Exploring Chicago's Underground Pedway

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A massive network of pedestrian tunnels spans five miles, hidden beneath Chicago's busy streets.
Produced and Written by: Bethany Guerrero
Cinematography and Visual Effects by: C. Drew Unser
Special thanks to Diane Childress
#batman #chicago #travelvlog #travel #urbanexploration #filminglocation
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Information Sources:
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[@TotemKommo-o]

The revolving door at 7:05 was locked because that leads into the Lower Level of Macy's State Street store. If you were filming before 10 AM, that's why it wasn't open. We have entrances and exits that lead directly into the Pedway system, so some customers will usually arrive or leave via the Red Line. Source: I work there.

[@jbartlet827]

This is SO interesting. I lived in the Chicago area as a kid, and during particularly bad winters, the police would stop traffic and walk folks across the icy street with a rope strung from one curb to the other. We had no idea there was a pedway. Knowing my parents though, they likely wouldn't have let us use it out of fear of, I don't know, ruffians? Very interesting video! Thank you!

[@nilus2k]

The pedway is really only a small footprint of the city. Most people aren’t aware of it and even if you were, chances are it wasn’t on your route to school or what not

[@mezmerizer0266]

It stinks like b.o. because the homeless live down there.

[@superman60201]

Years ago it was the easiest way to get from the Aon building to the Thompson Center for lunch. Even the cafeteria floor in Mary's. If you knew the route you could get almost halfway to Ogilvie without going outside.

[@iwouldliketoorderanumber1b79]

True.

[@chrisseidl8294]

Used to work at Blue Cross, so that walk being half underground was great. Also, I do miss the cafeteria at Macy's/Marshall Fields.

[@realShadowKat]

Fun story... my optometrist was in the Stone Container Building (150 N Michigan) which has very nearby access to the Pedway. One visit I had dilation and afterward used the Pedway to do just that, State of Illinois Building for their food court... Good times.

[@nicolecunningham5477]

Yep, so convenient.

[@HeavyRayne]

Awesome to see someone bringing attention to the pedway (and crucially, how bad the map is). not enough people know about it and the City really should do more to highlight it

[@jonathanlapham2374]

Oh wow! I grew up outside of Chicago and all the years I went there never knew there was this pedway. Guess I have to go back and find it. So glad you took this journey. You two are awesome!

[@LikeSpee]

I was born and raised on Chicago’s southside, but left in 91 when I turned 20. I never knew about this 😂. My kids were born in GA but are at the age now where I think they would appreciate seeing where their parents grew up. I think we’ll take a family trip to the Windy City this year, let them see the old neighborhoods and explore some new places together.

[@ezralandman-feigelson1457]

I know the Pedway like the back of my hand. There’s a whole other section you have yet to explore…

[@skankytrick]

Go on.

[@HannaSelah]

Wheeeeere????

[@ezralandman-feigelson1457]

@@HannaSelah East of Michigan Ave

[@HannaSelah]

@@ezralandman-feigelson1457 okay thanks!

[@EdGreenberg]

This could be done as a text-based adventure game. "You are standing in a marble hallway at the intersection of four tunnels."

[@shumandaniele]

Yeah, the mapping reminded me of doing the same thing for Zork

[@danliberty734]

You didn’t mention that the lobby of city hall was in the original Blues Brothers. Chicago is replete with movie locations. I love that you’ve branched out from SoCal. Great video. Thanks.

[@jcavenagh]

From 1978 through 1983 I used the pedway and the various "cut thrus" almost everyday in my job as a law office clerk/runner. I had a CTA monthly pass so I could use the subway platforms for longer north-south runs. The plans for the pedway then were to have it connect the Standard Oil Building (now AON) with Union Station and the Northwestern train staion on the west bank of the Chicago River. There were maps projecting it going under the Sears Tower. Back then there was a second floor connection between the First National Bank and Two First National Bank. That overpass hallway has been removed. The connection between City Hall and the State of Illinois Building to the north was a real example of government work. They started from each building and missed the connection both vertically and horizontally. There is a small set of steps and a jog in that section where they just made a messed up connection. I expect that section may disappear when the State building is torn down soon.

[@menevermind2612]

I’m so so very happy you’re doing stuff in Chicago. And this is an awesome place. I’ve always wanted to experience it. It’s sort of like the skyways in Minneapolis just underground. You guys make me so happy. Thank you.

