Willis Tower is one of Chicago’s most iconic skyscrapers and tourist destinations. Residents work in its offices, shop and dine in its entertainment centers and observe the Skydeck’s unparalleled views of the Chicago skyline.
Standing at a whopping 110 stories high, this landmark remained one of the tallest buildings in the world for 25 years. Here’s a kid-friendly guide for understanding this legendary building.
Why is the Willis Tower so tall?
Willis Tower was originally built in 1973 by Sears, the original owner of the building. At the time, Sears was the largest retailer in the world and wanted a space that reflected their massive employee base.
With the intention of breaking the previous world record for the tallest building in the world, they designed Sears Tower, which was later renamed after Willis Group Holdings, who purchased the naming rights and three floors of the building in 2009. Reconstruction added The Ledge on the 103rd floor, where guests can explore five glass balconies that protrude 4.3 feet past the building’s frame.
Where is the Willis Tower?
Located within the Chicago Loop, Willis Tower resides in the central business district of downtown Chicago. Conveniently situated near other popular landmarks, the tower is about a 15-minute walk from Lake Michigan and just a few blocks from the Chicago Riverwalk.
Hours and Location: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago
Tips when visiting Willis Tower
- Arrive near sunset. Visit near sundown to enjoy views of the city in both daylight and after dark, illuminated by city lights.
- Buy tickets in advance. With either general admission or expedited tickets, skip the line in person and purchase a pass online for timed entry to the Skydeck experience, The Ledge and The Chicago Museum.
- Check the live cams. Visibility is limited on cloudy days, so check the weather using 24/7 live cams before you visit.
How do I explain this to my kid?
Sears was a really big company, so they needed a really big building for all their workers! They also wanted to set the record for the tallest building in the world, and that’s exactly what they did.
Fun Facts About Willis Tower
- “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” This cult classic movie features a scene filmed on the Skydeck’s 103rd floor, where Bueller and his friends overlook the city.
- It covers 4.56 million square feet. This is the equivalent of 101 football fields.
- See as far as four states. As the highest observation deck in the country, you can spot Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan on a clear day.
- Ride a 9-foot-long hot dog. In the Chicago Museum, take a photo sitting on a 9-foot-long hot dog or a massive deep-dish pizza.
