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Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included

Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included

Overview

Explore Chicago’s amazing architecture from the unique perspective of elevated trains and station platforms. Learn the history behind the famous "L" system and hear how it has shaped the development of buildings within the Loop.
The city's first elevated train started making trips in 1892. Now considered one of Chicago’s most defining features, the "L" offers incredible views of downtown. By being more than 20 feet off the ground, you'll see architectural details that are missed by most pedestrians at street level. This is our most comprehensive tour in the Loop, passing hundreds of buildings and highlighting ones of architectural significance.

City: Chicago

Sun 23 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $36.00

Make a reservation

Sun 23 Feb

Starting at $36.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Fare to ride the Chicago Elevated Rail system

Admission to the galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center.

Narration by a professional and certified guide.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.
This tour is not ADA accessible. Stairs are required.
Face masks required for travellers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travellers
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
Masks are required to be worn at all times on CTA property and on CTA vehicles (on trains and on station platforms).

What To Expect

Harold Washington Library Center

View the Harold Washington Library and State/Van Burnen Station

Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower

View the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower

Chicago Board of Trade Building

View the Chicago Board of Trade Building

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (18)

SHEILA_P

Dec 2022

Tour and guide was excellent. Far exceeded my expectations. My guide was very knowledgeable and eagerly shared his knowledge and experience with the group eagerly answering all questions.

Christine V

Dec 2022

This tour was fabulous. It was a cold rainy day but Amanda gave me a wonderful one on one experience, regaling me with stories of Charles Tyson Yerkes, the schemer behind the creation and unification of the elevated train. We admired the varied architecture from the platforms, from 1870 to present, as well as the transformation over the years. This was my second tour this week (Treasure of the Golden Age). If you like to know the history and how the city grew, the CAC offers you the best information and lots of humourous stories. I highly recommend any of the tours with the knowledgeable docents!

Response from Host

Dec 2022

Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you have enjoyed our tours. We really love to tell the stories of the city! We look forward to seeing you again soon.

krae21

Nov 2022

David was our tour guide. He was excellent. He had a ‘cheat sheet’ to make sure he covered all he wanted to but able to answer all our questions. There were just 3 of us. Well worth doing!

Response from Host

Nov 2022

Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour with David. We hope to see you again soon!