Willis Tower Skydeck wheelchair accessibility

Willis Tower sits at 233 South Wacker Drive in the southwest corner of the Loop, between Adams and Jackson. The Skydeck entrance is on Jackson Boulevard, on the south side of the building. The Michigan Avenue lobby and the main Wacker entrance are not the wheelchair-accessible route to the deck.

Quincy on the Brown, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines is the closest L stop, about two blocks east of Willis Tower. Quincy has elevators installed in a 2018 renovation. From Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center, the building is a flat eight-minute walk along Jackson or Adams.

The CTA bus network serves the building via Jackson, Adams, and the Wacker corridor. Most downtown buses are low-floor with ramps and kneeling capability.

Ramps around the observation deck make the entire 360-degree experience easy to enjoy in a wheelchair. The Ledge, the four glass boxes that extend out from the 103rd floor, is accessible: visitors can roll into the box, although verifying the exact transition with staff on arrival is a good idea if you have a powered chair.

Lowered viewing walls and binoculars set at seated height let wheelchair users take in the view without standing. The deck is climate-controlled and well-lit, with quiet seating areas tucked between the perimeter walks.

Skydeck is certified Sensory Inclusive for All Disabilities by KultureCity. The venue has four sensory bypass doors that allow visitors with sensory sensitivities to skip the more stimulating immersive elevator experience, and a quiet room is available for breaks.

Sensory bags are available on request. Service dogs are permitted with proper identification. Emotional support animals and pets are not.

Buy timed tickets online; Skydeck uses dynamic pricing and the gate price runs higher than online. Last entry is 30 minutes before close. The deck is open 365 days a year.

Sunset is the busiest hour. Wheelchair users can ask staff at the ticketing concourse to time the express elevator for a less-crowded cabin. From the deck, the queues for the Ledge are usually short outside the 5 to 7 pm peak.

Address: 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606 (Skydeck on the 103rd floor). Accessible entrance: Jackson Boulevard, on the south side of Willis Tower. Open 9 am to 10 pm daily (summer Saturday from 8.30 am); last entry 30 minutes before close. Complimentary wheelchairs at the entrance. The Ledge glass boxes are accessible. Adult admission starts at 32 dollars; no published companion-free ticket. Nearest accessible L: Quincy on the Loop, with elevators added in 2018.