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Chicago Elevated Architecture Tour: Train Ticket Included
4.7
46 Ratings
Chicago
Discover Chicago’s iconic architecture on an elevated train tour. Learn about the history of the ‘L’ system and explore the city’s famous buildings from a unique perspective. Train ticket included!
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Chicago Architecture Center - Start your tour at the Chicago Architecture Center. The fare for the Chicago Elevated Rail system is included. Be sure to get a “Ventra” card from the Chicago Architecture Box Office when you check in for the tour.
- Washington/Wabash - Washington/Wabash “L” station
- Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago - See Trump Tower.
- Marshall Field and Company Building - See the Marshall Field Building
- Harold Washington Library Center - See the Harold Washington Library and State/Van Buren Station
- MCC Chicago, Federal Bureau of Prisons - See the Metropolitan Correction Center
- 343 S Dearborn St - See the Fisher Building.
- DePaul University - DePaul Center - See the DePaul Center.
- 175 W Jackson Blvd - See the Insurance Exchange Building
- Clinton - Clinton St/Lake St “L” Station
- 567 W Lake St - See the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) headquarters.
- Chicago Board of Trade Building - See the Chicago Board of Trade Building
- 180 N Wabash Ave - See the LeMoyne Building
- Washington/Wabash - Washington/Wabash “L” Station
- Chicago Architecture Center - Return to the Chicago Architecture Center
What's Included
- Ride on the Chicago Elevated Rail
- Access to Chicago Architecture Center galleries
- Guided narration by a certified professional
What's Not Included
- Food or drink
- Storage for luggage or strollers
- Coat check
Additional Information
Experience the awe-inspiring architecture of Chicago from the distinctive vantage point of its elevated rail and station platforms. Discover the history of the renowned ‘L’ system and its influence on the development of the Loop’s buildings. The inaugural elevated train, a significant emblem of Chicago, began its operation in 1892. Now, the ‘L’ offers unparalleled views of the downtown area. Its elevation of over 20 feet provides an opportunity to observe architectural nuances that often go unnoticed by sidewalk pedestrians. This is our most extensive tour in the Loop, encompassing hundreds of buildings and spotlighting those of architectural interest. As a certified nonprofit organization, your CAC ticket purchases directly fund our educational initiatives and community outreach programs.
- Only about 15 minutes of this two-hour tour is on a train, while most of the remaining tour takes place outdoors standing on the station platforms.
- Pets are not allowed.
- The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.
- Seating at stations and on the train is not guaranteed.
- This tour is not ADA accessible. Stairs are required.
- Not recommended for travelers with difficulty walking or standing.
Location
111 E Wacker Dr
East Wacker Drive
Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(46 Ratings)
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Jet46233595127
Aug 27, 2024
Fascinating and enjoyable - We took this excellent walking tour with our guide Chris. He did a great job teaching us about the history, development, and influential people involved in building the L system, as well as teaching interesting facts about the architecture at the various stops on the loop. Absolutely loved it, really felt like we were getting an in-depth lesson during an enjoyable walk and ride around the loop.
This is a walking tour, moving from the Chicago Architecture Center on foot to a station about 10 minutes away, up and down several different L stations, and ending back at the Center, so be ready to walk a bit. It isn't overwhelming, most time is spent at the different stations looking at the architecture around the stations, but know in advance that it isn't just a train ride. Absolutely worth it and a great way to learn about this fascinating, unique feature of Chicago and to see how a city grows around infrastructure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paradise362766
Jul 7, 2024
Elevated Tour - Great tour! Unique way to see the city’s architecture and learn about the L. Quentin was great, and his excitement for the city’s history and architecture and the stories behind it was fun and engaging.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T4100yudanb
Jun 21, 2024
Highly recommend! - Excellent tour! We really enjoyed it and it gave a unique perspective on the architecture in the city. Burt was a great guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roddym174
Jun 10, 2024
An excellent tour! - We went on several walking tours in Chicago during our visit and this was one of the best. Our guide was really knowledgable - in addition to the facts and figures and dates there were some entertaining anecdotes along the way as well. Hopping on and off the Loop trains was fun too. And the ticket allows you to see around an exhibition at the Chicago Architecture Center as well. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorilyna
Jun 5, 2024
Fun 'el' train and walking tour - The walking tour was very fun and informative. We saw and learned much of Chicago, then and now, just in the Loop and nearby through the train and architecture. You see some beautiful details up close. Quentin was very knowledgeable; we probably could have had a longer tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Glen
Jun 4, 2024
Great elevated tour - We came from Southern California, to see Chicago. Our tour guide, Quintin, was absolutely outstanding in his presentation of the architecture features that we saw on our tour. He was informative, interesting, and caring. Without any reservation, we would recommend anyone to take a tour conducted by him. Thank you, Quentin, a very informative and outstanding tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
122mk
May 20, 2024
Unique elevated architecture tour - Steve was very informative and fun and the tour covered the history of the El and its design, plus tons of Chicago building architecture and history. All of my questions were answered! The train ticket was an additional $5.50 per person, if you didn’t already have a pass.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Blaine_p
Jul 14, 2024
Good tour - Very interesting facts about the Cotybif Chicago. Well worth the time. Not a bunch of time spent on the train so if that’s your main reason for the tour be mentally prepared for a train trip around the loop.
Review provided by Viator
Richardwg7724rl
Apr 14, 2024
Great way to connect to Chicago. - Quentin was very knowledgeable, accessible and entertaining. So much history! Someone needs to test the audio sets; mine was terrible. Consider using potentiometer cleaner spray on the volume knobs, lt could help to avoid replacing a lot of them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
877jasonu
Jul 21, 2024
The 2 hour tour was 90 minutes too long - Very disappointing. Unfortunately, while the guide tried his hardest, the tour just wasn’t interesting in the slightest.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