[@mattinsley1721]

My mother was born in Chicago and had deep family ties to the city long before I was born. When I was an adult business owner I discovered the city through my buisness travels and trade show efforts. I fell in love with the city. The history, the people, the whole thing. I love the place. The locals are generally very proud to show you around if you need some guidance.

[@wickdwabbit]

I have walked all through that pedway since I was a small child. It's interesting to see others discover it. I've spent hours down there with l nothing but mischief and childlike wonder. Thanks for bringing back those memories ❤

[@OddityOdysseys]

Did you happen to have a favorite section of the Pedway? Thanks for checking out the episode!

[@wickdwabbit]

@@OddityOdysseys I did, right under Macy's you can explore the gigantic department store starting from the bottom floor pedway. That place was like a small amusement park to a homeless child.

[@keith2059]

Greetings Bethany, Drew, and the wonderful fans, hope everyone are having a great New Year! Never hear of Chicago's underground Pedway, until now! Thank you Bethany and Drew to show us the underground Pedway and deal with the doors and finding the way. Love Learning with Oddity Odysseys, lots of FUN! Take care, be safe, and enjoy your life!

[@tortellinifettuccine]

pedway feels so vast and complicated, I used it by far the most for train connections and I'm so happy it exists, saves my ass during winter, and it allows riders to only have to pay once a lot of the time, unlike NYC where you constantly get kicked off a line and have to walk to a transfer.

[@steveyountz1757]

As a person with a degree in Geography I had no idea the 'Pedway' existed. Next spring I am planning a trip there and this will be on my list of things to see. Thanks again.😎

[@bltvd]

I lived there for 15 years and this is the first I am hearing of it!

[@steveyountz1757]

@@bltvd Hopefully I can visit and see the German U-Boat there but the Pedway also sounds fascinating. 😎

[@Blanquart]

You can walk through that Metra line station. Then you can go all the way to the Hyatt or Aon Center. It's been a long time, glad to see it's still in about the same condition. Thank you.

[@yawndave]

A most interesting ramble under the streets of Chi-town! The shopping section reminds me of the malls you find in airport terminals. The stained glass windows are really cool, definitely an unexpected underground treat. Looking forward to seeing more of your Chicago explorations...happy trails!

[@SantosChronicles]

I work downtown and try to use the pedway when it was super cold. I would always get lost. I would pop up completely in the wrong area. I needed your map. I always felt like rat being down there. Happy New Year. Hope you enjoyed your Chicago adventures.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Happy Saturday! Do you have any favorite spots of the Pedway? It was an adventure for sure! 😊

[@SantosChronicles]

@@OddityOdysseys There is a DMV place that no one knows about so there isn’t much of a line. Not a fun stop but a huge time saver. Keep the content coming. You guys have mastered avoiding the super saturated tourist market and focus on the strange and interesting. You guys are an inspiration for us.

[@charlienyc1]

​@@SantosChronicles Oh yeah, the DMV Express office!

[@xray606]

I remember when I was a kid we'd go downtown, and my mom knew all the little trick shortcuts to stay out of the cold in the winter. There was also a cool hobby shop down in this random little tunnel that I always wanted to stop at. You felt like you were in a place that you weren't even supposed to be, and then boom... Here's this cool hobby store with trains in the window and stuff. I'm sure it was gone years ago.

[@UncleAbdul]

When I was a Chicago area resident (west suburbs) I remember in the 60's the local newspapers in winter would publish maps ofr what these people say is the "Pedway". Originally the various stores downtown would connect to other stores by poking through their lower levels (below street level, but not yet a basement) to other stores and the transit system. This was so knowledgeable citizens to avoid snowy sidewalks and freezing temperatures.

[@brillblonde6705]

What a great journey under the streets of Chicago! Visually so interesting and FUN! I laughed so much. Keep up the wonderful adventures!!!

[@demiurge_n_dragons]

...a drinking game where participants take shots everytime "revolving door" is mentioned

Ah Man! That's a nice show of the pedway, bit as a Chicago an, it's the easiest part to navigate and the one I use often. I was hoping for someone finally explaining all the other hidden bits and pieces that show up on the map and I've never been able to find

[@beatboxlanguage]

As a chicagoan who finds the pedway kinda underutilized and mundane, this gave a fresh perspective. I will say, I miss the pedway bar that used to live underneath macy's/marshall fields called "infields". Really a bummer that didn't survive the pandemic.

[@donutdealer74]

Totally awesome. I wanna explore it now. Tulsa has something like that but not that expansive. Can’t wait to see the rest of the series. Keep on exploring.

