What is the Chicago Loop? Location, History & Things to See

The Chicago Loop is the second-largest business district in North America, after Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, and one of the most famed areas in the entire city. Not only does the Loop serve as the city’s business hub, but it’s home to the legendary downtown district. So whether you’re looking for a great shopping spot or iconic landmarks, you’re bound to find yourself in the area, so why not get to know the Loop like a local?

The Loop at a Glance

Where is the Loop in Chicago?

First, where is the Loop in Chicago? The Loop sits in the heart of downtown, with the Chicago River to the north and west, Ida B. Wells Drive (formerly Congress Parkway) to the south, and Lake Michigan to the east. It’s a compact area, just 1.58 square miles, but it packs in everything from Millennium Park to the Chicago Riverwalk.

If you’re mailing a postcard, the Loop covers ZIP codes 60601, 60602, 60603, and 60604, plus parts of 60605, 60606, 60607, and 60616. It also doubles as Chicago’s financial district, home to LaSalle Street, sometimes called Chicago’s Wall Street, along with major banks, law firms, and corporate headquarters.

Why Do They Call it “The Loop” in Chicago?

Now that you’ve got your bearings, just why do they call it “The Loop” in Chicago? The name likely traces back to a cable-car line that circled downtown Chicago in the 1880s. It stuck for good after the Chicago Union Elevated Railway, the “L,” was completed in 1897, forming a loop around Lake Street, Wabash Avenue, Van Buren Street, and Wells Street. That original loop is a smaller area than the broader neighborhood described above, but the name eventually grew to describe the whole downtown district. Today, the Orange, Green, Purple, Brown, and Pink lines all run through it, so many tourists like to ride the Loop as a quick and easy way to get a glimpse of the city from up high. Just hop off when you’re ready to explore!

What Can I See in the Loop?

You’ve got your Ventra ticket in hand and you’ve got an afternoon of sightseeing, so where should you go to experience the very best of the Chicago Loop?

• Willis Tower is a 110-story, 1,450-foot skyscraper and the third-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Not only is it home to around 100 different companies, but visitors can also take advantage of the 103rd-floor glass viewing platform called The Ledge.
• The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most visited art museums in the country, home to an internationally renowned collection that includes Impressionist, American, and contemporary works.
• The Chicago Theatre District is the second-largest concentration of theaters in the U.S. after Broadway, with venues hosting everything from touring Broadway productions to long-running Chicago originals.
• The Chicago Riverwalk is a pedestrian waterfront with restaurants, boat rentals, pathways, and an impeccable view of the Chicago River.
• Maggie Daley Park is packed with outdoor adventures like the ice skating ribbon and rock climbing walls, as well as a cafe space and picnic seating.
• Millennium Park is a public park known for attractions like Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and the outdoor Pritzker Pavilion. It’s also the home of the Cloud Gate, known to many as “The Bean.”

Explore the Chicago Loop with Skydeck

You’ve learned a lot about the Chicago Loop, so why not plan a day trip? If you want a one-of-a-kind view of the entire city, start planning your visit to Skydeck. Not only will you get an incredible view of the Chicago skyline, but you can even see four states in the distance from the viewing deck!

Preguntas frecuentes

What Is Downtown Chicago Called?

Downtown Chicago’s central business district is called the Loop. The name comes from the elevated L train, and over time it grew to describe the broader downtown area rather than just the train tracks themselves.

What Is Considered the Loop in Chicago?

It depends who you ask. Strictly speaking, the Loop is the small area encircled by the L train tracks. Most people use it more broadly, though, to mean the whole downtown business district bounded by the river, Ida B. Wells Drive, and the lake, home to Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, and Willis Tower.

What ZIP Code Is the Chicago Loop?

The Loop’s core ZIP codes are 60601, 60602, 60603, and 60604, with parts of 60605, 60606, 60607, and 60616 also falling within its boundaries.

Is the Loop the Same as Downtown Chicago?

Mostly, yes. “The Loop” and “downtown Chicago” are often used interchangeably, though downtown technically includes a few surrounding areas, like River North and the South Loop, that fall just outside the Loop’s official boundaries.