Chicago Elevated Architecture Tour: Train Ticket Included
4.8
42 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 - 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.
  • Washington/Wabash - Washington/Wabash “L” station
  • Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago - View Trump Tower.
  • Marshall Field and Company Building - View the Marshall Field Building
  • Harold Washington Library Center - View the Harold Washington Library and State/Van Burnen Station
  • MCC Chicago, Federal Bureau of Prisons - View the Metropolitan Correction Center
  • 343 S Dearborn St - View the Fisher Building.
  • DePaul University - DePaul Center - View the DePaul Center.
  • 175 W Jackson Blvd - View the Insurance Exchange Building
  • Clinton - Clinton St/Lake St “L” Station
  • Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower - View the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower
  • 567 W Lake St - View the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) headquarters.
  • Chicago Board of Trade Building - View the Chicago Board of Trade Building
  • 180 N Wabash Ave - View the LeMoyne Building
  • Washington/Wabash - Washington/Wabash “L” Station
  • Chicago Architecture Center - Return to 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
4.8
(42 Ratings)
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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
Sonja
Mar 23, 2024
Great way to see buildings and learn about history of the L! - Very professional, organized and well done. So much information but done in an easy way and enjoyable. Totally recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
114joem
Mar 7, 2024
Do this one even if you did the river cruise - Learn ever more about Chicago architecture and the history of the elevated train system. The tour includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigator738843
Mar 3, 2024
CAC Tourr is excellent - Excellent L Troy from a non local docent who loves archicture, and his new city. I highly recommend this tour for locals.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elainetn8874oi
Feb 23, 2024
An elevated experience f Chicago - Amanda was the tour guide of the “L” train. The view of the buildings was from a different vantage point than a regular walking tour. She had a historical perspective on the train, the buildings. She combined interesting information and a wonderful presentation. I felt I gleaned a lot of historical perspective of the foundation of Chicago along with the political climate that formed the building of the city as we know it today.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
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June 2024
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