨)
¸.•*´
(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
Raising-Reagan.com
I bet your daughter would get a kick out of the glass boxes. :)
DeleteThe Skydeck looks incredible. we have something similar here in Australia and I can't wait to visit it. Only my son is old enough to go out there on it though, my daughter is still too young.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing :)
I'd like to visit yours too (because then I'd be in Australia, woot!). :) What better way to start a visit than with a great view. ;)
DeleteQuite the place for sure. I stepped out on the glass once, not all that scary. Thanks to for the help.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't scary.
DeleteYou're welcome for the help. Anytime. :)
Never been, but would like to go
ReplyDeleteIt's a good visit. :)
DeleteWe have one here in Melbourne that has special effects that make out like its going to crash and they take pictures. Does that one do that?
ReplyDeleteNo, show off, it does not. ;) :)
DeleteWOW! That view looks awesome! Love the pics as always, Rosie!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'm happy that you read it. :)
DeleteLoved the glass flooring
ReplyDeleteWhat a great vidit
Thanks for reading. :)
DeleteOMGosh, it is so funny that you posted this. Hubby and I just saw a commercial about Illinois and it had the Skydeck on it and we were trying to figure out where it was and what it was called. We figured it was in Chicago so that is all we had to Google it by. lol Definitely thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the commercial. They have videos on the website though, and pics). It's a fun place to visit. :)
DeleteThat looks really fun (especially the glass flooring part). Chicago looks really nice.
ReplyDeleteWillis Tower was awesome and Chicago is too (one of my favorite cities to visit).
DeleteI went to CN Tower in Toronto when they built the glass bottom floor and it was a bit scary but I did it! I think I walked a little funny over it as if I was afraid it would break. Makes for some amazing photography, huh?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this on Ladies Only Blog Share!
The CN Tower looks great too, I'd like to visit.
DeleteThanks for reading/visiting. :)
The views are wonderful Rosey! Chicago is a beautiful place. Have a great Monday.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judy. It was so nice to see the city from that vantage point. :)
Deleteoh my 92 comments. Girl, you need to tell me how to do that LOL
ReplyDeletegreat pics
I think it's Chicago bringing in the comments. It's really a fabulous place to visit. :)
DeleteIt was fun to be there and pics are always my favorite 'souvenir' to bring home. :)
its been great knowing you. I really like ta xoox
DeleteWhoa, that is impressive but that GLASS would freak me out, well being up that high would equally freak me out. Anyway I think it would. I used to have grand fear of elevators but not so much any more. So perhaps I could handle it. Those red heels, yes, are my FAVORITE.
ReplyDeleteThose heels were pretty smoking hot, Renae. :)
DeleteI'm glad you guys had fun! I don't think I would want to even go up in the building, I certainly wouldn't step out into the glass box. Last summer we went to the Space Needle, and that was enough (too much) for me. Everyone else enjoyed it, though. :)
ReplyDeleteWe used to have a Space Needle at the local amusement park but they tore it down at the end of last season to make way for a new rollercoaster.
DeleteWonderful shots and great family photos ~ fun time ^_^
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting ~ love having you.
Thanks for visiting back and ditto. :)
DeleteWhat an experience!
ReplyDeleteIt was a nice one. :)
DeleteWow, look at those views! I've never been to Chicago, but I keep telling hubby we need to go. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteThat photo with your husband looking out is priceless. haha. I take it he hates high places? haha. The other photos are great, too. :)
ReplyDeleteBiggest chicken I know, Cyndi. ;) I love him anyway. :)
Deletelooks fun! if I wasn't afraid of heights!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun. There are other parts of Willis Tower you might enjoy, the theater downstairs w/a great history feature playing, the most excellent gift shop, the walls (the walls were lined with fun things/facts to see), etc. Hubby liked those things. He liked the view too, he just gets nervous being up so high.
