Chicago Hancock Tower Prices

In addition to all the traditional reasons for getting together, my cousin is thinking about getting his post-graduate degree at Northwestern. He’d never been to Chicago before, so my aunt and uncle wanted to take him to one of the two sky-high observatories. I suggested having lunch at the Signature Room at the 95th in the Hancock Building so we could kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. The prices are fairly reasonable for downtown Chicago and for the location, and it’s actually a floor above the Observatory.

The Hancock was fitting into the stereotype of big-city gougers, taking advantage of the tourists. Besides the admission price they charge $4 for an audio tour (get an additional set of headphones for $1 more), and $1 for each of the telescope. To get around this I have three recommendations: one is to make reservations at the Signature Room for lunch or dinner. Another, for adult visitors, is to have a drink at the Signature Lounge (on the 96th) and enjoy some appetizers and the piano player. With those two you won’t see the displays featuring information on the history and development of Chicago, which even my teenage son was reading with interest, so that’s something to take into consideration. The third is to purchase a Chicago CityPass or a GoChicagoCard if you plan on seeing more attractions. These programs charge one price for admission to multiple favorites, including the Field Museum (which has a must-see Maps exhibit right now), the Art Institute, and Shedd Aquarium. For any of these options it’s best to go during the week, if possible.

I suppose the big question is “is it worth it?” Without the frustration of the price increases and the wait, I’d say yes. It’s exhilarating to be 1000 feet up in the air and get the bird’s eye view, and to see so many of Chicago’s famous landmarks from one vantage point.

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