Chicago

Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included

Chicago, USA
Chicago Tour Elevated Architecture
  • 2 hours
  • Offered in: English

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Overview

Chicago’s “L,” or elevated train, is an icon of public transportation and a major feature of the Loop neighborhood. On this interactive tour, you’ll learn about the railway’s history while experiencing it as a rider. Meet your guide in the morning and set off with just a small group for company. As you ride between stops, you’ll also view Chicago icons like the Willis Tower, and will learn about the city’s architectural history.
  • This small-group tour is capped at 10 to keep things personal
  • Learn all about the L’s history as you go for a ride (fare included)
  • Admire Chicago’s architectural highlights as you go
  • Admission to the Chicago Architecture Center is included in the cost

What's Included

  • Narration by a professional and certified guide.
  • Admission to the galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center.
  • Fare to ride the Chicago Elevated Rail system
  • Food or drink
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
  • Coat check

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

    Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Chicago Architecture Center

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Washington/Wabash

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Marshall Field and Company Building

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Harold Washington Library Center

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

MCC Chicago, Federal Bureau of Prisons

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

343 S Dearborn St

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

DePaul University - DePaul Center

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

175 W Jackson Blvd

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Clinton

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

567 W Lake St

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Chicago Board of Trade Building

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

180 N Wabash Ave

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Washington/Wabash

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Chicago Architecture Center

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

5.0
37 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Showing 1-5 of 37 reviews
Good tour despite challenging weather
Bob_L, May 2023
Dan told us many stories of the personalities involved in the architecture of Chicago. He had a tough job as we toured on a spring day that was a combination of rainstorms, heavy hail, and cold winds. He showed an enormous amount of pluck in dealing with the elements and adjusting for the current weather. He clearly is knowledgeable and passionate about his subject.
New vantage point
Kim_T, Apr 2023
The oldest train terminal was awesome. Seeing a real train- Amtrak on tracks. I loved the experience.
Top Notched Tour Guide Gave Meaning and Depth to Experience
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.
Elevated Architecture to Elevate the Spirit!
Sally_S, Oct 2022
I love the Chicago Architecture Tours and take at least 2 each time I come to Chicago. I was delighted to see that there was a Tour including the El, and that we would ride to a couple of stations in addition to getting a good walk in. What fun!!! It was a great group. 5 eager companionable members and a super terrific guide. I’ve always wanted to know more about the beginnings of the Chicago passenger rail system, the Loop, etc. Our guide told the story well, including the political & financial ends-and-outs; the big ideas & the big egos; and the innovations that made it all possible. I loved walking, talking, getting on at a station, taking a short trip, getting out and looking and talking about a certain buildings: Brutalist, Mid-Century Modern; Beaux Arts; Post Modernist, etc. it was great! What you can count on with all Chicago Architecture tours is a professional guide who knows her/his subject; gives a great tour; answers questions thoroughly; adapts content to audience; additionally has a good practical knowledge of the area, and has a great sense of humor. Our guide was exemplary. One note: this tour has lots of stairs. Im not sure how much accommodation can be made for guests with disabilities. My husband, who has back & hip issues, could not have done it.
Great tour
Darcy_M, Apr 2022
Doug, our guide, had great knowledge and good presentation. Gives a different perspective of the great architecture downtown.

From $36.00

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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