Agencies
Services
11111 South Forrestville Avenue
Chicago, IL 60628
773/660-2341
Open:
Site is closed for renovations. Limited tours of the Factory complex are available. Call for information. 773/660-2341.
Please click here to view the Presidential Proclamation establishing Pullman as a national monument.
View looking north toward the Pullman Car Works in 1893. From left to right: the North Wing of the Front Erecting Shops, the Clock Tower Administration Building, the South Wing of the Front Erecting Shops, the Water Tower, and the Hotel Florence.
Image Credit: Pullman State Historic Site, PF2007-005-0069
View looking north toward the Pullman Car Works today. From left to right: the North Wing of the Front Erecting Shops, the Clock Tower Administration Building, remnants of the Rear Erecting Shops, the Hotel Florence
The Pullman State Historic Site preserves surviving portions of a massive industrial complex developed by George M. Pullman to build passenger and freight railroad cars. From 1881 to 1900, the Car Works extended one and a half miles, from 104th Street to 115th Street. Today, the Pullman State Historic Site encompasses twelve acres of the Car Works grounds, the restored Clock Tower Administration Building (owned by the National Park Service), and two structures historically used for the construction of railroad cars: the North Wing of the Front Erecting Shops and the last remaining section of the Rear Erecting Shops.
The utilitarian and aesthetic architecture of the brick and limestone buildings reflected Pullman’s belief that the environment helped shape workers’ character. Pullman also built a company-owned town for Car Works employees, complete with residences, a nondenominational church, an arcade with shops and other attractions, and the Hotel Florence. Visit the Pullman State Historic Site to learn more about the people who lived in the town of Pullman and worked at the Pullman Car Works.
Visit
The Pullman Car Works grounds are open to the public from dawn until dusk. Explore twelve acres of walking paths with interpretive signs and views of historic industrial buildings. The Pullman National Historical Park Visitor Center, operated by the National Park Service, is located in the Clock Tower Administration Building at 11001 S. Cottage Grove Ave. It is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM, with rangers offering daily tours at 1pm.
By train: The Pullman State Historic Site is located steps away from the 111th Street Pullman Metra Electric (ME) stop.
By bus: Northbound and southbound CTA bus lines #4 and #115 stop at Pullman State Historic Site at Cottage Grove Avenue & 111th Street. Eastbound and westbound CTA bus line 111A stops on 111th Street at Champlain Avenue and at Cottage Grove Avenue.
By car: Vehicles can park in the lot located north of 111th Street between S Cottage Grove Avenue and S Langley Avenue.
Accessibility: The grounds of the Pullman Car Works are accessible by ramps and paved surfaces, as is the Pullman National Historical Park Visitor Center.
Map of Pullman State Historic Site
Upcoming Events
Widget or link to Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/pullman-state-historic-site-idnr-120990179952
Permits
Programs and special events that use State Historic Site grounds, all tours of more than 20 people, commercial and student filming and photography, and all fee-charging activities require advance permit application to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Accessibility Information
The Pullman State Historic Site can be reached directly by personal vehicle (including pedal-driven vehicles) and by Chicago public transportation. Visiting the Pullman State Historic Site by train is the most authentic way to arrive at Pullman.
Parking - accessible parking for personal vehicles, vans, and chartered buses is available at the Pullman Car Works parking lot. The entrance to the parking lot is on the south side of 111th Street at 610 East 111th street. The grounds and exteriors of all historic industrial structures at the Pullman Car Works are accessible by ramps and paved surfaces, as is the Pullman Administration Building, which houses the Pullman National Monument (National Park Service) Visitor Center, museum gallery, and offices.
The Hotel Florence north of 111th street, has limited street parking for personal vehicles. Public sidewalks at the corners have ramps, and the Hotel Florence offers a ramp with handrails at the southern end of the Hotel to reach the Hotel’s veranda. All doors to the Hotel Florence have ramps and push button door openers. Pullman is a vibrant residential neighborhood, so please respect residents’ parking spaces in front of their houses.
Restrooms - Accessible public restrooms are available onsite in the Pullman National Monument (National Park Service) Visitor Center and in the Hotel Florence. (The Hotel Florence currently is closed to visitors.)
Service animals are welcome at Pullman, and water is available via a drinking fountain in the Pullman National Monument Visitor Center.
Tours - Guided introductory tours of the Pullman Car Works are led by National Park Service rangers according to a set schedule or, by prior arrangement, by the State Historic Site staff for specialized interests. An average tour commonly lasts 45 minutes, but can be tailored to a visiting group’s subject of interest and preferences.