[@ICEcoleman2k]

Last time I was in the pedway, I was still marveling at the rebuilt section which would be inder Millennium Park connecting to the Metra south lines (South Shore, University Park which I took home to Pullman for a while before moving with my parents briefly in Burnham (Harvey and Calumet Park).

[@firesurfer]

There are a bunch of underground walkways in Manhattan. I was listening to someone explaining how to get to a train stop. I had to explain that only if it's bad weather should they take that route because of all the stairs/ramps and its complicated route. It's just easier to go outside and walk directly there.

[@ChatGPT1111]

You should check out the one in Montreal. It is 10x bigger and has multiple shopping centers/malls and is fully integrated with the Metro as they were built together. Most of the cities /metros in Holland have the same thing.

[@JulianHarris-rg2cp]

Y'all are so much fun to watch. Loved this. I have never been to Chicago but would love to see this.

[@bibasik7]

Someone needs to build a haunted house with revolving doors that jam for a few seconds when you go through them

[@mattthebassboy]

See how Bethany handles that

[@TronixGuy93]

I want to see a city under the city episode. If you take that middle junction (the unmarked door) it leads to an elevator that goes down 11 floors. Begin your journey there.

[@robtman9199]

I heard of it but never knew where it was or seen it before, thanks for sharing, always fun to learn something new, Have a great year.

[@robgeach8105]

it's only dependable for m-f "working hours" because the CTA doesn't own all the doors and private companies lock and unlock their doors based on what works best for them. you can get cute in some sections by dodging weather and walking through parking lot sidewalks to get closer to some locations but you can't hope to come in on a saturday night red-eye, train to washington station, and pedway to lake station then pedway all the way to the radisson below ground. you'll hit locked doors everywhere that isn't a staircase up to street level.

[@realShadowKat]

Living in Chicago and using the Pedway prepared me for using Toronto's PATH (pedway) which is only marginally better marked. Montreal has an Underground City as well that I've used, just not to a great extent as CHI and TOR.

[@ntatenarin]

This is so cool! I'll admit I tried the Pedway, and got lost that I gave up and started walking on the regular sidewalks. Since I don't work in the Loop, I had no need for the Pedways. Now, I need to try this out. I love how the hallways change and yes, it looks amazing as a way to get out of the elements. Awesome video!

[@mattthebassboy]

I checked out the Pedway for the first time last week and in my opinion it is a Chicago Legend

[@BlueHoursProductions]

Very cool! Reminded me of an old-time radio show called 'Lights Out', which had an episode involving interconnected sub-basements in Chicago...and a dinosaur. lol

[@peggycarlyle6409]

Such a fun video! You both make it so exciting!

[@warreneckels4945]

I used to visit Chicago pretty often getting off the train at the Randolph Street station. The closed businesses were, if I remember right, were the closest to the Metra/South Shore lines.

[@imbwildrd3693]

Thank you Drew and Bethany! Another awesome episode!

[@OddityOdysseys]

🙌😊

[@timlanglois5643]

That was great as usual thank you and happy new year have a safe and healthy new year

[@OddityOdysseys]

Happy New Year to you, too!

[@sgtfluffy718]

My whole life here. I'm 43. Never knew and I'm for sure gonna go down there this year

[@cartman4885]

Thanks guys for another great adventure I was surprised how clean it was and not full of homeless...........stay safe

[@BoratWanksta]

I've always wanted to explore the Pedway further east than Randolph/Millennium Station, but hadn't done so. Maybe I will one of these days. Also it's annoying a lot of segments are only open on weekdays.

[@gbryant261]

Excellent video. I lived and worked in Chicago from 1990 through 2013, when I retired. I would use the Pedway often, especially in the winter, for obvious reasons. During that time, most of the businesses were thriving there. A fairly large food court on the west end was a nice interruption to the work day. I was surprised at the number of people born or long-time residents of Chicago who were unaware of the Pedway. That's a shame as it certainly made moving around the core of the loop (and getting across Michigan Ave) a much more pleasant experience. Looking forward to more of your videos on my town, Chicago.

[@iwouldliketoorderanumber1b79]

I’m assuming the large food court you are referring to is the section of the pedway that lead to the Thompson center.

