Exactly what is "the Loop" referring to in Chicago??

Answer 1

The Elevated train ("the L") comes from all different locations like O'Hare, Midway, Oak Park, Evanston...etc...going into the city and LOOPS around the "downtown" part of Chicago and goes back out. Hence, they call that part of Chicago--THE LOOP. It is the main financial/business district of Chicago--where the bulk of people work. My husband works in the west loop area. Of course, there are all different parts of Chicago/Chicago neighborhoods...but that area is the LOOP to which is always refered to in Traffic reports....etc.

NOW--the Loop is technically DOWNTOWN. There are some restuarants, things to see and theater--definitely--in the Loop area. However, there are busier parts of Chicago--especially at night. And the further out you live...the more you use the word "downtown" loosely. For many of us, further out in Chicago, it usually means some of the more happening neighborhoods, bars, restaurants more north of the Loop. And to someone in the suburbs, going "downtown" could mean almost anywhere in Chicago! Ha Ha!

See the map for the L route.

http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/rail/rail.html

Answer 2

It's the city's elevated train line that comes into the city then does a "loop" around part of the downtown & financial area, finally leaving the city along side the track it came in on!

The Chicago Loop!

Answer 3

In chicago there is this elevated train. it runs a full loop around the city. If you are in the city you're in the loop if your out side well... your outside! Very Simple

Answer 4

Literally, it is the Loop formed by the L tracks downtown, but it really refers to the entire business district, extending beyond the boundaries of the L.
It would be South of the river, East of the River, West of Michigan Ave, and North of Congress St.
Just west of the river is considered West Loop, and South of Congress is considered the South Loop.

Answer 5

Loop south

http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/Maps/LoopSouth.html

Loop North

http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/Maps/LoopNorth.html

Answer 6

The el train goes in the shape of a loop.

Look here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Loop

Answer 7

I think its sumthin 2 do with a train

Answer 8

the transit train thing