Chicago: Elevated Architecture Tour & "L" Train Ticket

Summary

See chicago’s loop from the “l” train platforms with a guide

You’ll ride Chicago’s famous “L” train with your ticket included, explore hidden architectural details from elevated platforms, and hear stories from a local guide who brings the Loop’s history to life. Expect sharp city sounds, unexpected views—and maybe a new way of seeing downtown long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Chicago looks like when you’re not stuck at street level? I didn’t, honestly, until I found myself standing on the Washington/Wabash “L” platform, twenty feet up, squinting at stone gargoyles and glass curves I’d never noticed before. Our guide—Janice, who had that classic Chicago warmth—handed us our Ventra cards with a grin and a quick rundown of how not to get lost in the Loop. The trains rattled by every few minutes; the wind up there is sharper than you expect, and it smells faintly like metal and roasted nuts from some vendor below. There’s this weird thrill in watching people scurry under you while you just… float above it all.

We hopped off and on a couple times—Harold Washington Library Center was my favorite stop. Janice pointed out these strange owl carvings perched over the roofline (I tried to snap a photo but got mostly sky). She told us about how the “L” started back in 1892 and how it shaped everything around us—like, literally shaped buildings so they’d fit under or around those tracks. At Clinton/Lake Station we paused for a minute longer; you could see straight down to the Board of Trade Building, sunlight bouncing off its Art Deco crown. I swear there was this moment where everyone just went quiet together, which doesn’t happen much in Chicago.

I’ll admit my feet got tired from all that standing on concrete platforms (bring good shoes), but it was worth it for those odd little details—the echo of voices bouncing off steel beams, or the way Janice laughed when someone asked if anyone ever gets used to that screech when trains pull in (she said nope). We finished back at the Chicago Architecture Center, slightly windblown and somehow feeling like we’d seen a secret side of downtown. I still think about that view down State Street from above—it makes regular sidewalks seem kind of dull now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chicago Elevated Architecture Tour

• Begin tour at Chicago Architecture Center
• Request Ventra card for train ride
• Visit Washington/Wabash "L" station
• View Trump Tower
• View Marshall Field Building
• View Harold Washington Library and State/Van Buren Station
• View Metropolitan Correction Center
• View Fisher Building
• View DePaul Center
• View Insurance Exchange Building
• Visit Clinton St/Lake St "L" Station
• View Chicago Transit Authority headquarters
• View Chicago Board of Trade Building
• View LeMoyne Building
• Return to Washington/Wabash "L" Station
• Return to Chicago Architecture Center

Top questions

How long is the Chicago Elevated Architecture Tour?

The tour lasts about two hours total.

Is train fare included in this architecture tour?

Yes, your fare for riding the “L” is included with your ticket.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at the Chicago Architecture Center.

Do we ride the “L” train for most of the tour?

No, only about 15 minutes are spent on the train; most time is on station platforms outdoors.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?

No, stairs are required and it’s not ADA accessible; not recommended for those who have difficulty walking or standing.

Are pets allowed on this Chicago architecture tour?

No pets are allowed except service animals.

What buildings will we see during the tour?

You’ll see landmarks like Harold Washington Library Center and Chicago Board of Trade Building among others in the Loop.

Is seating available during the tour?

Seating is not guaranteed either on stations or trains; expect to stand for most of it.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to all galleries at the Chicago Architecture Center, fare for riding Chicago’s elevated rail system (just ask for your Ventra card at check-in), and live narration throughout by a certified local guide who knows every twist of track and story behind each building you’ll spot along the way.