Sears Tower Skydeck great for romance, education

By JON SINGER

One of the most romantic spots in Chicago is a real high - 1,353 feet to be exact.

The Sears Tower Skydeck, celebrating its 30th year in 2004, allows visitors to check out the entire city as the highest observatory in Chicago. But here’s the catch - you have to go at night. The twinkling lights of the city will make any woman's heart fall for you.

The ambience makes you think deep thoughts, too. Remember that scene in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off?"

"The Sears Tower Skydeck offers the highest view of Chicago," says Carey Randall, Sears Tower Skydeck director of sales and marketing. "On a clear day, visitors from around the world can see 50 miles in each direction into four states - Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana."

Visitors can do more than years ago. Now, technology helps show what they are looking at. And since many visitors come from out of the country, the system accommodates several different languages.

"The Skydeck is wired with touch-and-tell computer displays that provide interesting facts about famous landmarks in six different languages," Randall says.

There are also maps in 9 different languages: English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, and Spanish. The added attractions make it ideal for families and education groups as well as couples.

"For our young visitors, we offer a unique perspective through our ‘Knee High Chicago’ exhibit, which offers interesting information about Chicago for kids at their eye level," Randall says.

The fast and furious elevator ride is part of the fun. No one can avoid thinking "What if it gets stuck?." Better yet, your date can hang on to your tighter. The visitor experience also includes a 1,600-feet-per-minute ride in one of the world's fastest elevators.

But the mood is lost a little with still more computer information.

"While riding in the elevator, animated pigeons offer fun facts about Chicago and the Sears Tower," Randall says.

Visitors of the Skydeck come from everywhere, not just the Midwest.

"We also garner considerable interest from people around the country and the world," Randall says. "We have visitors of all ages, including young adults, families, and school/youth groups."

If you're coming for a whole one-time Chicago experience, Randall suggests checking out the Skydeck before hitting other spots.

"They can get their bearings on the city before they visit the other sights and sounds Chicago has to offer," he said.

Randall has a good point. The fun of looking out of the Skydeck is finding other spots: Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, various museums, Navy Pier and more. High-powered telescopes are available.