CHICAGO WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Open Your Eyes: Beneath the Loop — Chicago’s Pedway and the Loop’s Hidden Interiors
A two-hour, 1.5-mile walking tour that threads the downtown Pedway and adjoining interiors to reveal stained glass, concealed artworks and above‑ground secrets in the heart of the Loop.
Open Your Eyes: Beneath the Loop — Chicago’s Pedway and the Loop’s Hidden Interiors.
Come see the mysterious underground world of the Chicago Pedway: a network of tunnels and connectors that keep the city warm and dry in bad weather and open onto surprising interiors, stained glass, and overlooked architectural details. This guided walk moves through the Pedway and up into plain‑sight secrets around the Loop, ending near Millennium Park so you can carry on exploring downtown on your own.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Navigate the best parts of the famous Pedway
The tour guides you through the Pedway’s main stretches, moving from underground corridors into interiors that appear to emerge from the tunnels, revealing passages and details most passersby never notice.
Stained glass, glass ceilings and hidden art
Expect stained glass both below and above ground, moments where you can look up through glass ceilings at the city while remaining sheltered, and concealed artworks that celebrate Chicago’s architectural history.
Quirky stories and unexpected interiors
Along the route you’ll pass unlikely interiors — from odd corridors to references to underground swimming pools — and hear the quirky stories and symbolism that lend the Loop its texture.
What the day feels like
What it feels like
This is a focused urban walk that moves underground and back to street level, tracing hidden passages, stained glass, and interior spaces while pausing for the stories behind architectural details and public art. It’s designed for travelers wanting an experience beyond the usual Loop checklist.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who the tour suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs rain or shine and lasts about 2 hours, covering roughly 1.5 miles on foot.
Meet in front of 120 N. LaSalle St. in the Chicago Loop.
Weekday and weekend offerings vary only slightly according to buildings’ hours of operation; every tour explores the main stretches of the Pedway.
Tours run rain or shine.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do tours operate in bad weather?
Yes — tours run rain or shine.
Where do I meet the tour?
In front of 120 N. LaSalle St., in the Chicago Loop.
How long is the tour and how far will we walk?
The tour lasts about 2 hours and covers approximately 1.5 miles on foot.
Will the route always include the same interiors?
Weekday and weekend offerings vary only slightly according to buildings’ hours of operation, but every tour explores the main stretches of the Pedway and features notable interiors.
Is this tour for typical first-time tourists?
This is not a typical 'must-see' tour for typical tourists — it’s designed for travelers who want an experience beyond the usual Loop highlights.