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Underground Chicago
(Plus Rats!) Tour
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Tour Description
One of the fantastic things about Chicago’s downtown is its underside consisting of hidden streets, train stations, and pedestrian tunnels. It’s filled with innovative and interesting design features you won’t find in any other city, and much of it has its roots from more than a century ago!
Do you know who appreciates Chicago’s underbelly? Rats! These fascinating creatures have a lot in common with Chicago: they’re scrappy, they’re adaptable, they’re resilient, and their fates are thoroughly interconnected.
Underground Chicago (Plus Rats!) is a fun, one-of-a-kind tour experience where you’ll explore an underground labyrinth discovering features people rarely notice and the stories behind them. Along the way, you’ll hear lots of surprising RAT FACTS that will likely give you a new appreciation for these critters. Your ticket price includes a pass to get into a CTA train station.
Important notes: Although many rats call Chicago’s underside home and we will see signs of them, it is unlikely we will spot many scurrying about on the tour. The rodents are more active after sunset, so a bunch of visual aids will be available to help supplement the RAT FACTS. Also note that some of the areas we will be strolling through are gross (you won’t need to touch anything), so if you are squeamish from filthy sights and smells, this probably is not a good tour for you.
I hope you can join for this unique tour experience showcasing Chicago’s infrastructure and urban wildlife! 🐀
Tour Details
Start Time
Public tours are available most Saturdays at 10:00 am through November 19, they switch to 1:00 pm on Saturdays starting November 26, and there are some additional offerings on the schedule. You can alternatively book a private tour anytime you want.
Duration
90 minutes
Starting Point
Outside of the Ulta on the Magnificent Mile (430 N Michigan Avenue)
Ending Point
Inside the Red Line’s Monroe Station
Walking Distance
Approximately 1.2 miles (2.2 kilometers)
Accessibility
Stairs are required a few times throughout the tour, and a wheelchair-accessible route unfortunately is not available due to navigating underground infrastructure dating back to around a century ago.
Price
$30 per ticket
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the tour guide?
Mike McMains creates and delivers all Tours With Mike experiences, so you know you are getting a professional, passionate guide.
Are we going to see rats running around?
We will see signs of rats, but it is unlikely we will see any scurrying around during the tour, because they are usually resting indoors at that time. Visual aids will be made available to help illustrate the rat stories shared on the tour.
How do I find Mike?
He will be at the aforementioned starting point wearing a Tours With Mike polo, hat, or some other type of branded attire or accessory.
Do we go inside buildings?
This tour will almost entirely be through underground streets, subway train stations, and pedestrian tunnels.
Since we are entering train stations, is there an additional cost for entering it?
Your ticket price includes a pass to get into a CTA station.
Are dogs allowed on the tour?
Since we go inside the pedestrian tunnels and train station, dogs unfortunately are not allowed on the tour.
Is there a restroom stop on the tour route?
Tourees are encouraged to stop at the restroom before the tour begins. The tour starts just north of the Wrigley Building, and there are options there for a public restroom, including Walgreen’s, Peet’s Coffee, and Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. A restroom stop can be made available during the tour upon request.
Can I buy my ticket in-person immediately before the start of the tour?
Tickets need to be purchased through this website in advance, because capacity is limited.
What is the cancellation/refund policy?
Tickets are fully refundable with at least 48 hours notice. Refund instructions are provided in the confirmation email.
What if it is raining?
Rain has very little impact on this tour, since it almost entirely takes place underground.
Are there any COVID-19 considerations in-place?
All tours follow guidelines laid out by the State of Illinois’s and City of Chicago’s health departments. Currently masks and proof of vaccination are not required. Your tour guide, Mike, has been fully vaccinated and boosted.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Absolutely! You can book this as a private walking tour for up to 15 people. The cellular signal is not reliable in all of the underground areas along the tour route, so it is not available as a virtual tour. There is more information here.