Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included
Description
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. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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 "L" station
View Trump Tower.
View the Marshall Field Building
View the Harold Washington Library and State/Van Burnen Station
View the Metropolitan Correction Center
View the Fisher Building.
View the DePaul Center.
View the Insurance Exchange Building
Clinton St/Lake St "L" Station
View the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) headquarters.
View the Chicago Board of Trade Building
View the LeMoyne Building
Washington/Wabash "L" Station
Return to Chicago Architecture Center
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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.
- 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.
Reviews(95)
We are CAC members and have many of the tours but this Elevated Train Tour was one of the best. Our guide Steve was excellent- knowledgeable, interesting and easy to follow. It was a great combination of learning about the history of the trains along with the architecture that surrounds them. We would highly recommend it
Thank you for the fantastic review! The Elevated Architecture tour is outstanding and we're delighted you enjoyed exploring the L system with Steve. We look forward to seeing you on more tours soon!
I loved this tour!! I’ve been to stunning train stations I normally wouldn’t go to, and Chris P explained everything so clearly and relaxed!
Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Elevated Architecture tour. It really is a great way to explore Chicago's most famous train line. We hope to see you on another tour!
We had a wonderful tour with Quentin. He was full of information about events leading to the elevated system. Also, so much information about the buildings surrounding the areas we covered. The admission price is reasonable. The time allowed was sufficient but we would have enjoyed even more time.
Thank you for the wonderful review! We are so happy you enjoyed the Elevated Architecture Tour--it really is a unique way to explore the city. We hope to see you on more tours soon!
Steve the docent was extremely knowledgeable and was able to explain many concepts simply and concisely. We highly recommend this in depth tour regarding the “L” and Chicago history.
Thank you for the great review! The L tour is spectacular and we're delighted you enjoyed the tour. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you again!
Barbara is a wonderful docent. This is our 2nd tour with Barbara. She is very experienced, talks clearly and gives lots inside stories.
Thank you for the terrific review! We are so happy you enjoyed the L tour with Barbara and hope to see you again!
Chicago Architecture Center has the best tours! This is one of many that we've taken and it did not disappoint. Chris P. did an amazing job with information and keeping us moving on and off the trains.
Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the L tour with Chris and appreciate your continued support. We look forward to seeing you on another tour soon!
We have previously taken the CAC boat tour and one of the surface walking tours (both of which were great), but this time we wanted something with a slightly different perspective while staying downtown. We chose the Elevated Architecture Downtown ‘L’ Train tour led by Andrew, our CAC docent. As no one else had signed up for the tour that morning, it became a private tour. Andrew was not only very knowledgeable about the architecture and friendly, but also, given that he works in planning at the Chicago Metro, was able to take us on an even deeper dive concerning the “L”, its history, and some of the current challenges. As we were about 35’ about street level for the tour, we were also treated to a different perspective of the building and their design/decoration, something that cannot be readily observed from street level. Thans again to Andrew for an information and entertaining tour above the streets of downtown Chicago–truly a unique experience.
Thank you for the wonderful review! How lucky to get a private tour! We're so happy you enjoyed the Elevated Architecture tour and hope to see you again the next time you visit Chicago!
Andrew led our tour. He was extremely knowledgeable and personable. You could tell he enjoys architecture and made you enjoy hearing about it. Overall a fun experience.
Thanks for the great review! We're delighted that you enjoyed the Elevated Architecture tour and hope to see you again. We appreciate the recommendation!
If it is cold and windy, dress warm. If it is raining, wear waterproof clothes. If it is hot, dress in light weight garments. You get the idea...
Chris P was excellent. Family enjoyed very much the balance of walking and riding the El around the loop. We had lived in Chicago a number of years ago and learned a lot of history and facts we never knew. It was a great pace and we enjoyed it very much.
Thanks for sharing! We’re thrilled the tour gave your family a fun, informative, and memorable look at Chicago’s Loop. We hope to see you again the next time you visit Chicago!
