Chicago Trip Overview
Explore Chicago’s amazing architecture from the unique perspective of elevated trains and station platforms. Learn the history behind the famous “L” system and hear how it has shaped the development of buildings within the Loop.
The city’s first elevated train started making trips in 1892. Now considered one of Chicago’s most defining features, the “L” offers incredible views of downtown. By being more than 20 feet off the ground, you’ll see architectural details that are missed by most pedestrians at street level. This is our most comprehensive tour in the Loop, passing hundreds of buildings and highlighting ones of architectural significance.
Additional Info
Duration: 2 hours
Starts: Chicago, United States
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Chicago Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Chicago, Illinois, United States
Explore Chicago’s amazing architecture from the unique perspective of elevated trains and station platforms. Learn the history behind the famous “L” system and hear how it has shaped the development of buildings within the Loop.
The city’s first elevated train started making trips in 1892. Now considered one of Chicago’s most defining features, the “L” offers incredible views of downtown. By being more than 20 feet off the ground, you’ll see architectural details that are missed by most pedestrians at street level. This is our most comprehensive tour in the Loop, passing hundreds of buildings and highlighting ones of architectural significance.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Begin the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center. Fare to ride the Chicago Elevated Rail system is included. Please request a “Ventra” card from the Chicago Architecture Box Office when checking in for the tour.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Washington/Wabash, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
Washington/Wabash “L” station
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, 401 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
View Trump Tower.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Marshall Field and Company Building, 111 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
View the Marshall Field Building
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605-1216
View the Harold Washington Library and State/Van Burnen Station
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: MCC Chicago, Federal Bureau of Prisons, 71 W Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
View the Metropolitan Correction Center
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: 343 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
View the Fisher Building.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: DePaul University – DePaul Center, 1 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
View the DePaul Center.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: 175 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
View the Insurance Exchange Building
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Clinton, 540 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
Clinton St/Lake St “L” Station
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower, 233 S Wacker Drive entrance on Jackson Blvd (south side of building), Chicago, IL 60606-7147
View the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: 567 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
View the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) headquarters.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Chicago Board of Trade Building, 141 W Jackson Blvd La Salle Street, Chicago, IL 60604-2992
View the Chicago Board of Trade Building
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: 180 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
View the LeMoyne Building
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Washington/Wabash, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
Washington/Wabash “L” Station
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Return to Chicago Architecture Center
Duration: 5 minutes
