This publish could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We could obtain a small fee, for free of charge to you, in the event you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper. The world’s first skyscraper, The Residence Insurance coverage Constructing, was constructed within the metropolis, marking a turning level in Chicago’s city historical past.
As increasingly skyscrapers had been constructed, and foot site visitors elevated in Chicago’s Central Enterprise District, a brand new pedestrian approach system was wanted to assist folks navigate their approach between buildings with out having to cross the extremely trafficked streets.
Enter the Chicago Pedestrian Walkway System, often known as Pedway for brief, is a system of underground tunnels, ground-level concourses, overhead bridges, and hallways, join a number of the most well-known industrial buildings, malls and metro stations within the metropolis.
On this information, we share what there’s to see and do alongside the Chicago Pedway system, a staple piece of engineering and vital a part of Chicago’s architectural heritage.
What’s the Chicago Pedway?
Primarily, the Pedway, quick for Pedestrian Means, is a sequence of connecting passages in Chicago’s downtown that help you transverse from one constructing to the subsequent with out stepping exterior.
The system was opened to the general public in 1951, with the final piece of the Pedway to be accomplished being the tunnel between the Milwaukee-Dearborn Subway and the State Road Subway, which is the place the Pink Line and Blue Strains meet.
About 40 metropolis blocks lengthy, the passages zigzag by means of round 50 buildings all through the Loop.
Many Chicagoans are unaware of the Pedway. Since elements of the passages reduce by means of the lobbies of buildings, folks step out and in of the Pedway every day being utterly unaware they’re getting into a phase of the connecting tunnels.
Collectively, these underground tunnels are often known as the Pedway.
The longest part of the Pedway begins at 120 N. LaSalle Road and runs to the Millennium Park by Columbus Drive and Randolph Road.
Underground Tunnels
Many individuals don’t notice a number of of the buildings that line the curved shoreline and proceed to develop in direction of the west a part of the town even have life beneath.
The downtown blocks of Chicago, often known as the Loop, incorporates miles of connecting floor degree and underground passages.
I first heard about these underground tunnels from Margaret Hicks, proprietor of Chicago Elevated and the one who gave me the tour of the Pedway.
When she described it as “underground tunnels,” I used to be intrigued and a bit nervous.
I envisioned darkish, sewer-like tunnels with rats scrambled throughout the trail. I imagined us strolling by means of some secret passageways that solely mobsters had been aware of.
I guarantee you, the Pedway is nothing like that.
As a matter of reality, parts of the Pedway embrace the doorway to Metropolis and County Corridor, the Chicago Cultural Middle, and the Illinois Constructing.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll encounter meals courts, outlets, public artwork shows, subways, and Metropolis Corridor, in between lots of the Loop’s buildings within the coronary heart of the town.
These walkways additionally present shelter from the brutal Chicago winters. For many who reap the benefits of it, the windy, frozen streets exterior are nearly unknown.
Why is the Pedway Unknown?
Native vacationer workplaces don’t hand out maps of the Pedway. Truly, they’re not printed, so it’s also not extensively marketed.
It was additionally not constructed to be a tour route, however a approach to help Chicago’s pedestrian site visitors and to supply easy accessibility to commuter trains.
With a lot to see and do in Chicago, a Chicago Pedway tour simply will get buried amongst all the opposite Chicago excursions.
Regardless that vacationer workplaces in Chicago don’t actually promote, the Pedway is changing into increasingly widespread as a consequence of tv media, journey assessment websites, and on-line articles.
How one can Tour the Chicago Pedway
Clearly, there isn’t a entrance charge to meander by means of the tunnels at your personal tempo.
The Pedway is open for anybody who needs to make his or her approach by means of the Loop indoors.
Tip: You may look out for signage as you stroll alongside the tunnels to navigate your approach. Wherever you see The Pedway image, depicted by a yellow compass, you already know you might be heading in the right direction. (Pictures of Oz could also be getting into your thoughts.)
Because the Pedway passes by means of non-public buildings and residential buildings, many of those buildings are solely open throughout enterprise hours, so guests can not stroll right through the Pedway on the weekends.
When you can stroll by means of by yourself, which is a blessing within the winter, if you wish to study extra in regards to the Pedway and the town of Chicago, the perfect recommendation is to take a tour.
I’d advocate getting a tour from somebody who is aware of Chicago.
This 2 hour tour of the Pedway not solely reveals you a number of the most iconic buildings within the downtown neighborhoods, but additionally gives tidbits about Chicago’s historical past and secrets and techniques that solely the locals know.
FAQs About Chicago’s Pedway
Are there any stairs on the Chicago Pedway?
There are a number of stairways on the Chicago Pedway, notably at Dearborn St, which takes you to Richard J. Daley Plaza.
Is the Chicago Pedway stroller pleasant?
Sure, pedestrians will discover that almost all of the Chicago Pedway is appropriate for strollers and wheelchairs.
What are some iconic buildings on the Chicago Pedway?
The Chicago Pedway passes some iconic buildings, equivalent to AON Middle, Prudential Middle, Richard J. Daley Middle, the Hyatt Regency Resort, and Millennium Station.
Closing Ideas
Gathered alongside the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan, metal framed buildings protrude from the lakefront, offering the spectacular views Chicago is known for.
Whereas Chicago’s skyline is made up of an assorted show of architectural brilliance, adjoining to miles of seashores and waterfront parks, what units Chicago other than different cities is how far forward it’s in relation to structure and engineering.
The Chicago Pedway is a approach to absolutely respect Chicago’s masterful items of engineering and to get across the metropolis with ease.
Extra Chicago Journey Ideas
Want extra inspiration for issues to do in Chicago? Listed here are another guides that will assist!