[@gbryant261]

Depends on which way you were coming from. It's been a while since I used it, but the major construction of an office building/shopping center at one of the tunnels cut it in half for several years. By then, I was no longer working on the loop so I hadn't used it much more. I do remember using it to go to the Thompson Center often so you're probably right about the food court location. @@iwouldliketoorderanumber1b79

[@lorez5336]

6:45 About two years ago I visited Chicago and stayed in the area around Millennium park right where one of the pedways are for the park. I actually stumbled upon this pedway by complete accident because I was trying to find a bookstore that was located underneath the Macy’s there. Such an interesting experience and also a great one too because that long hallway seemed beautiful but eerie at the same time. None the less I bought a book and a cute little stuffed animal from the bookstore. Hope to visit back soon there.

[@goldviper5280]

You guys are freakin awesome. Thanks for your very strange and interesting adventures.

[@tudorjason]

I had no idea about the Pedway in Chicago. Once in a while, I find out about a city's underground. It's really fascinating, especially when the underground can be used by everyday people.

[@newmhach3995]

The part that confused me during my commute was at Millennium Park Station where you need to go past Metra trains. Once I connected those dots it was all good

[@CannonRushed]

I've lived in Chicago area for about 30 years now and had no idea all that was down there. I knew some of it was, but only the part I ever used, had no idea it was that extensive.

[@tjthegreates1]

Neat! I was in Millennium Station but did not know there was a whole network there to explore!

[@davidhorizon8401]

You guys always find such interesting places. I have been to Chicago several times and never knew about the pedway!

[@iwouldliketoorderanumber1b79]

Some buildings are required to add to the pedway when being constructed.

[@randomnonsense83]

Feels like a real-life dungeon crawl. Was waiting for you to have to jump over a spiked pit and fight some wererats.

[@OddityOdysseys]

That was probably on a level we missed. 🤣

[@portcybertryx222]

I’m surprised it’s so clean and well lit

[@jquinlan]

The area I was in you enter at the Burrell Communication Building near the Hyatt Regency. Had lunch- good time.

[@ronaldvernon788]

Cool can’t wait to check it out next time I’m in Chicago got family in Chicago

[@RidgeRider66]

I used to live in Chicago. I liked your old show. I love your new show. Thanks for the hours of entertainment. Let's keep doing it.

[@MrJojo2go]

So cool underground videos are my favorites No wonder you make that comment last time!!!! 👍🏻😷👍🏿🇨🇦🇵🇭🇺🇲

[@jdc1979]

Im glad you’re branching out to other states! I’ll be sure to check them out when i visit!

[@doubleatheman]

OMG THE FREAKING FIRE ALARM IN MILLENNIUM IS BEEPING, that thing has been beeping for YEARSSSS! (First thing I noticed at the video beginning lol) otherwise, I've always wanted to know if I can make it from Millennium to the blue line without going above ground.

[@glennlrw]

I have been to Chicago a couple of times. I never knew this existed! What fun to explore. Thanks!

[@andyhudgens]

I love my oddity fam this is the best

[@368fan4]

G`Morning O. O. Woo Hoo

[@davecarpenter7370]

Great tour of The pedway. Interesting Like always. Drew , the haircut is an upgrade man. Beth , always classic cute.

[@AndyKaylieno1]

And you're burning the lead.... Haircut😱! I enjoyed your video, as always.

[@coolhandscoot68]

Awesome seeing you in the Midwest. I am in Wisconsin about 90 miles from Chicago

[@donaldbrorson4583]

I’ve used this to get to the Museum of Science and Industry before but I didn’t realize how extensive it was

[@robbmanchester5747]

This was fun !!!

[@PapaVanTwee5]

I'm looking at the map, and it's a lot more involved than what you've shown. Very interesting indeed.

[@nilus2k]

“There isn’t a good map of the pedway”. Walks part a map when they first enter

[@Squintillions]

I lived in Chicago for 4 years and never heard of the Pedway! I’m sure it would have been handy a few times when I was downtown in bad weather.

[@charlienyc1]

I had a gift membership to Lakeshore Fitness at Streeter & Lake but work near Art Institute. The Pedway came to my rescue! I could get from Michigan & Monroe all the way there and back without crossing any streets. And it's interesting the purpose was to protect people from bad weather and noise, as it does both well. But here's a side benefit: No smokers to walk behind in the Pedway. And another is if you're a fast walker, you can walk the speed you want to; tourists spend most of their time above ground. Don't get me wrong, though. We welcome you to the beautiful city of Chicago! I just like to walk a certain pace without bothering anyone else. The Pedway is pretty brilliant for these reasons.

