John Hancock Observatory
(312) 751-3681
875 N Michigan Ave
Chicago,
IL
60611
41.8988
-87.624
Neighborhoods: Central, Near North Side
What People Are Saying About John Hancock Observatory
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The View
The third tallest building in Chicago (after the Sears Tower and Aon Center ), the Hancock stands 1,127 feet tall, 100 floors high. The Hancock's greatest draw is the option of kicking back in the 96th floor Signature Lounge with a beer or cocktail and taking in a lakeside view of the city. Add the killer location on North Michigan Avenue, and you have the Chicago insider's favorite sky-high pastime.
The Background
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the same prominent Chicago firm that designed the Sears Tower, the Hancock--"Big John," as it was nicknamed--was completed in 1970 after five years of construction. It can withstand winds up to 132 miles per hour.
User Reviews
Anonymous
March 13, 2008
This is a great stop when you are walking the streets of Chicago. They have the observatory, restaurants and shops. The Cheesecake Factory is there and they have tables outside. You can order something to go and sit when it's nice. There are a lot of finches and they will come to the table and let you hand feed them. Of course you have to like this sort of thing. Great place to people watch.
read full reviewAnonymous
August 23, 2006
This is one of the most visited tourist destination in Chicago, located in the heart of Magnificent Mile. On the front part of the building, in the summer time people can just sit and enjoy the waterfall while eating and in the winter they have huge christmast tree decorated with beautiful ornaments and lights. The famous restaurants from this building is Cheesecake Factory on street level and the signature room on the 95th and the bar on th3 96th floor. A must see if you are visiting Chicago.
read full reviewAnonymous
July 28, 2006
Right next to Watertower the building has something for everyone. There is a post office and a bank inside as well as great restaurants both casual and upscale. The best is going to the top and seeing the observatory. There are often events but we think its great when there is the air and water show!
read full reviewThe Details on John Hancock Observatory
When to Go:
Take a stroll on the self-guided audio tour of the city's sights and history anytime, but the views are best from 9am to 11am or after 4pm.
Know Before You Go:
The Hancock boasts the fastest elevator in North America. Travelling 1,800 feet per minute (20 mph), it gets you to the 94th-floor observatory in 39 seconds.
Parking:
Convenient parking is located at John Hancock Center with entrances off of Chestnut and Delaware.
