PEDWAY

The Pedway is largely an underground pedestrian walkway (and 2 short skywalks) connecting many of the buildings downtown. It connects 40 blocks downtown, is almost 5 miles long and is a great way to get around on a hot, cold or rainy day. It is also worth exploring any day as there is a lot to see along the way. I encourage you to take some time to explore the Pedway and come up from time-to-tome to see where you are and what’s around to see for FREE.
 
The Pedway is connected to a department store, government offices, office buildings, hotels and condos just to name a few. You can print a Pedway Map  or watch for the logo on the buildings around town for those that are connected to the Pedway.  You will see the Pedway is not continuous and keep in mind some sections of the Pedway are closed on weekends and at night.

 
 
The Pedway connects to 2 of the CTA subway lines. The Blue Line that runs to O’Hare and the Red Line running north and south.
 
There are a few stops you should make along the way. First is Chicago Cultural Center (see 1-8-2016 post). Another is Millennium Park (see 1-15-2016 post). Also come up at the Daley Building. On the plaza in front of the building you will see the Picasso sculpture (one of the Chicago Stories talking art), enjoy a noon concert or wander the Thursday farmers market during the summer. 
 
Nearby is the State of Illinois Building/James Thompson Building. Its interior is worth the stop. Finally, part of the Pedway ends at Chase Bank. On the plaza is the Marc Chagall mosaic, a lovely fountain and plaza.
 
Also along the way you will see the Pedway hooks up with Macy’s Department store on State Street. There you can see the largest Tiffany mosaic ceiling in the world (look up in the cosmetics department on the first floor or for a closer look go to the 5th floor) and the Chicago skyline made of chocolate (on the 7th floor near the Walnut Room).  In the Pedway just outside the lower level of Macy’s department store is a display of stained glass
 
 
At the METRA and South Shore train depot one of the scenes from the Batman movie was shot. The Joker (Keith Ledger) drives a motorcycle through the station.
 
It’s not free, but along the way you can get: a hair cut at a barber shop, a mani-pedi and facial at a salon, a prescription filled at a drug store, your driver’s license renewed,  your watch repaired, a key duplicated You can also buy a gift, stop for something to eat and drink at one of numerous dining establishments, go shopping, join a health club, rent a room at a hotel,

So take a stroll through the Pedway and see what you can find.

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information.
 
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If you know of a free event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com
 
Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com
 
Until then I hope to see you in Chicago!

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