Not everyone is aware that Terminal Tower has an observation deck. This is because most days it is closed to the public. But for the past couple Saturdays and Sundays through the end of May 2018, the observation deck of Terminal Tower is open! Tickets are required and can be purchased on www.eventbrite.com. (This tour is not affiliated with Tour of Cleveland, although it is recommended!) I was fortunate enough to go this past Sunday.
The observation deck is on the 42nd floor of the tower and it offers 360 degree views of the city. To reach it, visitors take the elevator to the 32nd floor, get off and transfer into another elevator that goes to the deck.
The observation deck first opened in 1928. Despite what people believe they can see, you can not see Canada. It is too far. But you can see Progressive Field, First Energy Stadium, Lake Erie, the Westside Market and get a great bird’s eye view of Public Square.
The observation deck first closed after August 26, 1976 and the “Ashby Leach Incident”. Mr. Leach was a disgruntled employee of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, who had their corporate offices on the 36th floor of Terminal Tower then. He came up and took 13 of the executives hostage but luckily no one was hurt. After that the observation deck only opens at various times throughout the year.
It is a real treat and we highly recommend you check it out. This tour is not sponsored or affiliated by Tours of Cleveland, LLC.
Tours of Cleveland offers exciting and educational walking tours of beautiful and historic downtown Cleveland. To see our latest schedule and book your tour, visit https://toursofcleveland.com/book-tour/.