DeleteThanks for your visit. :)
That looks like so much fun! Next time we are in Chicago we are going to have to do this for sure!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a cool thing. I'm glad the kids got to go. :)
DeleteGreat pics! Definitely something our family would love to see. But I'll stay away from the glass box.....
ReplyDeleteIt was a nice family thing to do on vacay. :)
DeleteYikes. I don't think I could handle those sky boxes! Eeeek!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up to Raising Imperfection!
Make sure to check back on Friday to see if you were featured.
Leslie
www.violetimperfection.com
It's a fun concept. I haven't seen anything like it anywhere else. I'm glad we went. :)
DeleteOMG! I am so afraid of heights...this sounds a little fun but scary for me. I'm such a chicken.
ReplyDeleteIt's just like being in any other building (you don't feel like you're up that high), it just has spectacular views!! :)
Deletethe views (and your photos) are incredible!!! love them! this would be one of the main things i would want to experience if/when we visit chicago.
ReplyDeletexoxox
Piper in a window box, with the gorgeous city view all around her, aww, I can see it already. :)
DeleteI'm like your husband. I am not sure I would have been able to do that. I'd have to do something ridiculous like belly crawl on it and be half in and half out of a square.
ReplyDeletebuwahahhahahahahhaha, that would be a better site than the attraction. And I wonder what Christopher would say??? hahahhahahahhahaa
DeleteI still can't get over them changing the name to Willis Tower. Still call it Sears Tower lol. I want to puke looking at your dd on that glass box. I'm like your hubby and hate heights. You got some amazing shots too. I was trying to see the skyline of Michigan City from your photos, but couldn't make it out if you could see it or not.
ReplyDeleteWe wanted to stay and wait to take fun pictures when people were out of the way, but hubby was already in line for the elevator downstsairs by the time we got to the glass boxes. You could tell he breathed an audible sigh of relief when we got to the ground floor. ;)
DeleteOh my...I want to be you so bad!!!! what a thrill!!! I would give anything to see what you just saw..and by the way..did you think of me when you saw the beautiful Rubenesque ladies..LOL...he is my favorite...I'm still waiting for Ruben's style of lady to come back..I would fit right in! Good for you girl! and your daughter...I can feel my palms sweating and bats in my stomach just by looking at her! LOL..too cool!
ReplyDeletehugs,
lizy
NO I did not think of you when I saw the Ruben ladies (lol!!! of course I did not!!) but I DID think of you when I saw the paintings filled with bright colors (I remembered you saying you liked Marc Chagall awhile back). And I took a picture of an Orozco painting, thinking that was one of the artists you also mentioned, but when I got home and checked (on the old post) I saw I was wrong and that wasn't one you'd named as a fave. ;)
DeleteI also thought of Suzan (Simply Vintageous) when I was in the furniture room, lol. Blogging is becoming a permanent fixture in my brain. ha!
WOW! Those skyscrapers are stunning views. I think I would feel nervous to be in that height but I would have been thrilled too to be able to sit in that glass box. Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteI didn't think to sit it in. Ahh, we should have gotten a picture of my daughter and I sitting together in it, duh!!! My youngest went in it and was fine until he saw dad was scared, then he got scared too.
DeleteOMGEEEE!!!! Rosey I'm with your hubby on this one. Freaking out in front of my computer screen looking at these pics! Love the pics anyway.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great view, Sonya. Just incredibly pretty. :)
DeleteI've been to Toronto's CN Tower Sky pod and stood on the glass floor, but I would never go into that box. Though, my logic tells me it is safe. When they made it, they must have taken into consideration any idiots who might want to try to break the glass. So if it could withstand that, it's sure safe to stand on (or in), right?..
ReplyDeleteIt felt 100% safe to me. The tower you're talking about seems really popular! I bet that's nice to see too!! A glass floor sounds awesome.
