Pullman National Historical Park, Wabash Valley Travel Guide

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Discover the captivating story of America's first planned industrial town at Pullman National Historical Park in Chicago.

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Pullman National Historical Park

Explore Pullman National Historical Park, Chicago's first National Park Service unit, and discover the fascinating story of America's first planned industrial community. Visit the Administration Clock Tower Building, take a ranger-led tour, and delve into the history of the Pullman Company, its workers, and the significant labor movements that shaped the nation.

A brief summary to Pullman National Historical Park

610 E 111th St, Chicago, Pullman, Illinois, 60628, US
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pullman National Historical Park.

Start your visit at the Administration Clock Tower Building Visitor Center to get an overview of the park and its history.
Take a ranger-led tour to learn about the key sites and stories of the Pullman community.
Check the park's calendar for special programs and events throughout the year.
Visit the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum to learn about the contributions of African American railroad workers.

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Explore Pullman National Historical Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Pullman National Historical Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Pullman National Historical Park via public transportation, take the Metra Electric Line from downtown Chicago to the 111th Street-Pullman Station. The train ride takes approximately 30-40 minutes. From the station, walk east to Cottage Grove Avenue, cross the street, and walk south one block to 112th Street. The Visitor Center will be on your left. A one-way Metra ticket from downtown Chicago costs approximately $3.75.
Driving

If driving from downtown Chicago, take I-94 East (Dan Ryan and Bishop Ford expressways). After 95th Street, stay in the left lane and follow the Bishop Ford toward Indiana. Exit at 111th Street (#66A). Go west on 111th Street to Cottage Grove Avenue, turn left (south) on Cottage Grove. Continue one block south to 112th Street, then turn left into the Pullman Exhibit Hall parking lot. Parking is free in the lot next to the Visitor Center. Do not drive through the historic stone worker's gate entrance.
CTA Bus

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) also provides bus service to Pullman National Historical Park. Route #115 runs along Cottage Grove Avenue and stops at 11000 S. Cottage Grove, across from the Administration-Clock Tower Visitor Center. Additionally, Route #4 stops at the corner of 111th and Cottage Grove, where the Pullman National Historical Park Visitor Center is located. The bus fare is $2.25 per ride.

Discover more about Pullman National Historical Park

Pullman National Historical Park, located in Chicago, Illinois, offers a unique glimpse into America's industrial past. Designated as a National Monument in 2015 by President Barack Obama and redesignated a National Historical Park in 2022, it preserves the site of the former Pullman Palace Car Company and the surrounding town, which was the first planned industrial community in the United States.Founded by George Pullman in 1880, the town was designed to attract skilled workers to his company, which manufactured railroad sleeping cars. The district showcases the influence of urban planning and design of the time, as well as its role in American labor history, including the 1894 Pullman Strike and Boycott. The park includes the former Pullman Palace Car Works shops and administration building, the Hotel Florence (named after George Pullman's eldest child), Arcade Park, and the Greenstone Church.Visitors can start their exploration at the Administration Clock Tower Building Visitor Center, where park staff and volunteers offer information and guidance. Daily ranger-led tours provide insights into the history of the town and its significance. The park also features exhibits and artifacts related to the Pullman Company, its workers, and the labor movements that took place here. Don't miss the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, which recognizes and explores African American labor history.Pullman National Historical Park is more than just a collection of historic buildings; it's a place where the stories of industry, labor, and community come to life.