Sears Tower
The world knows us for it, but should we know it too?
Tim Sloan
One of these things is not like the other.
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Frommer's Travel Guide says: “Tallest-building posturing aside, this is still a great place to orient yourself to the city…”
Decider says: When not being encased in Jell-O by conceptual terrorists, the Sears Tower serves as the working place for about 10,000 people. The Sears company has occupied the building that bears its name for a while, but the Tower hosts many other businesses. With so much commercial activity, the History Channel’s featurette on the tower, which is screened as a part of the tour there, isn’t all that far-off in referring to it as a “vertical city.”
Entering on Jackson Boulevard, you’re led through a maze-like configuration of elevators and security checkpoints—like an airport (one little girl asked: “Do we have to take off our shoes?”). You eventually reach the ticket line, where it's time to pony up the $12.75 for an adult pass to the Skydeck (adult audio/visual pass, which includes a guided headphones tour, is $18.75). Lines can be incredibly long, so be prepared to wait.
The next stop is a screen showing the aforementioned History Channel segment, which details the history of the Tower’s conception, construction, and triumph over the cityscape. Once the brief movie is done, it's time for a nausea-inducing, ear-popping, but still kind-of-awesome elevator ride to the top floor. It’s pretty easy not to realize exactly how high up you are, since it appears that you’re just walking off any ol' lift. But take one small glance out of a window in any direction, even on a cloudy, snowy day, and it still feels as if you can see forever.
It's an odd sensation seeing Chicago as a slow-motion, SimCity version of itself. People look like ants, cars resemble their toy counterparts, and buildings seem to have been constructed using Legos. The walls behind you display various factoids pertaining to the history of the city’s entertainment, sports, and politics, among other things. But why look at those things when arguably the most complete view of the city is available, even if you're surrounded by overpriced DVDs and a staff all-too-eager to get you moving along to the three gift shops back down on earth?
Tourist Trap: There are exactly two times a Chicagoan needs to visit the Sears Tower: When they are young enough to be amazed by the view, or when you can take someone who will be. Otherwise, save your pennies and hit up the Hancock.
