Pedway Explorers Tour
Chicago, Illinois
Rating: 
Trip Type: Walking Tours
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Discover the hidden secrets behind Chicago's secret weapon used to combat the city's cruel winters. Learn to navigate the winding passages of one of the most unique urban terrains in America - Chicago's Pedway System. The Pedway (Pedestrian Walk-Way) spans nearly 5 miles in length and it is an assortment of underground corridors, building concourses, food courts, train stations and sky-bridges. Along the way, guests hear interesting stories about Chicago’s past, present and future and revel in the stories of many of the city’s most colorful characters!
More About This Activity All Walking Tours →
Discover the hidden secrets behind Chicago's secret weapon used to combat the city's cruel winters. Learn to navigate the winding passages of one of the most unique urban terrains in America - Chicago's Pedway System. The Pedway (Pedestrian Walk-Way) spans nearly 5 miles in length and it is an assortment of underground corridors, building concourses, food courts, train stations and sky-bridges. Along the way, guests hear interesting stories about Chicago’s past, present and future and revel in the stories of many of the city’s most colorful characters!The Pedway Explorers Tour begins at 10:00 am sharp at the Hyatt Regency Hotel - 151 East Upper Wacker - inside main lobby next to the concierge desk. After a brief introduction, guests are swept immediately into the recesses of the Chicago Pedway. During this “Urban Safari”, guests learn all about the history of the Pedway and by use of our special tour map, navigate nearly 2 miles of this extraordinary subterranean network. As guests explore some of its numerous passageways, they enjoy stops along the route to interesting locales like the Aqua Building, Millennium Station, City Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, Macy’s and many more.
At the famous Aqua Building, guests will hear stories about Chicago’s pursuit to become the greenest friendly city in America and our embrace of L.E.E.D. certification. In addition, they will discuss one of the hottest architects in America - 2011 MacArthur Fellow recipient - Jeanne Gang of Chicago. After brief stops in the Aon and Prudential complexes, guests experience the hubbub of Millennium train station. Can you guess what famous blockbuster film that made its debut in 2008 shot a famous scene in Millennium Station?
At the Cultural Center, guests will view the world's largest Tiffany Dome while listening to stories about the Tiffany family of New York. Only one block away guests will view the world's largest Tiffany Ceiling in Macy's Department Store. The Daley Center is replete with stories of Chicago's past and present not to mention the spot leading to the demise of the infamous "Blues Mobile" featured in the "Blues Brothers" movie. City Hall's lobby is not only breathtaking but hurried and full of bustle as politicians make their way to and from the Mayor's office or Chicago City Council Chambers located on the second floor. And lastly, the tour concludes in Helmut Jahn's crown jewel - State of Illinois Building - 100 West Randolph.
During the journey, guests will be entertained with stories featuring Chicago history and popular culture and compete in a friendly trivia competition with prizes for the winners. A restroom and snack break is also part of the fun on this tour!
As the great Marshall McLuhan often expressed; "Anyone who tries to make a distinction between education and entertainment doesn't know the first thing about either".
At the famous Aqua Building, guests will hear stories about Chicago’s pursuit to become the greenest friendly city in America and our embrace of L.E.E.D. certification. In addition, they will discuss one of the hottest architects in America - 2011 MacArthur Fellow recipient - Jeanne Gang of Chicago. After brief stops in the Aon and Prudential complexes, guests experience the hubbub of Millennium train station. Can you guess what famous blockbuster film that made its debut in 2008 shot a famous scene in Millennium Station?
At the Cultural Center, guests will view the world's largest Tiffany Dome while listening to stories about the Tiffany family of New York. Only one block away guests will view the world's largest Tiffany Ceiling in Macy's Department Store. The Daley Center is replete with stories of Chicago's past and present not to mention the spot leading to the demise of the infamous "Blues Mobile" featured in the "Blues Brothers" movie. City Hall's lobby is not only breathtaking but hurried and full of bustle as politicians make their way to and from the Mayor's office or Chicago City Council Chambers located on the second floor. And lastly, the tour concludes in Helmut Jahn's crown jewel - State of Illinois Building - 100 West Randolph.
During the journey, guests will be entertained with stories featuring Chicago history and popular culture and compete in a friendly trivia competition with prizes for the winners. A restroom and snack break is also part of the fun on this tour!
As the great Marshall McLuhan often expressed; "Anyone who tries to make a distinction between education and entertainment doesn't know the first thing about either".
« Go Back