The Willis Tower, previously known as the Sears Tower, is in downtown Chicago. Completed in 1974, it is a 108-story building that held the title of the tallest building in the world for nearly 25 years. It remains the tallest building in the United States. The Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor, is the building's observation deck, approximately 1,353 feet above the ground. It is one of Chicago's most popular tourist attractions, welcoming about 1.3 million visitors annually. Recently, renovations have introduced new glass balconies with floors extending four feet over the street. The balcony provides stunning views of Illinois, Lake Michigan, and neighboring states Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin on a clear day.
For over 80 years, Wendella has been Chicago's top provider of tours and cruises on the River and Lake Michigan. Their tours offer the perfect blend of nostalgia for the city's rich history and modern experiences, making it an enjoyable day on the water for visitors and locals alike. As the original architecture tour in Chicago, Wendella offers a variety of narrated tours that focus on the city's architectural heritage and history. Their knowledgeable tour guides provide detailed accounts of the 130-year-long history behind the iconic skyline, while the staff ensures that you are comfortable and entertained throughout the journey. This tour takes you through the city's heart on all three branches of the Chicago River, providing an up-close look at the iconic buildings and structures that define the city.
Maggie Daley Park Rock Climbing is Chicago's first and only Climbing Park. It features two magnificent custom-designed rock climbing structures that offer a unique outdoor recreational experience for beginners and experts alike. The park staff provides instructions and supervision to ensure the safety of the climbers. The combination of Skating Ribbon and Climbing Park makes it an all-season park inviting and engaging for Chicagoans and visitors. The climbing walls are 40 feet high and cover an area of 19,000 square feet. The wall is divided into beginner and advanced sections, and there are three types of climbing: bouldering, lead-harnessed, and top rope. The climbing wall can comfortably accommodate 25 to 100 climbers at any given time.
If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is a perfect place to visit. Here, you can get up close and personal with over 40 exotic, free-flying butterflies and several stunning bird species from the Southern Hemisphere. The greenhouse, which spans 2,700 square feet, features serene pools of water, flowers, tropical trees, and over 1,000 butterflies, giving you the feeling of being in summer all year round. If you're interested in witnessing the life cycle of a butterfly from caterpillar to chrysalis to the very first flight, you should take advantage of the First Flight Butterfly Release. Moreover, they offer weekly Butterfly Haven Yoga sessions if you want to spend more time in the Butterfly Haven.