Is the Chicago Pedway open on weekends?

No, many sections of the Pedway are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Because the system relies on the operating hours of private office buildings and government centers, it is best explored during weekday business hours, typically between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

How long does it take to walk the Pedway?

A focused walk through the main route takes about 60 to 90 minutes. This allows time to appreciate architectural details at stops like the Thompson Center and the Chicago Cultural Center while navigating the roughly 1.5-mile core section.

Is the Chicago Pedway easy to navigate?

It can be confusing for first-time visitors due to its winding nature and varying signage. Look for the gold and black 'Pedway' compass logos on the floors and walls to help stay on the main path.

What is the best time to do a self-guided walk of the Pedway?

The best time is weekday mornings or early afternoons. During these times, all building connections are open, the food courts in Block 37 are active, and the system is safely populated by local commuters.

Is the Chicago Pedway safe?

Yes, the Pedway is generally considered safe as it is a primary thoroughfare for thousands of office workers and is monitored by building security. However, it is recommended to stay in the well-lit, main corridors during peak hours.

Can I see the Tiffany Dome from the Pedway?

While the Pedway passes through the basement of the Chicago Cultural Center, you must go to the upper floors of the building to see the famous Tiffany Dome. The transition is easy via the building's elevators or grand staircases.

Are there places to eat in the Chicago Pedway?

Yes, there are numerous dining options along the route. Block 37 features a large modern food hall, and many other buildings like the Daley Center have smaller cafes and shops catering to the underground workforce.

Is the Pedway climate-controlled?

Yes, the entire Pedway system is climate-controlled, making it an ideal escape from Chicago's harsh winters or humid summer days. This makes it one of the most comfortable ways to explore the Loop regardless of the weather.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Discover a world beneath the bustling streets of the Loop, a place where the city's history and modern utility converge in a hidden labyrinth. The Chicago Pedway is a fascinating network of tunnels, concourses, and bridges connecting more than 40 blocks in the city's central business district. This self-guided walk offers a unique perspective on Chicago's urban planning and architectural history, sheltered from the unpredictable Midwestern weather. As you navigate this hidden-gems route, you'll encounter everything from historic train stations to soaring postmodern atriums. The Pedway isn't just a convenience for commuters; it's a living museum of the city's growth and a secret map of its most famous landmarks. Starting at Millennium Station, this walking route takes you through the ornate corridors of the Chicago Cultural Center and into the legendary retail spaces of Macy’s on State Street. You’ll witness the evolution of Chicago’s design, from Gilded Age mosaics to the bold lines of the Richard J. Daley Center. Exploring independently allows you to stop and admire the intricate details that many hurried locals miss, from stained glass to underground art galleries. This is arguably the most intriguing walking tour Chicago has to offer for those who love secret spaces and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a curious traveler, this neighborhood stroll reveals the literal layers of the city's identity. While many visitors stay on the surface to admire the skyline, this audio walk invites you to go below, where the city’s heart beats in a climate-controlled environment of commerce and art. It is a quintessential experience for any walking tour Chicago enthusiast looking for something unique. Along the way, you will see how the city has ingeniously solved the problem of extreme weather while creating a secondary public realm that is both functional and beautiful. From the sleek transit hubs of Block 37 to the civic grandeur of the Daley Center, every turn reveals a new chapter in the story of the Windy City. This route is perfect for those who want to see Chicago from the inside out, discovering the secrets that lie just beneath the pavement.

Highlights

Discover the subterranean 'city within a city' hidden beneath the Loop

Admire the architectural transition from the historic Cultural Center to the modern Block 37

Walk through the lower level of the legendary Macy’s on State Street

See the civic heart of Chicago at the Richard J. Daley Center

Experience the soaring postmodern atrium of the James R. Thompson Center

Explore a climate-controlled route perfect for any weather condition

Tour Stops (6)

Millennium Station

Start your journey at Millennium Station, a bustling transit hub that serves as a primary gateway to the Pedway. Originally known as Randolph Street Terminal, this site has been a cornerstone of Chicago transportation since the mid-19th century. As you walk through the concourse, notice the transition from the modern station aesthetic to the older, more utilitarian segments of the tunnel system. This station sits beneath Millennium Park and was once the northern terminus for the Illinois Central Railroad. The development of the Pedway began here in the 1950s as a way to connect train commuters directly to their office buildings without facing the winter chill. It’s the perfect place to begin your self-guided adventure into the city's subterranean life.

Chicago Cultural Center

Moving from the train station, you enter the lower level of the Chicago Cultural Center. This building, completed in 1897 as the city's first central library, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture. While the upper floors house the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome, the Pedway connection here highlights how historic preservation meets modern utility. The tunnels here are often lined with revolving art exhibits, turning a simple walkway into an underground gallery. This segment represents the 'Grand Corridor' of the Pedway, where the city's commitment to public art and culture is visible even beneath the pavement. Take a moment to appreciate the shift from the industrial feel of the station to the refined materials used in this cultural landmark.

Macy's

You are now entering one of the most famous retail spaces in the world: the former Marshall Field and Company Building, now Macy’s. The Pedway entrance leads you directly into the lower level of this massive department store. Historically, Marshall Field’s was a pioneer in creating a 'city within a city' experience, and its integration into the Pedway was a natural extension of that philosophy. Look up and around as you pass through; you might catch a glimpse of the store's legendary elegance. The connection here was vital for shoppers who wanted to browse the 'Cathedral of Commerce' without ever putting on a coat. It remains one of the busiest and most iconic sections of the entire underground network.

Block 37

As you continue, you arrive at Block 37, a modern multi-use complex that serves as a major intersection for the Pedway and several 'L' train lines. For decades, this specific block was a vacant lot and a symbol of urban planning delays, but today it is a vibrant hub of shopping and dining. This section of the Pedway is sleek, bright, and contemporary, contrasting sharply with the older tunnels you’ve already traversed. It serves as the 'crossroads' of the system, connecting the CTA Red and Blue lines. Observe the way modern architecture uses glass and light to make the underground feel spacious and airy. It’s a testament to how the Pedway continues to evolve to meet the needs of 21st-century Chicagoans.

Richard J. Daley Center

You have reached the Richard J. Daley Center, the premier civic hub of Chicago. Above you stands the massive, rusting steel of the Picasso sculpture, but down here, you are in the heart of the city's legal and governmental machinery. The Pedway here is wide and functional, designed to move thousands of lawyers, jurors, and city workers every day. The Daley Center is a classic example of the International Style of architecture, characterized by its 'Corten' steel that develops a protective layer of rust over time. In the underground concourse, you can feel the pulse of the city’s daily operations. This stop emphasizes the Pedway’s role as a vital piece of infrastructure for Chicago’s civic life.

James R. Thompson Center

Your exploration concludes at the James R. Thompson Center, one of Chicago’s most debated and distinctive postmodern buildings. Designed by Helmut Jahn and opened in 1985, its massive, sloped glass exterior was meant to symbolize government transparency. The Pedway brings you into the base of its spectacular 17-story atrium. Looking up from this subterranean level, the scale of the 'spaceship' architecture is truly breathtaking. Though the building’s future has been a subject of much discussion, its role as a major Pedway terminus and transit hub remains undisputed. This is the end of your self-guided walk, where the underground opens up into a soaring canopy of steel and glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Chicago Pedway is a system of underground tunnels and overhead bridges that connects over 40 blocks in the city's central business district. It spans approximately five miles, linking transit stations, office buildings, and retail centers like Macy's and Block 37.