Open Your Eyes: Chicago's Underground Pedway & Other Secrets of the Loop
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate walking involved
Overview
Uncover Chicago’s hidden underground tunnels and secret spots on this captivating walking tour. Perfect for history lovers and urban explorers, it reveals the city’s lesser-known sides that add depth to your visit. Ready to see Chicago in a whole new way?
Open Your Eyes: Chicago's Underground Pedway & Other Secrets of the Loop
Underground + Secrets Walking Tour • 1.5 Miles on foot | All Ages • 2 hours
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Come see the mysterious underground world of the Chicago Pedway!
Come experience Chicago's famous "Pedway" – the mysterious underground tunnels downtown that keep us all warm & dry in bad weather. Walking in the Pedway, through hidden corridors of stained glass and even past underground swimming pools, we'll access interiors that seem to come up out of nowhere as you're exploring the tunnels. We’ll explore the hidden passages, overlooked details, rich symbolism, and quirky stories that add wonderful bits of color and texture to the overall narrative of the city. The details people walk by every day will amaze you, and you’ll feel like you’ve truly seen a hidden side of Chicago by the end of this walking tour. This is not a typical "must-see" tour for typical tourists – it's a "must see" experience for travelers who want something BEYOND what's typical. Is that you?
In addition to our underground wanderings to stunning architecture interiors, we will cover some “secrets” above ground, in plain sight. Are the waving balconies of Aqua really inspired by water, as so many guides say? Did Picasso intend for his famous Daley Plaza sculpture to look like something — or someone — specific? Ending with a fabulous interior not far from Millennium Park, you’ll be in the perfect central spot for continuing your exploration of downtown Chicago on your own after the tour!
NOTE: Weekday and weekend offerings of this tour route vary only slightly according to buildings’ hours of operation. But every tour explores main stretches of the Pedway, and treats guests to fabulous interiors and hidden secrets!
Duration
2 Hours 1.5 miles on foot
Highlights of the Tour
-- Navigate the best parts of the famous underground Pedway; -- See a world of stained glass both above ground and below; -- Look up through glass ceiling to the world outside, while remaining warm below ground; -- Discover hidden art that celebrates the city's rich architectural history; -- Much, much more!
Tour Details
Tours run rain or shine.
- Meeting Location: In front of 120 N. LaSalle St.
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
You'll be exploring both underground tunnels and street-level streets, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Bring a camera
Capture the unique architecture, murals, and secret passageways that make this tour special.
Check the weather forecast
While much of the tour is indoors, some segments are outdoor, so be prepared for rain or shine.
Arrive early
Getting to the meeting point a few minutes early ensures you don’t miss any part of the tour.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons
- City squirrels
History
The Chicago Pedway system was developed in the 1950s to connect buildings and provide safe passage for pedestrians during harsh weather conditions, shaping the city’s underground urban experience.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes sustainable urban exploration by highlighting eco-friendly building designs and encouraging respect for the city’s historic sites.
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Adventure Hotspots in Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
You'll be walking for a couple of hours through indoor and outdoor parts of Chicago, so supportive shoes are a must.
Light rain jacket or umbrella
Be prepared for possible weather changes, especially during spring and fall.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture the hidden murals, architecture, and unique passageways along the route.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your walk, especially on warm days.