We had so much fun exploring, walking, and eating our way through the city of Chicago! We saw two incredible concerts, checked out the architecture, visited museums, an aquarium, and a planetarium, we looked at art and sculptures, did science experiments, visited a zoo, and more.
We began our trip at Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, taking in incredible views of the city we were about to explore. So it’s only fitting that we ended our trip at 360 CHICAGO on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building, looking out on the city we spent the last week touring and identifying all the different places we visited.
Visiting 360 CHICAGO
Formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory, 360 CHICAGO towers 1,000 feet over Chicago’s world-famous Magnificent Mile from the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center.
The 360 Chicago experience begins on the concourse level with an interactive exhibit showcasing the history of Chicago and nine different culturally-unique neighborhoods. Then after a 40 second ride traveling 20 miles an hour in some of North America’s fastest elevators, we reached the 17,000 square foot observation deck.
Wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows and wide corridors, 360 CHICAGO provided spectacular panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan — and if you visit on a clear day, you can see up to 55 miles in any direction.
- We spent time playing with the interactive learning displays and audio tours (available in 7 languages) to learn more about the history and architecture of Chicago.
- We relaxed and took in the incredible views while enjoying drinks at the Bar and Café.
- We tried out TILT, an enclosed moving platform that literally tilts you out over Michigan Avenue from the 94th Floor.
TILT At 360 CHICAGO
TILT is billed as Chicago’s highest thrill ride and the first of its kind in the world. It offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience that’s just crazy! Eight people at a time step up to a steel and glass box, grab onto handles on each side, and hang on as they are tilted 30 degrees out of the building at 1,030 feet over the city toward North Michigan Avenue and Chicago’s Magnificent Mile below.
After trying The Ledge at Skydeck at Willis Tower, we had to try Tilt! too… Stepping into The Ledge glass boxes, 1,353 feet above the city freaked me out, so this time I watched with Carter as Brian and Natalie slowly tilted forward, leaning out 1,000 feet over Chicago’s downtown from the 94th floor 360 CHICAGO observation deck.
Natalie said it was both exhilarating and scary basically laying on a panel of glass that high up! Eight people can tilt at a time and one little boy started crying — I don’t know if I’d have a little one try it. Yikes!
Know Before You Go
- 360 CHICAGO is located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center building at 875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Delaware Place
- Open daily from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm — 365 days a year. Admission ends at 10:30 pm.
- On Sundays, enjoy half-price admission for kids.
- The average visit lasts 45 minutes to an hour.
- Located in the 360 CHICAGO observation area, Architect’s Corner Café and Bar features a full bar with daily cocktail specials, coffee, gelato and artisanal snacks.
- Arrive first thing in the morning for the quickest trip to the top. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the least-crowded. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for spectacular views of Chicago skyline at dusk.
