The Ledge is a series of glass balconies that extend 4.3 feet outside the building's facade from the 103rd floor. Step onto it and the transparent floor puts 1,353 feet of open air between your feet and the street below. It's the most thrilling 90 seconds in Chicago. Book your Skydeck + Ledge tickets on Thrillark and reach the top of America.
Key Highlights
- America's highest observation deck — 1,353 feet above Chicago on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower
- The Ledge — glass balconies extending 4.3 feet outside the building, 103 stories up
- 360° views spanning up to 50 miles on a clear day — Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan
- High-speed elevator to the 103rd floor in under 60 seconds at 1,600 feet per minute
- Immersive multi-level museum exhibits on Chicago's history, architecture, and neighborhoods
- Views of Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, Millennium Park, and Lake Michigan
- Located in the heart of Chicago's Loop — easy access from anywhere downtown
- 1.7 million+ visitors annually — one of Chicago's most iconic experiences
About Skydeck Chicago and The Ledge Ticket
The experience begins at ground level with a recently redesigned museum-style exhibit space that traces the history of Chicago through the city's neighbourhoods, food, music, architecture, and the building itself. Interactive displays keep it engaging for all ages, and the multi-room journey builds anticipation for the high-speed elevator ride to follow.
At 1,600 feet per minute, the elevator reaches the 103rd floor in under 60 seconds. Then the sky opens up. On a clear day, the view stretches 50 miles in every direction — four states visible simultaneously, Lake Michigan glittering to the east, the city grid spreading endlessly west. And then there's The Ledge. The glass balconies extend 4.3 feet outside the building, with a transparent floor. Each group gets approximately 90 seconds in The Ledge — but you can re-queue as many times as you like. Book your tickets on Thrillark and reach the top.
Inclusions
- Admission to Skydeck Chicago
- Admission to The Ledge
Exclusions
- Food and beverages (available in the Willis Tower food court in the lobby)
- Hotel transfers and transportation
- Parking
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Insiders' Tips
Visit just after opening (11:00 AM) or after 5:00 PM for the shortest queues and best availability on The Ledge. Sunset visits offer the most spectacular combination of day and night views. Arrive 15–20 minutes before your booked time — security screening is similar to an airport. You get 90 seconds on The Ledge per turn, but you can rejoin the queue as many times as you like — most people go 2–3 times.
Additional Information
- Children under the age of 3 enjoy free entry
- All visitors go through security screening similar to airport procedures.
- Arrive 15 minutes before your timed entry slot.
- Fully ADA compliant
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
Cancellation Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings & Reviews
For a first visit to Chicago, this is the deck to do. It's ADA and sensory compliant, with ramps and elevators....
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The panoramic views of the skyline and the lake were absolutely spectacular. The Ledge is four all-glass boxes that extend 4.3 feet out from the building....
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It's a heart-in-mouth moment stepping out over the drop. The service fees push the ticket price up....
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The glass boxes of The Ledge, suspended over Chicago, were terrifying and brilliant....
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It's a heart-in-mouth moment stepping out over the drop. The Ledge line was too long for us at peak time....
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The Reach the Sky exhibits made the wait for the elevator fly by. A little steep, but a bucket-list Chicago experience....
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Everyone said don't miss The Ledge, and it was the highlight. Cheaper booked online, and The Ledge is included....
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The interactive museum before the elevator, on Chicago's history and architecture, was well done....
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It's a great family outing, and the children loved the glass boxes. The panorama of Chicago from the top is genuinely spectacular....
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The pre-elevator exhibits on Chicago were informative and nicely done. It's dear for a family unless you plan around the crowds....
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It's a hit with kids and adults alike. The hazy days really do cut the value, and there's no refund....
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The Willis Tower is an icon, and the view from the top lives up to it. The photos they sell are expensive,...
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A must-do experience in Chicago. The elevator queues build up fast at busy times. You get a real sense of the scale of the city from up top....
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The skyline glittering after dark was an unforgettable sight. Skydeck Chicago is on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower,...
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It's a hit with kids and adults alike. It's in the Loop, easy to reach by the L or on foot....
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Going an hour before sunset let us see the city in three different lights. We could see landmarks and neighbourhoods spread out far below....
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The panoramic views of the skyline and the lake were absolutely spectacular. Cheaper booked online,...
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It's a great family outing, and the children loved the glass boxes. It's voted a top-ten worldwide attraction by TripAdvisor travellers....
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We did both decks, and Skydeck edges it for the classic top-of-Chicago view. Weekdays are consistently quieter than weekends....
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A Chicago CityPASS gives fast-track access and saves money. It's voted a top-ten worldwide attraction by TripAdvisor travellers....
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