Chicago is an old Potawatomi word meaning “wait in line here” and I got the full treatment at the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower. I had a few hours between trains and figured I should see it while I was here.
You start with a line outside on the sidewalk. Then you get inside into another line, then down an elevator and into another line. Then through security into another line. Then you buy a ticket ($17!!!) and get in another line for a brief movie. They eventually let me skip the movie and move to another line – for an elevator. I finally get to the 103rd floor after an hour an a half and almost as soon as I walk out of the elevator I see another waiting line snaking around the core of the building. I figured that was for people that wanted to go out on the sky ledge and decided to pass on that. After walking around a bit and taking some pictures it became apparent that the line is for people that want to leave! Having a train to catch and fearing another very long wait, I cut the sightseeing short and got in line. Luckily, it only took about 30 minutes to get out.
The whole experience would have been better if I wasn’t rushed and didn’t have to compete with so many people for the view.
So I walk out of Union Station wondering if I’ll be able to find Willis Tower and, well, there it was.
Count the floors. They’re all there.