As part of the second tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and at 1,353 feet above the city, Skydeck Chicago offers views of up to 50 miles and four states on a clear day. And on a clear day you can also see Willis Tower from across Lake Michigan in Indiana as was the case on this evening during a perfectly timed sunset!

Willis Tower is a frequent subject in my photos. As the tallest building in Chicago, Willis Tower is a prime target for lightning. I’ve caught direct strikes to the antennae several times but this time, the strikes went around the building.

Willis Tower in the middle of the concrete jungle

With the constantly changing weather in Chicago, it seems that no visit to Skydeck Chicago is ever the same. And I’ve found that sometimes the worse the weather, the better the photographs. Sometimes Skydeck Chicago is above the fog and clouds which leads to the opportunity for some interesting photos as was the case on this day when I caught the shadow of the Willis Tower and other buildings on the fog.

Skydeck views never disappoint

People are always asking me when the best time is to visit Skydeck Chicago. While the views from Skydeck during the day never disappoint, I think the night views are even better. The city sparkles with all the lights.

Step out onto the Ledge and look up, down, and around.