[@davepov]

I enjoyed your video and, while I've been to Chicago manhy times in the past, I did not know there even was a "Pedway." Very cool. Now, about revolving doors...you know they are both faster for moving people into and out of buildings and more energy efficient because they don't open wide allowing. cold or hot air into a building. As a millennial you should appreciate that.

[@bridgetvest7645]

Cool! Great episode folks.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Glad you enjoyed, Bridget! 😊

[@blockisle9]

Spent a week in Chicago in 2008, and never saw them…. Thank you, great video

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

As an interested bystander from across the sea, I've absolutely no idea what the buildings in Chicago look like. I'm therefore gaining the added pleasure of guessing from how they show themselves down here in the underpasses. The beautiful staircase here 4:45 ought to lead up to a fine late 19th/early 20th century building which I'm guessing from what you've said already will be the City Hall. The dumbfoundingly hilarious "Stair" sign smacks of civic overreach too, so it must be. And it was!

[@hermyt]

I need to checkout the stained glass area on my next visit back to see family.

[@benjaminmendenhall4497]

I didn’t even know that they have this pedway I want to do this sometime and it looks fun

[@markjd4]

I had no idea that this existed. This is like a secret location in a video game that has gone unnoticed for years.

[@JDoors]

Your discomfort with revolving doors reminded me when I was a teen. I made friends with someone from Green Bay WI. As I was showing him around the city he would suddenly stop, or pause -- at revolving doors, elevators and escalators. He had never used them before.

[@waynejkl4035]

I've lived in the Chicago area my whole life, and I've lived in the city for 30 years, but I've never explored the pedway. I really need to visit it soon!

[@maxswagcaster5315]

I thought I was going insane remember the tunnels before seeing this video

[@weeeee33]

Wait wasn’t the dark knight shot in one of these? That’s the first thing I noticed 😂

[@OddityOdysseys]

We did make a Batman marker our map! :)

[@johanna7254]

I had no idea this existed! Very cool!

[@OddityOdysseys]

We were surprised at the complexity of the Pedway. Something new at every corner!

[@noahcount7132]

Enjoyed your ramble through the Pedway, Bethany and Drew. 👍 Wasn't quite so attuned to the map you created, however. The highlight of the video for me was seeing Drew's newer, shorter, and very nice hair style. 👍

[@RobertsBrainIsGone]

Watch out for the poop, vomit, and zombies, and don't forget to visit the Tea Monster Edmond, he's the coolest.

[@naufrage0]

Used to go through Block 37 everyday and never considered/realized it was apart of the pedway 🤔

[@IznbranahlGoose]

I lived in the suburbs and visited downtown several times but never knew there was a Pedway.

[@joelfeiock4718]

happy new year guys

[@davidf2477]

This was great. I've always wanted to explore the pedway. With the countless things to do in the city I've never gotten around to it. Is it worth the time?

[@paulflynn1509]

I've been to Chicago several times and wasn't aware of the Pedway. Thanks for sharing. If you're ever north of the border be sure to check out Toronto's PATH system or Montreal's Underground City which spans 33 kilometres below the city.

[@howardb.6205]

Oh, I see... Only "C" places, California and Chicago. Adore you two. Can't get over how good Drew looks with short hair. Mad Love!

[@gordybishop2375]

Cool places

[@random22026]

Was going to suggest you 'next level' your rough draft maps, and offer them to the CTA; but--spoiler alert!--the long-suffering stranger offering you a map as you blazed the underground territory, threw water on that mental brush fire! :D Another great video idea and follow-through from Team O_O!

[@kelsey809]

👍😊👍 Nice! Batman!

[@tattooyu]

Careful! Don't no-clip into the Backrooms!

[@RonaldLadao]

As a chicagoan all my life.. This is news to me T_T. Never knew that this existed.

[@mattbriddell9246]

Been living in the Chicago area for years and I never knew this existed. Kinda looks like a pedestrian version of Lower Wacker in many places.

[@OddityOdysseys]

We have some content about Wacker Drive coming up! :)

[@bimmerfan2126]

actually this is only a fraction of it, there are other branches, linking other areas

[@avab4661]

There's something similar in Montreal canada it's known as the underground city it's so cool

[@ChatGPT1111]

I was there in 1976 during the Olympics, was overwhelmed with all they had and I think if they visited it first, they would be disappointed with the Pedway.

[@90sAlt-qj5nl]

But there is more. You can go north from the batman hallway to The Illinois center complex to wacker drive and the river.