Why do they call Downtown Chicago the Loop?

The “L” system loop remains the same today, consisting of the Brown, Orange, Green, Pink, and Purple lines, and because of that, it's the most common answer people give when asked about the origins of the Loop name. read more

The Loop is named for the area downtown bordered by the elevated tracks - the L. This includes the financial district, many skyscrapers and retail giants. The commonly considered borders are wider and include Michigan Ave on the east, Congress Parkway on the south, Wacker drive on the north and the Chicago River on the west. read more

The name, however, predates the elevated loop, coming from a streetcar loop in 1882. Currently, most residents probably consider it to be the area bounded by the Chicago River on the north and west sides, Congress Parkway to the South, and Columbus Drive to the east. read more

The Loop, along with the rest of downtown Chicago, is the second largest commercial business district in the United States, after New York City's Midtown Manhattan. Its financial district near LaSalle Street is home to the CME Group's Chicago Board of Trade and Chicago Mercantile Exchange. read more