Traveler

I read somewhere about the Pedway in Chicago. Is it interesting as a tourist attraction, or is it simply a glofied subway connection with a couple stores or shops (like Paris has in some of its subway stops)? Thanks. I ran a search for this and found nothing.

Bob

I'm not sure what you're referring to, because there are several pedways here, some leading to the lakefront parks; but I think you're talking about the system of tunnels that underpins the downtown area. Not a tourist attraction by any means, just an interesting way to stay out of the cold. It does pass by Marshall Field's and is interesting to see, but not much to do there.

Kris

The main pedway runs from the suburban train stations at Randolph and Michigan to City Hall, with several arms branching off of it. It's mostly a way for locals to get where they are going when the weather is not so good, like right now for instance. There are a couple of subway stops down there and access to Marshall Field's but not much else. Definitely not a tourist attraction and if its off hours it's pretty deserted and kind of creepy.

Bitter

Topping this old thread because in preparation for my coming trip to Chicago, I did note that there are now "pedway" tours. So they have become a little bit of a tourist attraction.

An organized pedway tour won't be on our itinerary this time, but I think I'll pop into one or two around the Thompson center and/or Macy's (maybe pop in to Infield's pub).

I'm guessing these are very routine/pedestrian (ha!) to locals, but for a visitor (me) seem a little novel.

gardendiva

I took a tour last winter. The guide really loved Chicago so we learned a lot about Chicago and a little about the pedway. It was a nice warm way to get from Michigan Ave to about 3 or 4 blocks away. The guide did take us up to street level to see the Cultural Center and some Tiffany pieces in Macy's. For about the last 45 we were at street level to see some architecture and the Rookery Building. I believe that the tour was by Chicago's Finest Tours.

There are several different tours differing in length and subject matter. I had a Groupon for $13 so the price was right.

Bitter

Just a follow up: Popped into the two areas mentioned above. Arguably, their existence is more interesting than the actual experience of visiting them, if that makes sense. Obviously, could be a huge benefit in the Winter. Can be a little creepy on the weekend, because few people are in them.