Luke  stood out on the (L)edge yesterday at The Skydeck Chicago. He’s normally so conscientious. But yesterday he was fearless. He walked out without even thinking and stood there wondering what the big idea was all about.  I think Charlie was more freaked out walking out there than Luke.

If you’re a Chicagoan or plan to visit Chicago, I think you need to put this place on your list as the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) is the tallest building in the western hemisphere. The Skydeck is on the 103rd floor (or 1,353 ft off the ground) of the building, which is pretty high don’t you think? Not only is it high but it has incredible views of Chicago and on a clear day, you can see as far as Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

The main attraction at The Skydeck Chicago is the Ledge, which has four glass boxes extending 4.3 feet outside the Tower facing west. From my experience, it’s like walking on air. Being afraid of heights myself, I just try not to look down. But Luke was so curious with the Ledge that he was looking down while he was on it the whole time…probably studying the streets or watching the tiny little cars drive down below.

We went to The Skydeck on Sunday morning but from what I’ve seen on Instagram, people have taken pictures from the ledge any time of the day. I think the next time we go, we might try to do so at sunset. I’m sure the colors of the skyline are going to be gorgeous!

A Few Things to Know about The Skydeck and the Ledge

The Skydeck is open 365 days a year even if it is not clear outside. I know most people want to be there on a clear day so just check the forecast before you go or when you plan to go.

Weekends and certain holidays do get busy. And we definitely saw that yesterday. If you can make it on a weekday, hopefully the crowds will be smaller, unless you happen to be there while a big tour group is there.

The entrance to The Skydeck is on Jackson Street. If you go on a weekday, some people get confused and enter the Willis Tower office entrances on Wacker or Franklin. These entrances do not have access to the Skydeck.

As I mentioned above, there are four ledges and there are lines to get on the ledges. The two outer ledges are staffed by The Skydeck personnel to take professional pictures of you and your family. The staff will also take pictures of you and your family with your camera or smartphone if you ask them. So be sure to ask. You will be given a little bit of time to take your own pictures.

Don’t spend all your time at the ledges. Be sure to walk around The Skydeck. Some of my favorite views from The Skydeck are views to the north and anything with Lake Michigan.

Last but not least, enjoy the views and take lots of pictures!

Thank you Skydeck Chicago for inviting us! All photos shared and opinions expressed in this post are my own.