More than 1.5 million tourists each year make the pilgrimage to glimpse this massive bronze-tinted glass and aluminum building, which can be seen from anywhere in Chicago. A downtown icon, the Sears Tower is the tallest building in North America, and the Sky Deck is a must-stop for any visitor to the Windy City. Tackle your fear of heights and board the high-speed elevator to the highest observatory in Chicago, located a staggering 1353 feet above ground. Floor-to-ceiling windows boast a seemingly endless view of the sprawling city below with visibility of 40-50 miles. On a clear day, the soaring views reach into 4 states, while the traffic below resembles toy cars. Walk the entire deck for a complete wrap-around city view, including the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. If you can take your eyes off of the jaw-dropping view, check out the fun and informative interactive kiosks and museum-quality displays of Chicago history. You’ll learn interesting tidbits like the Sears Tower took 3 years to build, weighs a hefty 222,500 tons, and sways up to 6 inches to withstand Chicago’s brutal winds. The best way to beat the crowds is by visiting the Sky Deck after 4 p.m. A convenient place to nosh, the building’s restaurant level features several sit-down restaurants as well as a food court, offering everything from New York deli-style sandwiches to Italian to Mexican fare.