Pullman State Historic Site, Illinois State Museum and Historic Sites at Open House Chicago

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 Pullman 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 207-acre Pullman neighborhood was designated a National Monument by President Obama in 2015 and a National Historical Park by Congress in 2022. Pullman State Historic Site staff will offer visitors a rare glimpse inside the remaining walls of the Rear Erecting Shops. Guides will connect the past and present by providing historical context, explaining current restoration efforts, and facilitating interactive activities for visitors to learn more about the work of historic industrial archeology. Visitors must wear hard-soled, closed-toe footwear; hard hats will be provided. New in 2026: Historic Industrial Archaeology at the Pullman Car Works. Current and recent historic industrial archaeology work will be featured, including activities for families. Curator-led tours will begin at the east entry plaza of the Pullman State Historic Site parking lot.