Chicago's Pedway System

Up 'til today the cold weather hasn't fazed me too much this season. Not toooo much. (Come on spring.) We've had a few "snow events" and a few days where the windy city lived up to it's name, but I was often darting from car to building and could avoid much of it.

Today was one of those days that have many people longing for spring. (Come on spring, come on spring.) I could accept it if it were cold enough for just snow. I could accept it if it were warm enough for just rain. But today the temps hovered in just the right spot for a damp, day of freezing rain. Ugh.

For those that need to be out in the elements on days like this, Chicago's Pedway System lets downtown pedestrians walk, in relative warmth, between city railway hubs and approximately 50 office and retail buildings. The Pedway began in the early 1950's as a brief tunnel connection between two local city train routes. Over the years, public and private investment allowed for the expansion of the system to now include a series of enclosed overhead walkways and underground tunnels that cover over 40 blocks in heart of downtown.

Here is a the most recent Map of the Pedway. (Note** You'll want to download it and rotate it. It must have been a very cold day when the city uploaded the map. It's upside down.) If you would like to have a guided tour before attempting to navigate the Pedway on your own, consider taking a Pedway Tour.