That expression pretty much describes what my experience was like walking on the Willis Tower Skydeck Ledge. Scary, nerve-racking, precarious and fun was my introduction to the tallest observation deck in Chicago.
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower, is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere; 110 stories tall. On the 103rd floor there is an observation deck called the Skydeck. The Skydeck provides a great view of the City of Chicago, but with one added surprise. Unlike every other observation deck I have been to, the Skydeck has a unique element, The Ledge.
The Ledge is a fully-enclosed glass box that extends out from the building’s structure. See for yourself in this YouTube clip.
To create the Skydeck Ledge, 3 sheets of 1/2 inch glass are fused together to create the standing platform that protects you from a 1,353 foot fall to the concrete pavement below. I can’t understand how less than 2 inches of glass is all that is needed to support the throngs of people who stand on the Ledge at once.
What was more harrowing than the Ledge itself was the elevator ride to the top. After purchasing my ticket, I boarded the elevator that would take me to the observation deck. The Willis Tower boasts that it has one of the fastest elevator rides in the world. I would say that it has one of the most tightly-loaded elevators in the world too. Here’s a clip of the ride to the top. Notice about halfway through, when I pan to the ceiling, how many passengers are in the elevator. I counted around 30.
Can you believe that! Thirty people crammed into one box. We could hardly breath without our chests bumping up against the back of the person in front of us. I hope those elevators are as strong as the glass boxes they built.
At the top, enjoy the view of Chicago and your experience on the Ledge. Don’t forget to call your loved ones too. Here I am talking to my dad on the phone from the 103rd floor. It’s always nice to get a phone call from someone on adventure.
You’ll need to fight the crowds to take have your photo taken on the Ledge without random people ending up in your shot. But the patience is worth it when you can capture a moment like this.
I’ve posted more photos of my trip at the Willis Tower Skydeck on my Flickr site, including running into Barack Obama and my first step onto the Ledge. For more fun, visit my YouTube Channel for some additional videos from the Willis Tower.
I’m not afraid of heights, but this was one experience that made me think twice before stepping onto the Ledge. What about you? Do you have the guts to step out onto this famous Chicago Landmark? Comment below.
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