So You Wanna Reach for the Skies (of Chicago)? How High is the Willis Tower Skydeck?
Let's be honest, Chicago is a city that punches above its weight. From deep dish pizzas that could feed a small village to egos that rival Kanye's (allegedly), Chicago goes big. So it should come as no surprise that the Windy City boasts one of the highest observation decks in the US: the Willis Tower Skydeck.
But before you tighten your grip on your fainting couch (because, let's face it, heights can be a bit much), how high is this sky-scraping wonder?
Hold onto your hats (or wigs, we don't judge), because the Willis Tower Skydeck is a whopping 1,353 feet above ground level! That's practically close enough to high-five a cloud.
In layman's terms (because who memorizes building heights in feet?), that's about 412 meters. Or 10 Empire State Buildings stacked on top of each other. Although, that image might cause some structural engineers to have a minor freak out.
But Why Should You Care About How High the Skydeck Is?
Well, besides the bragging rights of saying you've been to one of the highest points in the US (which, let's be real, is a pretty cool party trick), the view from the Skydeck is legendary.
Imagine this: You're standing on a platform that juts out from the 103rd floor of a skyscraper. Below you, the city sprawls out like a miniature model train set. Lake Michigan shimmers like a giant sheet of aluminum foil (hopefully not reflecting the glare of your phone screen). In the distance, you can see forever (well, almost forever – visibility depends on the weather, folks).
There's even a terrifyingly awesome feature called "The Ledge," which consists of glass boxes that extend out from the building. Yes, you can literally walk out onto thin air (well, technically very thick reinforced glass air). It's not for the faint of heart, but the photo ops are unbeatable (unless you faint, then they might be a bit blurry).
So, is the Skydeck Worth the Hype?
Absolutely! Sure, there might be a line (because, hello, amazing views!), but the experience is unforgettable. Just be sure to pack your courage (and maybe an extra pair of underwear for "The Ledge").
Here's the TL;DR:
- The Willis Tower Skydeck is super high (1,353 feet to be exact).
- The views are insane (think miniature Chicago and sparkly Lake Michigan).
- "The Ledge" will test your fear of heights (but the pics are worth it).
So, if you're ever in Chicago and feeling adventurous, take a trip to the Skydeck. Just remember, if your ears pop on the way up, it doesn't mean you're hallucinating – you're just that much closer to touching the sky (or at least pretending to).
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