Choose Chicago and Big Bus Tours Chicago announced on May 18 the start of a new seasonal shuttle service that will connect downtown visitors with the Obama Presidential Center and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. The initiative is set to begin operations on June 19 and run through October 18, with possible extensions depending on demand.
The new shuttle aims to increase access to South Side neighborhoods as excitement grows for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. Organizers say this investment will help bring more visitors to cultural destinations outside of downtown, strengthening tourism ties across different parts of the city.
The route includes stops at East Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue, the Obama Presidential Center, and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Tickets are priced at $10 one-way or $17 for an all-day pass, with subsidies from Choose Chicago making transportation more affordable for both residents and tourists.
“This partnership is about far more than transportation—it’s about connection,” said Kristen Reynolds, President & CEO of Choose Chicago. “As excitement builds around the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, we jumped at the opportunity to work alongside Big Bus Tours and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events to help create an affordable and accessible link between downtown Chicago and two of the South Side’s most iconic cultural destinations—the Obama Presidential Center and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. These buses will make it easier for residents and visitors from around the world to experience the richness, history, innovation, and culture of Chicago’s South Side, while helping ensure the benefits of tourism extend across our neighborhoods and communities.”
In addition to transportation services, Choose Chicago is collaborating with local partners on visitor itineraries, digital guides, and storytelling content focused on Hyde Park. The Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events Commissioner Kenya K. Merritt said: “As an epicenter of our city’s history, the South Side tells an essential part of Chicago’s story through its culture, creativity and community spirit. The Obama Presidential Center joins a legacy of rich cultural institutions, and we are proud to support initiatives that strengthen connections across Chicago and drive meaningful investment into our communities.”
John Curran from Big Bus Tours said: “We are proud to partner with Choose Chicago to launch this exciting new service. This route gives visitors an easy and memorable way to experience more of Chicago’s cultural landscape while expanding access to iconic South Side destinations aboard our signature double-decker buses.” Valerie Jarrett from The Obama Foundation added: “Visitors are going to love that this new bus service will make it so easy to get to world class cultural institutions on the South Side… especially by making it easier to access the Obama Presidential Center.” Dr. Chevy Humphrey from Griffin Museum also welcomed efforts supporting neighborhood visitation: “This service makes it easier for families, tourists, students, and residents to visit… directly supporting our mission to make science discovery accessible.”
The launch represents a significant expansion for Big Bus Tours in Chicago as their traditional routes have not previously extended beyond Museum Campus.
