The Hancock Observatory - Chicago, Illinois

Address:Chicago, Illinois

Gaze out and take in Chicago's best view from 100 stories high. Located along Chicago's Magnificent Mile, the Hancock Observatory is one of the city's most recognizable buildings and the fifth-tallest in the United States.
Surpassed in height only by the Sears Tower, the Empire State Building, the Bank of America Tower and the Aon Center, the Hancock Observatory was completed back in 1970, three years before the Sears Tower. The 100-story, 1127-foot tall skyscraper was designed by engineer Fazlur Khan, and when completed was the tallest building in the world, outside New York City.
The Observatory is on the 94th floor of the building and rises 1,000 feet above Michigan Avenue, with a view that spans 80 miles and 4 states. The fabulous view will make any visitor appreciate Chicago's landscape and architecture and the other great attractions just add to the fun. There's a Skywalk, Soundscopes, or talking telescopes that provide narration of what you're viewing and Sky Tours which have 16 stops around the observation deck. History buffs, you'll love the History Wall here which boasts over 100 historical photos on an 80 foot display. In addition, the Windows on Chicago exhibit offers interactive kiosks with a video tour of 80 awesome Chicago attractions. There are also cool photo opportunities with backdrops that make it look like you're hanging over the streets of Chicago. And should you get hungry, the 95th floor offers "The Signature Room on the 95th Floor" where you can eat while gazing out at Chicago and Lake Michigan. And it doesn't get much better than that.