Hancock Observatory

In Brief: The Hancock Observatory may not be the highest in Chicago, but soaring at 1,000 feet above the Windy City it still offers breathtaking views of the city and lake.

The Hancock Observatory is included with the purchase of a Go Chicago Card.

Address: 875 N. Michigan Avenue

Phone: 1-888-875-8439

Getting There By Public Transportation: CTA bus #146 (Inner Drive/Michigan Express) to Michigan & Pearson stop

Driving from Downtown: Travel north on Lake Shore Drive, exit at Monroe Street and drive west to Michigan Avenue. Turn north on Michigan to Delaware, and turn east to John Hancock Center entrance.

Parking at the John Hancock Center: The parking garage for the Hancock Observatory has entrances off both Chestnut and Delaware streets. Expect to pay approximately $20-25 for parking.

Hancock Observatory Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., last ticket sold at 10:45 p.m.

Hancock Observatory Prices:

• Adults (age 13 - 61): $10.25
• Seniors (62+): $8.00
• Children (age 5-12): $6.50
• Children 4 and under: Free

While the views are spectacular on a clear day or night, my favorite time to go is in the evening to enjoy the lights of the city.

Hancock Observatory Website

Buy Hancock Observatory tickets online

About the Hancock Observatory:

Completed in 1970, (three years before its big brother the Sears Tower) the John Hancock Center stands at 100 stories tall along Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile and is one of the city's most recognizable buildings.

Open to the public is the Hancock Observatory on the 94th floor, and the Signature Room restaurant on the 95th. The Observatory rises 1,000 feet above Michigan Avenue and claims (on a perfectly clear day, of course) a view spanning 80 miles and 4 states. Whatever the true number, the view is wonderful and provides a great appreciation for Chicago's landscape and architecture.

Besides the view, the Hancock Observatory offers the following attractions:

• The Skywalk: an open-air viewing area
• Soundscopes: talking telescopes that provide narration of what you are viewing, available in English, French, Japanese or Spanish.
• Sky Tours: headphone audio tour of 16 stops around the observation deck provides information and trivia in English, Spanish or German.
• History Wall: Over 100 historical photos on an 80 foot display.
• Windows on Chicago: interactive kiosks provide a video tour of 80 Chicago attractions.
• Unique Photo Opportunites: Lifelike backdrops make it look as if you're dangling above Chicago's streets.

The Hancock Observatory is included with the purchase of a Go Chicago Card.