I visited the Willis Tower when its name still was Sears Tower and it continued to be that way for 36 years. This is a 110-story, 1,450-foot skyscraper in Chicago, Illinois. Some common knowledge gathered from the displays near the ticket window on the basement floor tells that at completion in 1973, it surpassed the World Trade Center in New York City to become the tallest building in the world, a title that it held for nearly 25 years. It was also the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere for 41 years until the new One World Trade Center surpassed it in 2014. It also held the title of Tallest Office Building until 2014.
The Sears tower is an amazing experience and one of the best places to view all of Chicago. I’d say you haven’t seen Chicago until you have been here. In other words, if you want to feel you can fly go there.
During other days of the year, people reportedly have spent several hours in the queue to the elevator but not for me for I visited the Sears Tower during December when the visibility was limited but that did not take the fun away any bit. They say you can see up to 50 miles on a clear day but it was not my day on my maiden trip to the Windy City which Chicago is also known as. I also saw some people trying to show others 4 distinct states and it was amply clear from the facial expressions that they were actually clueless about what they were really looking at in the distant horizon.
I had a wonderful time in this building since the waiting time in the queue also doubles up learning about the history of the building and also the region which is quite entertaining. It is such a tall, magnificent structure in the heart of a magnificent city, the Sears Tower is more engaging and impressive than you might think, it is magical!
The Sears Tower observation deck is a must-try wonderful experience and the speedy elevator takes you to 103 floors in 90 seconds flat and opens up to a view that is both thrilling & fascinating. My techno brain convinced me how cool it was to go 17 miles per hour or 24 feet per second up a 103 story building.
There are bathrooms and drinking fountains and you can bring food and drinks beside the regular restaurants, vending machines, and a souvenir shop.
Have you ever got an opportunity to view the surrounding area from a faraway distance atop a tall place?
I’d be interested in knowing your experiences.
Until then… Happy Guiding
This article is part of the Illinois #StateChallenge Meetup and Trivia Quiz hosted by @Kwiksatik and @Denise_Barlock
Accessibility Features
Given the magnificent and well-planned building that the Sears tower is, all necessary accessibility arrangements for the differently-able and also for the vision-impaired are available.
Ramp access.
A wheelchair-accessible Entrance.
A wheelchair-accessible Parking.
Wheelchair-accessible Washroom/Toilet.
Wheelchair-accessible Elevators.
Tactile Paths for the Vision-Impaired.
Extra Large Displays for the Vision-Impaired.
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