Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway Exploration
4.9
164 Ratings
Chicago
Discover the hidden gems of Chicago's architecture on an underground pedway exploration. Uncover secret buildings, beautiful interior spaces, and untold stories on this engaging tour.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • James R. Thompson Center - On WEEKDAY tour offerings, we will access this massive building via underground tunnel (the Pedway), opening up to a vast open space where we’ll hear ourselves in stereo.
  • Chicago Pedway - We will follow the tunnels and stairs that take us under many blocks in downtown Chicago, accessing buildings like City Hall, with all of its interesting interior details.
  • Picasso Statue - We’ll get a close-up view of this famous public art piece, given by Picasso to the city of Chicago as a gift, before diving down into the Pedway again.
  • Macy’s on State Street - We will walk through one of our favorite parts of the Pedway under the old Marshall Field’s (now Macy’s). On WEEKENDS, we will see some interior as well; on WEEKDAYS, we will skip this interior for a different one.
  • Chicago Cultural Center - On WEEKEND tour offerings, we will see the interior of this beautiful 19th century building near Millennium Park.
  • Block 37 - We will access this massive commercial complex via the Pedway, checking out a few favorite spots.
  • The Art Institute of Chicago - We will see some “secrets” in the area around the world-famous Art Institute, including a beautiful interior space nearby.
  • Millennium Park - On WEEKEND tour offerings, we will explore a few of the “secrets” of this most famous part of Chicago.
  • Harold Washington Library Center - We end this tour with a great view of the beautiful Harold Washington Public Library, which you can go and explore on your own after the tour!
What's Included
  • Local guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

This excursion unveils some of the most well-kept secrets, hidden structures and spaces, and untold tales that intricately weave into Chicago’s rich tapestry. In this adventure, we will delve into the complexities of the renowned and cryptic Chicago Pedway, a network of subterranean passages uniting 40 blocks in downtown. We’ll be intermittently stepping inside various buildings to marvel at their ornate and intriguing interiors, all before discovering some hidden ‘treasures’ in broad daylight around Millennium Park and the globally recognized Art Institute.

  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Location
120 North LaSalle
North La Salle Street
We will meet in front of 120 N. LaSalle Street. There is a massive mosaic over the entrance -- you can't miss it!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(164 Ratings)
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Slawomirm436
May 20, 2024
Great tour - Haley was great. She was very good in giving the tour narrative. Would definitely do it again! Recommend this tour fora raining hot day or any day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark_z
May 20, 2024
Short trip to Chicago with walking tour - We enjoyed the underground stained glass and the Library dome. Our guide was friendly, upbeat and very knowledgeable.
Review provided by Viator
Sharon_k
May 17, 2024
The Pedway Route: Sometimes Gritty, Sometimes Beautiful, Always Fascinating! - We attended the tour on Monday afternoon, May 6. What an incredible experience! We learned to recognize the “City of Chicago Pedway System” signs that indicated the entrances to underground pathways – and some above ground – linking Chicago buildings to each other. Just some of the amazing things we saw: the lavish interior architecture of the Chicago Courthouse and Cook County Building on Daley Plaza with its Picasso sculpture; numerous beautiful stained glass windows salvaged from various buildings and residences in one of the pedway passageways; the stained glass dome of the Chicago Architecture Center; and the dramatic, 82-story Aqua Tower. Along the way we heard about the history of certain buildings and the Loop itself as well as the cooperative agreements that the City has with building owners to maintain the pedway. A truly fascinating tour!
Review provided by Viator
W2735hapatricka
May 15, 2024
Stuff I would have never seen otherwise - Hillary (the owner) runs a great tour and she provides so much background knowledge. The underground pedway connects so much of downtown Chicago together and yet so few people know about it. We would have never though to visit the pedway otherwise. There was a good amount of art and architecture hidden in plain sight that Hillary exposed us to, as well as background information about many of the artists that created these pieces. The Pedway is also a great way to get around Chicago if you want to avoid crowds and weather. There is a fair amount of walking, but you're gonna be walking around Chicago anyway, why not walk with purpose? Next time we return to Chicago we'll definitely be booking another tour with inside Chicago Walking Tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O2199kfjackk
May 11, 2024
Good times good vibes - A great tour and Colleen was a fantastic tour guide! Very knowledgeable about various aspects of the city and the ped walkway
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cforlani
May 5, 2024
Adam was awesome - We learned a lot and we laughed a lot. Great tour and Adam is the raconteur for the job. Many surprises for us Chicago natives. Will recommend to everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pam_l
May 5, 2024
Fun surprises - We loved the two hour tour. I have been to Chicago several times but had no idea the pedway existed. Our guide Colleen was very personable and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend
Review provided by Viator
Jargoonco
May 4, 2024
Super fun tour of the pedway - Super fun tour of the pedway! My favorite part was the Picasso statue. It was great that it ended right by our hotel. Enjoy!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seamosg
Apr 29, 2024
Wonderful time! - Haley was a wonderful guide. We were a little slower in terms of our walking speed, but she was very patient and provided us with a wonderful tour of the areas we had no idea existed! Would definitely recommend it again!!!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christopherwe4119yy
May 6, 2024
Fine. - The tour was just fine. You see some interesting parts of the city you would not otherwise, but there isn't much history or narrative to tie it together. I should have picked a tour that was heavier on the history of the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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