Exploring Chicago's Underground Pedway

[@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.

[@MizzLovelyOfMD]

That’s how I used to go to Macy’s 🥰

[@JasonJayJJ1]

Will the Millennium Train Station underground pedway take me to South Michigan Ave, like where "The Gage" restaurant is located?

[@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.

[@SubVet84]

I wasn’t allowed to use it as a kid. I was 29 when I moved back to Chicago and used it for the first time. I felt like I was breaking the law since my parents always told me it was where criminals and drug dealers were. (In my family criminals meant violent criminals, hence the distinction between them and drug dealers). Honestly speaking, it’s more sketchy on lower wacker and the streets outside the loop than it is on the pedway.

[@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

[@c1ph3rpunk]

Used the pedway for many, many years to get around downtown, to work, get lunch and hang out for drinks after work. I’m amazed how many locals don’t know it exists, excellent job showing it off. That 2015-2017 period can’t be overstated, for quite some time we called it “the pissway” due to the smell. That smell lasted up to 2018 or so but has (mostly) gone away. Want a cool one? Find someone at UC, Hyde Park, that’ll get you a tour of the steam tunnels down there.

[@BrickHouse-w8e]

The pissway. 😂😂

[@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.

[@Hannahbets]

Wheeeeere????

[@ezralandman-feigelson1457]

@@Hannahbets East of Michigan Ave

[@Hannahbets]

@@ezralandman-feigelson1457 okay thanks!

[@Tom_bradys_unretirement]

Teach me your ways

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Vitobandito434]

I did the same as a law clerk from 1994-97. I still use it when it’s raining.

[@ItCantRainForever2]

I used to work at the Sears Tower in 1995 and I never knew about this. Wtf 😮

[@jcavenagh]

@@ItCantRainForever2 Yeah, they never completed the west end of the system. It never extended west of LaSalle St. If I recall correctly the AT&T building on Franklin actually has a section of tunnel for the system, but it was never opened to the public. There may be other segments, but I don't know where.

[@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.

[@yuhbtw]

Same here very Saturday morning when my mom was at the gym (Ballys) my dad would maneuver us through the pedways. That man is a Chicagoan he know almost every trap door in the city 😂 North West and South. Thank you guys for being back the memories. I’ve been an Angeleno for over 20 years now so it’s a lot of nostalgia for me

[@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!

[@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

[@sasiefox5027]

OMG That's where they moved the stained glass windows to! I was so sad when they took them away from Navy Pier.

[@babaluigi]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 😎

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

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

[@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.

[@brillblonde6705]

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

[@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).

[@cartman4885]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@glennlrw]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@godblessusall7696]

Visited Chicago for a month and never really got the Pedway figured out. Thanks for the tour!

[@JulianHarris-rg2cp]

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

[@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.

[@Cassandraann111]

In high school I’d always get off the Blue Line on Washington and take the pedway to the Metra Millenium Station. The lack of signage and labyrinth style make it feel so secretive and exclusive. I remember using it to go to Marshall Field’s for Christmas shopping and being so grateful for avoiding the bone chilling icy wind outside!

[@demiurge_n_dragons]

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

[@imbwildrd3693]

Thank you Drew and Bethany! Another awesome episode!

[@OddityOdysseys]

🙌😊

[@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.

[@RobBoles]

While watching I was thinking "I wonder if the revolving door under Macy's will be broken" and I wasn't disappointed. I think I've seen it not broken twice.

[@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.

[@RafMatthyssen]

Montreal's underground city is much larger. I don't know if it's true but they say it's the largest in the world at about 20 miles.

[@ira1ish]

This was a great effort. You might not have been aware that the tunnels allow a pedestrian to walk under the Chicago River.

[@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.

[@ronaldvernon788]

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

[@AndyKaylieno1]

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

[@markjd4]

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

[@tattooyu]

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

[@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.

[@darklineup]

It is a bit of a maze down there, so its understandable, but you missed a lot. If you'd turned left before Millennium Station, you could have gone up an escalator that led you through a series of office buildings and hotels that take you up north. You mapped less than half of it for sure. You should walk the whole thing. Its awesome.

[@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.

[@akirebara]

I'm a Chicagoan but I've only gone through the pedway maybe twice. Both times I got lost and my phone couldnt get a signal so I gave up and went outside into the blistering cold winter. If they added more signage to know where you are going and more maps, less dingy hallway, I'd use it. But too sketchy to take a risk and be late to appointments because I got lost in the pedway again.

[@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

[@Vitobandito434]

I learned how to navigate this when I worked as a law clerk. I had to travel around delivering legal documents on foot. On rainy or cold days it was really helpful.

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

That's so cool and you don't even have to pay a ticket

[@benjaminmendenhall4497]

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

[@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! :)

[@MillywiggZ]

It’s like a backrooms theme park.

[@bimmerfan2126]

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

[@ivang97997]

I spent more than 20 years in Chicago, no matter the 80% humidity in the hot summer or -20F wind chills in the brutally cold winter, I still walked outside and never took the Pedway.

[@MrJojo2go]

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

[@mattthebassboy]

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

[@peggycarlyle6409]

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

[@sgtfluffy718]

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

[@goldviper5280]

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

[@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. 🤣

[@PapaVanTwee5]

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

[@wayne_jkl]

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!

[@elmegil]

My family and I explored the pedway a few times. One time we almost got stuck in a dead end behind a door that would have locked behind us if we hadn't been reallly damn quick to grab it before it closed. On a weekend. It would have been a LONG weekend.

[@mrmuffins951]

I once spent 15 minutes just trying to find the entrance by the Thompson Center

[@Zip-D-Dude]

The area you are standing in in the beginning of thr video was used in the film the Dark Knight. It was the scenes with the batcycle. You can recognize the stripes on the floor.

[@andyluevano]

I love my oddity fam this is the best

[@jdc1979]

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

[@Laura_G]

I worked in the Chicago downtown loop for 17 years and used the pedway all the time. After a while you get a sense of the labyrinth and which turns to take to come out on the strret or location you want. Now I work in a different part of the city but TBH the area does not have the charm, bustle and interest of the loop.

[@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

[@jquinlan]

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

[@portcybertryx222]

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

[@tjthegreates1]

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

[@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!

[@tomniedringhaus2755]

When I worked downtown Chicago, I would walk the Pedway during my lunch hour.

[@RobertsBrainIsGone]

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

[@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.

[@hermyt]

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

[@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.

[@HighHolyOne]

Before revolving doors, burly men had to open doors for people along Michigan Avenue, against the strong winds off the Lake. The revolving door was invented in Chicago to solve this problem.

[@bridgetvest7645]

Cool! Great episode folks.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Glad you enjoyed, Bridget! 😊

[@IntrepidMilo]

Come to Toronto and explore thee 3.7 Million square feet of the The Path. The under ground city of Toronto

[@OddityOdysseys]

We've had a few recent comments about this place - sounds like a great spot to check out!

[@naufrage0]

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

[@chrisw443]

I was smushed in a revolving door by a crowd on Black Friday on Michigan avenue. I am a very large guy at 6’5 thankfully i was just bruised on my shoulders and tweaked my back but it hurt like hell and i fell on the ground forcing myself out. Went to an urgent care after there was a security guard who saw this happen, sat on his ass, then when i fell didn’t move to help and an employee helped me up and checked on me. As i limped away to get help and rest the security laughed at me. So your lady here would A. Probably have a broken shoulder and B. Probably not get any help.