“What strange phenomena we find in a great city — all we need do is stroll about with our eyes open.”
Open Your Eyes: Chicago's Underground Pedway & Other Secrets of the Loop
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!
TOUR LOGISTICS & FAQ
How much do tickets cost (USD)?
30 (General Admission); 25 (children 5 and up, and seniors 65 and up); free for kids 4 and under.
Does this route involve stairs?
Yes, this route involves several staircases, so please keep this in mind when you’re booking. We have other routes that are more appropriate for strollers and wheelchairs.
How long is it?
This tour lasts about 2 hours, covering about 1.5 miles on foot.
Do we go inside buildings?
Absolutely! That's kind of our thing. And this tour is almost entirely indoors! We will be outdoors for a block here and there, but will remain mostly indoors.
How many people in the group?
We will be capping this tour route at 15 guests.
When is this tour offered?
This tour is offered several days a week -- please see the Tour Schedule for booking!
Where does this tour start & end?
We start near City Hall on LaSalle Street, and end within a block of Millennium Park. You will receive the tour's exact starting address upon ticket purchase.
What about rain?
Tours run rain or shine, though may be cancelled/refunded due to extreme weather. Always dress for the weather! (Though if any tour is best for bad weather, it's definitely this one!)
Can I book this as a private tour?
Of course! Just contact Hillary at 312-799-0164 to set that up!