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Pullman National Historical Park, Western Illinois Travel Guide

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Explore Pullman National Historical Park: Where industry, labor, and urban design history come alive in Chicago's only National Park!

Explore Pullman National Historical Park, the first planned industrial community in the U.S., established in the 1880s by George Pullman to house workers for his Pullman Palace Car Company. Today, visitors can tour the historic district, including the Administration Clock Tower Building, Hotel Florence, and the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, and learn about the town's impact on urban planning, labor history, and civil rights.

A brief summary to Pullman National Historical Park

  • 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
Eve
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 for an overview of the park's history and to pick up maps and information.
  • Check the park's calendar for ranger-led tours and special events, which offer deeper insights into Pullman's history.
  • Visit the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum to learn about the contributions of African American workers to the Pullman Company and the labor movement.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the park encompasses a historic neighborhood with several sites to explore.
  • There are limited dining options within the park, so plan accordingly.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Chicago, the Metra Electric Line offers a convenient way to reach Pullman National Historical Park. Trains depart from Millennium Station and Van Buren Street Station. Take the Metra Electric Line to the 111th Street-Pullman station, which is closest to the Visitor Center. After arriving at the station, walk east to Cottage Grove Avenue, cross the street, and walk north one block to the Administration Clock Tower Building. Metra fares vary based on distance traveled; a one-way ticket from downtown Chicago to the 111th Street-Pullman station typically costs $2 to $6. Check the Metra website or app for schedules and ticket information.

  • Public Transport

    The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) also provides bus service to Pullman National Historical Park. Several bus routes serve the area, including the #111 and #115. Route #115 runs along Cottage Grove Avenue and stops near the Administration Clock Tower Visitor Center. From downtown, you can take the CTA Red Line to connect to the #115 bus line. CTA bus fares are $2.25 per ride, with free transfers within two hours. You can pay with a Ventra card or contactless payment.

  • Driving

    If driving from downtown Chicago, take I-94 East (Dan Ryan Expressway). After 95th Street, stay left and take the Bishop Ford Expressway toward Indiana. Exit at 111th Street (#66A). Go west on 111th Street and turn right into the Visitor Center parking lot. The parking lot entrance is on 111th Street, next to the visitor center. Parking is free. Note: Do not drive through the historic stone worker's gate entrance.

Discover more about Pullman National Historical Park

Pullman National Historical Park, located on Chicago's far South Side, offers a unique window into American industrial and social history. Founded in the 1880s by George Pullman, the town was designed as a self-contained community for the workers of his Pullman Palace Car Company, who manufactured luxury railroad sleeping cars. Pullman aimed to create a utopian environment that would ensure a productive and loyal workforce, but the town became a focal point for labor unrest and reform. Today, the park encompasses several key historic buildings and sites. Start your visit at the Administration Clock Tower Building, which houses the visitor center and offers exhibits about the town's history and significance. Explore the grounds and see the Hotel Florence, named after George Pullman's daughter, and the Greenstone Church.A visit to the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum is essential for understanding the role of African American laborers in the Pullman Company and the broader labor movement. The museum highlights the story of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first African American labor union, founded in 1925 by A. Philip Randolph.Pullman National Historical Park provides a multifaceted experience, blending architectural grandeur with poignant stories of industry, labor, and community.
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