DeleteThe Willis Tower! It just hit me that this is the formerly named Sears Tower!.....duh.....Sounds like an awesome trip. Reminds me of the observation decks on the Empire State Building and, (God rest their souls!), the WTC.
ReplyDeleteIt did used to be the Sears Tower. I'd like to visit the observation deck at the Empire State Building, & my daughter saw the new Freedom Tower, but I have not been to NYC since it went up. I'm sure it's a sight, and I'm sure it's still sad too. I visited after the towers went down, it was not a good feeling. :(
DeleteThis would be amazing to visit. I seen very little of our great country. Thank you for letting me see it through your eyes.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit. :)
DeleteThis looks awesome! I have never been to Chicago but hope to visit one day.
ReplyDeleteI love to visit Chicago. :)
DeleteWow - the tallest building I've been in is 36 floors, I was on the top floor a little bit, and that spooked me out. I have a relative in Chicago, if I ever go there, I'd like to see this. I wouldn't be able to stand next to the glass like that, though, no way!!!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this building before, hopefully I can get to visit one day!
ReplyDeleteNo, No, No I don't think I could walk on a floor of glass that sounds just too scary! Loved the pics
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Chicago, but if I go I must visit the Willis building. I want to go into one of the glass boxes!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this, I am from Aurora and it has been a while since I have been there but it is great to see the old Sears Tower.
ReplyDeleteI love Sky decks and what great views! I have always wanted to experience the Willis tower and hope to one day do! Viewing the ground from the sky above makes for an interesting view!
ReplyDeleteI wish my dream come true Love your pics
ReplyDeleteI moved from Chicago about 1.5 years ago. I miss it so much, and hope to move back by this autumn. And... I have never been to The Sky Deck! Also, I (like many others) still call it "the Sears Tower." :p
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a good time-- and you got some really nice photos! Ah, it's so nice to see my lovely city. Thanks for sharing part of your visit with us!
We visited Willis Tower Sky Deck in 2014. We went at night & it was so crowded. The view was beautiful but next time I'd go there in the day time.
ReplyDeleteThis place looks amazing, I don't know if I could get that high, I think my feet will fall off LOL..
ReplyDeleteChicago sounds like a great place to visit.
ReplyDeleteI will be going to Willis Tower sometime before November next year, as I had just won tickets to "The Ledge" on the Sky-deck Chicago, which is the observatory for the Willis Tower. I cannot wait for the experience, maybe in the summertime!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
ReplyDeleteThis is very nice! I will have to add this on places that I want to visit. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou were in my hometown looking good
ReplyDeleteWalking on the glass on a hundred storey building is amazing and terrifying at the same time. But would love to try Sky Deck when I go to Chicago.
ReplyDeleteI'm so scared to go experience this. But I'm glad you did. In not that brave.
ReplyDeleteI live in Chicago nice place
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I've been to Chicago twice and didn't go. Both times was for business and after work, we went out with some of the employees. I have put this on my places to see list for the next time. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe Willis Tower is on our bucket list for a trip Chicago, can't wait to see it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful view! Not so sure about standing in one of those glass boxes!
ReplyDeleteThe photos and scenes are wonderful. I know I would be happy to visit Chicago again.
ReplyDeleteI remember when they first built the Sears Tower (and I will always think of it by that name). I have been up in it quite a few times, but not recently. I don't think I'd go out on the clear floor. I'm not good with heights! I love that the tower is so visible from a distance. Whenever we drive into the city, I always look for it on the horizon and love how it gets bigger and bigger.
ReplyDeletegreat view, I love Chicago
ReplyDeleteLol, I'm with your husband. Nothing could get me onto that glass. I'm afraid of heights.
ReplyDeleteSome amazing views even though I am not the biggest fan of heights.
ReplyDeleteYeah, you could not pay me to go out on that walk, lol. I still remember when it was Sears Tower...I still tend to think of it as that.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard getting a photo of the city and your kids in that look out glass spot.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! Very nice views!
ReplyDelete