The Hancock Observatory

The Hancock isn't as famous as the Sears Tower, but for many locals, its bold tapered shape and steel cross-bracing exterior design represent the archetypal Chicago skyscraper. The Hancock Observatory delivers an excellent panorama of the city and an intimate view of nearby Lake Michigan and various shoreline residential areas. While the view from the top of Chicago's third-tallest building is enough to satisfy, high-tech additions have enhanced the experience. "Talking telescopes" have sound effects and narration in four languages, history walls illustrate the growth of the city, and the Skywalk open-air viewing deck allows visitors to feel the rush of the wind at 1,000 feet through a "screened porch." On a clear day, you can see portions of the three states surrounding this corner of Illinois (Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin), for a radius of 40 to 50 miles. The view up the North Side is particularly dramatic. It stretches from the nearby Oak Street and North Avenue beaches, along the green strip of Lincoln Park, to the line of high-rises tracing the shoreline that suddenly halt just below the boundary of the northern suburbs. A high-speed elevator carries passengers to the observatory in 40 seconds, and the entrance and observatory are accessible for people with disabilities. Allow 1 hour.

"Big John," as some locals call the building, also has a sleek restaurant, the Signature Room at the 95th, with an adjoining lounge. For about the same cost as the observatory, you can take in the views from the latter with a libation in hand.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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