Stroller-friendly Pedway shortcuts

Millennium Garages, which consists of four vast underground parking lots beneath Grant Park and Millennium Park, has more to offer than just a dry place to put your car. Equipped with elevators and ramps, the underground structure at Randolph St. and Columbus Dr. provides accessible connections and shortcuts from New Eastside to some popular destinations.

New Eastside residents heading to the Art Institute on a particularly cold or rainy day, stroller-pushing or otherwise, can take the elevator on Upper Randolph (across the street from The Buckingham) down to the Millennium Garages.

There is another elevator in the heated and enclosed garage that connects to Monroe Street at the south end of Millennium Park, directly across the street from the entrance to the Art Institute.

If you’re Loop-bound and wanting to avoid the elements, you can take the elevator at Harris Theater — which serves the Millennium Garages — and connect to the Pedway at Lower Randolph via the Metra Station (South Shore Line at Millennium Station). After passing through on the train station platform, you will be welcomed by glass doors that open to the Pedway. You’ll find a secret, bustling urban community with shops, restaurants and CTA access. The Cultural Center, Macy’s and Block 37 are just a few of the popular destinations in this portion of the Pedway.

New Eastside resident and regular Pedway user Janice Dantes points out that, “The door- holding is tricky,” when navigating with a stroller. “But it’s not impossible and occasionally a kind stranger will lend a hand,” she says.

“One thing I wish they had is an elevator from the Prudential Building to the Metra Station,” she adds. “This would make getting to Macy’s much easier.”

If you’re eager to try out these convenient routes for yourself, grab a friend and head out to explore. You’ll probably uncover some Pedway secrets of your own.