Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included

Chicago Architecture Center
4.7
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Cancellation Policy
Up to 24 hours before your scheduled admission.
Abeebes
11 days ago
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.

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.

Departure Point

  • Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive.
Return Details
  • Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive.
Duration2 hoursLanguages Available
  • Human tour guide - English

Points of Interest

Stop At: Chicago Architecture Center111 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601Begin 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.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Washington/WabashChicago, IL 60602Washington/Wabash "L" stationDuration: 10 minutesStop At: 401 N Wabash Ave401 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611View Trump Tower.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Marshall Field and Company Building111 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60602View the Marshall Field BuildingDuration: 5 minutesStop At: Harold Washington Library Center400 S State St, , Chicago, IllinoisView the Harold Washington Library and State/Van Burnen StationDuration: 15 minutesStop At: MCC Chicago, Federal Bureau of Prisons71 West Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL 60605View the Metropolitan Correction CenterDuration: 5 minutesStop At: 343 S Dearborn St343 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60604View the Fisher Building.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: DePaul University - DePaul Center1 East Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604View the DePaul Center.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: 175 W Jackson Blvd175 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604View the Insurance Exchange BuildingDuration: 5 minutesStop At: Clinton540 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60661Clinton St/Lake St "L" StationDuration: 15 minutesStop At: 567 W Lake St567 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60661View the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) headquarters.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Chicago Board Of Trade Building141 W Jackson Blvd, La Salle Street, Chicago, IllinoisView the Chicago Board of Trade BuildingDuration: 5 minutesStop At: 180 N Wabash Ave180 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601View the LeMoyne BuildingDuration: 5 minutesStop At: Washington/WabashChicago, IL 60602Washington/Wabash "L" StationDuration: 15 minutesStop At: Chicago Architecture Center111 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601Return to Chicago Architecture CenterDuration: 5 minutes

Additional 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.
Inclusions
  • Fare to ride the Chicago Elevated Rail system
  • Admission to the galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center.
  • Narration by a professional and certified guide.
Exclusions
  • Food or drink
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
  • Coat check
Redemption InstructionsPlease arrive 15 minutes prior to the departure time and present your ticket to the box office at the Chicago Architecture Center. You will receive a "Ventra" card which is necessary to access the Elevated Rail system.Voucher InfoMobile or paper ticket accepted

The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Center in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon. This offer is not eligible for promo codes.

Need To Know Info

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

Customer Reviews

4.7
based on Groupon 86 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
Reviewed on
Abeebes
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.
Brian_L
Didn't start well when the guide argued that we had to pay for our own tickets. Anyway, after that you walk around with a headset on trying to keep up with him and then just stand on a few platforms while we are told about some of the local buildings. It was informative but didn't fill us with confidence when the guide said to his colleague, I don't have a clue about what I am doing as never done one of these before'.... Right
362demetriusp
Our experience with this tour was terrible. We were on our way and received a phone call informing us that we were not able to go because they oversold the tour. We booked online and it indicated how many seats were available. I don't understand if you have a counter how it could be oversold. I don't understand why they waited until 45 minutes before our check in time to inform us of their mistake. This was very disappointing for our group. We were in town for our son's graduation from the Navy. We were all looking forward to this tour.
KemoSabe42cc
The guide is knowledgeable, witty and engaging. Loved the format — getting on and off the L to see diverse parts of the loop. As always, another excellent experience at the CAC.
Sarah_B
I’ve been to Chicago many times but never ridden the L. This was a cool way to get some different perspectives on the buildings. Guide was extremely knowledgeable and organized.

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