Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway Exploration
4.9
143 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
(143 Ratings)
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Barbw619
Mar 24, 2024
Exploring the Pedway! - We had a great time on the Pedway tour. I had no idea that the Pedway existed before we saw the tour. Our guide, Adam, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It was an especially good tour for a chilly, windy March day in Chicago!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thomas_t
Mar 24, 2024
A GREAT TOUR - The tour guide, Adam, did a wonderful job. One of the best tour guides we have had. He was funny and very informative. Would highly recommend any tour Adam does.
Review provided by Viator
Y194vbtomg
Mar 3, 2024
Very memorable insiders guide to lesser known locations in Chicago - I loved this tour. Our guide was truly passionate about all things, architectural, historical, and just plain weird. He had a good sense of humor. You're definitely going to get your steps in, but it is not rushed, and you will be stunned by some of the things you will see. Loved this so much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travelfor4_8
Feb 27, 2024
Great tour! - Enjoyed our tour with Haley, she was very knowledgeable and did a great job! Would recommend this tour to everyone that’s never had a chance to explore the Pedway
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Culture41671039248
Feb 23, 2024
Great way to work up an appetite! - Kaylee is a fabulous tour guide! Knowledgeable and fun! So much to see and learn above and below the city streets. A very unique tour for visitors as well as locals having a staycation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X1329afamyd
Feb 16, 2024
Great experience - Adam did a great job! We learned a lot and had fun! We learned about Mrs. O’Leary and her cow getting framed for that fire! We saw beautiful architecture and Adam could answer anything! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
45declanr
Feb 9, 2024
Unique view of the city - Kaylee was an amazing tour guide and super fun! Was great to learn the history of the pedway and see historic buildings in a different way
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E6654helisac
Feb 3, 2024
Our guide made this your great - Our guide Kaylee was wonderful. This your is perfect-especially on a cold (or hot) day. There is a lot going on underneath the streets if Chicago
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melwolk
Jan 28, 2024
Great tour! - Hilary and Hayley were great guides. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about the history of Chicago and it shows. We really enjoyed the tour and learned a lot.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beth_d
Feb 18, 2024
Great tour, learn about Chicago, from the Bottom up! - The underground architecture tour was a great, 2 hour tour that was mostly inside and underground (good for cold days!). Some of the tour was above ground, where we saw an unexpected outdoor Picasso Sculpture, and some great architectural gems only viewable from the outside.
I came away more knowledgeable about the city and a list of great spots I want to visit next.
Review provided by Viator
