The Third-Largest City in the U.S.

Throughout the entire semester I’ve been writing this blog, my main focus has been on small events throughout  the Midwest, primarily located in small towns. I’m going to shift gears this week and focus on something going on not in a small town, but rather a large city. In fact this city, Chicago, Ill., is the third-largest in the United States.

Photo from: http://www.theskydeck.com/theledge.asp

The Sears Tower, now known as the Willis tower, has always been a striking structure. Standing at an immense 108 stories, the tower is the tallest building in the United States and is currently the fifth-tallest building in the world. The building towers over the Chicago skyline, providing a breathtaking view for tourists and local Chicagoans alike.

Recently, the tower opened a new set of glass balconies for the general public viewing. Nicknamed “The Ledge,” the structure suspends 103 stories in the air, and is complete with transparent walls and ceilings, making it easy for tourists to look down upon the magnificent city that is Chicago, Ill. Though the structure may be seen as potentially dangerous, it can hold up to five tons on its transparent floor, putting to ease those problems.

I’ve been to Chicago quite a few times in my life, and I can safely say that I’ve seen a majority of the tourist attractions from the windy city.  One of my personal favorite attractions has to be viewing the city from the top of the John Hancock building. I feel that the same feeling can be resonated from this attraction in the Willis Tower. And, I can only infer that you would have feelings of flight as you were in the “ledge,” something I couldn’t feel from the top floor of the Hancock building. So, if you’re family’s visiting the “second city” this summer, you should check out “The Ledge.”