L Tours
View the full spectrum of Chicago from the elevated perspective of the 'L' train.
Life Along The 'L'
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods
during these one-of-a-kind excursions. Tours visit a variety of sites,
from gritty industrial districts to elegant cultural institutions.
Tours are held on select Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Location:
Tours meet at the concierge desk of the Palmer House Chicago, 17 East
Monroe Street, unless otherwise noted.
Cost:
$15; $10 members. Ticket price includes a one-day CTA transit pass.
Tickets must be purchased at least one day in advance.
Brown Line
Sundays, July 12 and August 2, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
See Chicago from the city's most colorful 'L' as it meanders north and west, retracing the route of immigrants and industry as they pushed outward from the city's center in the 1900s. The tour will step off the train once or twice to visit neighborhoods along the way, such as Old Town, Lincoln Park and/or Lincoln Square. Come feel how the Brown Line threads through the City of Neighborhoods, contributing to the fabric of life all along its diverse route.
Sunday, July 12
> Purchase tickets
Sunday, August 2
> Purchase tickets
Green Line South
Sundays, July 19 and August 9, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Take an historic trip on Chicago’s oldest 'L,' retracing the development of the city as it grew south. The tour will step off the train once or twice to visit neighborhoods along the way, such as Bronzeville, the Illinois Institute of Technology campus, and Garfield Park. This tour offers the best way to see the dynamic South Side, from mansions to public housing, railroads to stockyards, and decline to rebirth.
Sunday, July 19
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Sunday, August 9
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Green Line West
Sunday, August 16, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Visit the West Side from 20 feet above, an excellent vantage point for learning about the history of the city and the 'L.' This tour affords plenty of heavy-duty industrial and railroad sights, including abandoned factories and active freight railroad lines. The group will step off the train once or twice to visit sites along the way, such as the historic Garfield Park Conservatory or Oak Park.
Sunday, August 16
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Blue Line
Sundays, July 26 and August 23, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Visit the Loop, Northwest Side, and Southwest Side from the 'L,' Chicago's most enduring icon. The Blue Line tour is especially interesting because it is the only 'L' tour to offer a mixture of elevated, surface and underground trackage. This makes for a very diverse ride through some of Chicago's most diverse neighborhoods. The tour will step off the train once or twice to visit some of these neighborhoods, from Wicker Park to Pilsen. You will also learn about local churches and businesses, parks and personalities, highways and byways—as well as Chicago's renowned subway and infamous freight tunnels.
Sunday, July 26
> This tour is sold out.
Sunday, August 23
> This tour is sold out.
The Loop 'L'
Sunday, August 30, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Greg
Borzo, author of The Chicago "L," leads this journey
of the world-famous Loop 'L.' The tour includes commentary about 'L'
stations and buildings along the route. Take advantage of amazing
photograph opportunities, and please be prepared for 1.5 miles of
walking.
Cost:
$15; $10 members. Ticket price includes a one-day CTA transit pass.
Tickets must be purchased at least one day in advance.
Sunday, August 30
> Purchase tickets
Refund Policy:
Refunds for a tour will be given in the form of tour credit which can
be applied to another tour. Credit will be given with a minimum of two
weeks notice prior to the day of the tour. No exceptions.
Weather Hotline:
The Museum maintains a Weather Hotline to provide updates about
weather-related delays or cancellation. If you think your program or
tour may be affected by inclement weather, please call 312.799.2002 for
the most current information about your tour.
Sign Language Interpretation:
The Chicago History Museum is happy to offer sign language
interpretation at any of its public programs. Please contact the Public
Programs Manager, at least 48 hours prior to the day of the event in
order to accommodate this request 312.642.4600