Al Capone's Hidden Tunnels In Chicago

Chicago’s underground tunnels are real, but the story that Al Capone built or personally used most of them is more legend than documented fact. What is documented is a network of service corridors originally constructed for coal and freight, which were later used opportunistically during Prohibition. These tunnels may have been used as escape routes, smuggling paths, and secret meeting spots during the Prohibition era.

The Mystery of Al Capone's Hidden Tunnels

Chicago holds many secrets beneath its streets. Among these are the hidden tunnels often linked to Al Capone. Historians and documentary evidence do not clearly confirm Capone personally used specific tunnels or that they were built for bootlegging; much of the more dramatic story is described as myth. The tunnels were mainly coal, freight, and building-service tunnels later used opportunistically during Prohibition. Let's explore some of these locations.

1. The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, in Uptown, is a jazz club with a storied past. During the 1920s, it was a haunt of Al Capone. Beneath the club lies a network of tunnels that, according to local lore, Capone may have used to evade law enforcement.

Location: 4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Fun Fact: The tunnels connected to nearby buildings and were originally used for coal and freight delivery.

2. The Lexington Hotel

Once a luxurious hotel, the Lexington Hotel became one of Capone's headquarters. The basement was rumored to house a maze of tunnels and secret passages, but a 1986 excavation found nothing of value.

Location: 2135 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Fun Fact: The tunnels were discovered during renovations in the 1980s.

3. The Congress Plaza Hotel

The Congress Plaza Hotel, another of Capone's spots, also had hidden tunnels. These tunnels connected the hotel to nearby buildings, allowing Capone to move undetected.

Location: 520 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Fun Fact: The hotel is rumored to be haunted, adding to its mystique.

4. The Exchequer Restaurant & Pub

This restaurant, once a speakeasy, has a basement with tunnels that local lore claims were used for smuggling alcohol during Prohibition. Capone was known to frequent this establishment.

Location: 226 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60604
Fun Fact: The tunnels are still visible today and can be toured.

5. The Old Chicago Post Office

The Old Chicago Post Office, now a commercial building, has a basement with tunnels that some believe Capone used for his operations.

Location: 433 W Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60607
Fun Fact: The building was once the largest post office in the world.

6. The Drake Hotel

The Drake Hotel, a historic luxury hotel, is rumored to have had hidden tunnels that Capone may have used to transport illegal goods and evade capture.

Location: 140 E Walton Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
Fun Fact: The hotel has hosted many famous guests, including royalty and celebrities.

7. The Biograph Theater

The Biograph Theater, famous for being the site of John Dillinger's death, also had tunnels used by Capone. These tunnels provided a quick escape route from the theater.

Location: 2433 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Fun Fact: The theater is now a historic landmark and still operates today.

8. The South Side Brewery

This brewery, in the South Side of Chicago, had tunnels that were used for smuggling alcohol. Capone was known to have connections with the brewery's owners.

Location: 1234 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Fun Fact: The brewery is now a popular tourist attraction.

9. The Chicago Board of Trade Building

The Chicago Board of Trade Building, a historic skyscraper, is rumored to have had tunnels that Capone used for his operations.

Location: 141 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Fun Fact: The building is an architectural marvel and a symbol of Chicago's financial district.

10. The Medinah Athletic Club

The Medinah Athletic Club, now the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, is rumored to have had tunnels that Capone used for his clandestine activities.

Location: 505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Fun Fact: The building's architecture is inspired by ancient Egyptian and Greek styles.

Discovering History Beneath the Streets

Exploring Al Capone's hidden tunnels in Chicago offers a glimpse into the city's past. These underground passages, once used for smuggling and escape routes, tell stories of a time when Prohibition ruled. Walking through these tunnels, you can almost hear the whispers of the past and feel the tension of those days. It's a way to connect with history and understand the lengths people went to during that era.

Visiting these tunnels isn't just about seeing old bricks and mortar. It's about experiencing a piece of Chicago's history that shaped its identity. Whether you're a history buff or just curious, these tunnels provide an adventure. So next time you're in Chicago, take a step underground and uncover the secrets that lie beneath the streets.