Virtual Events

Learn and have fun

We work with conferences, corporate groups, and universities to uplift meetings and inspire connections.

Our private virtual events are curated to bring your team to explore and learn together. Your virtual event guests will hear the stories across time of people, places and ideas with national influence. 

Virtual events include interactive elements, like games or creative challenges. You can try out one of our public virtual tours this winter! 

And absolutely, our events appeal to both Chicago locals and those who have never even been to the Midwest! We work with groups from 5-500 guests. 

Our virtual experiences will build trust among your team members and encourage innovative thinking.

WHAT'S A VIRTUAL EVENT WITH CHICAGO DETOURS?

Held via virtual conference platform.

Hear stories across time of people, places and buildings from a live, expert event host.

Gaze at 360-degree images, historic photos and illustrations.

interactivity icon

Compete and collaborate with colleagues with quick games and creative challenges.

WANT TO TRY A PRIVATE VIRTUAL TOUR WITH US?

We can send you a sample video if you'd like! 

Request more info

Curated private virtual events

Choose from these live, virtual events. They can be 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length. Your team will have fun, learn and interact. If you want an event beyond the options here, explore our custom content production services.

Choose from these live, virtual events. They can be 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length. Your team will have fun, learn and interact. 

Cruise from your couch Virtual Boat Tour

Experience the surprising stories and hidden history behind the striking architecture along the Chicago River. You'll virtually travel via 360-degree-images.
Get a quote!

Badass women of history

This thoughtfully designed, interactive event celebrates six diverse women who forged their own paths. We use their stories to reflect on how women’s history impacts us today and get inspired for 2022. Give some awesome swag with our Badass Women Journal!
Get a quote!

A deep slice of Chicago Food History

Learn about how the diverse people of the city have contributed to everyday foods like Twinkies and hot dogs to exceptional Michelin-starred meals. You'll drool over foodie images from top Instagrammers. Upgrade to send deep-dish pizza to your guests to anywhere in the US!
Get a quote!

Choose from two 1893's World Fair Virtual Tours

Two options explore Chicago's most famous historical event with incredible historical illustrations, maps, and photos. "DAY AT THE 1893 WORLD'S FAIR" is more experiential and passive. "INNOVATIONS AT THE 1893 WORLD'S FAIR" inspires new ideas and is more interactive.
Get a quote!
This was a really good team bonding experience - a fun way to get to know each other.
Lindsay
ZS Associates

what happens when you're READY TO BOOK?

Choose

We can help you choose the best virtual event for your group’s interests.

Customize

We tailor the virtual event to fit your company culture and fulfill your event strategy.

Connect

Be ready to learn and have fun! Our virtual events drive engagement and spark creativity.

Start the conversation

ready to book a virtual event?

Book an event!

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Ellen

Private Tour Coordinator and Tour Guide

There is no shortage of things to discover in Chicago—I love being an urban explorer and uncovering its hidden places. I have an MA in Public History from Loyola University Chicago, and I have worked as a museum educator and kindergarten teacher. My desire to learn new things fuels my passion for educating others, which I get to experience every day as a Chicago tour guide. I live in the northern neighborhood of Rogers Park.

“Our guide Ellen was exceptional and gifted with a great personal touch.”
Robert
GetYourGuide

Jen

Tour Guide

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, the vibrant history and modern majesty of Chicago never ceases to amaze. I’m a graduate of Columbia College with an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Art. I’ve worked for many years as an educator at City Colleges of Chicago. As tour guide at Chicago Detours, I integrate my enthusiasm for culture and architecture with my passion as an educator. West Town/Noble Square area is home for me.

“Jen was a perfect storyteller and kept us spellbound for hours.”
Heather
TripAdvisor

Elyse

Tour Guide

With our Chicago neighborhoods, vibrant cultural institutions and nearly two centuries of larger-than-life stories, there’s never a dull moment here! I’m a fifth generation Chicagoan and a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. In addition to guiding tours, I’m a creative writer and amateur genealogist. I also enjoy the city’s dynamic theater scene. You can also read overlooked stories from 19th-century newspapers on my “Second Glance History” blog. I live in River North.

Anthony

Tour Guide

Chicago is unique as it always evolves into the future while holding on to the past. I’m fascinated by how people latch on to old architecture but happily pave over others. My background is in theater and performance and I’ve been a tour guide here for more than 10 years. Currently I’m finishing my Master’s in Public History at Loyola University because I love to teach the history of this scrappy city. I’m in the Edgewater neighborhood.

Marie

Operations Coordinator and Tour Guide

Chicago’s history is so fascinating, you could spend a lifetime uncovering its secrets…I’m willing to give it a try! I have an M.A. in US History from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and then pursued doctoral studies in Urban History at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I love to learn new aspects of Chicago’s rich history and then share my knowledge as a tour guide with Chicago Detours. I live in Ravenswood.

“Marie was a bubbling fountain of information and contagious enthusiasm.”
Lorit
TripAdvisor

Sonny

Operations Coordinator and Tour Guide

As a fourth generation Chicagoan, I have been living and loving Chicago by bike, on foot, public transit or automobile. I am a graduate of UIC where through the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, began my eagerness to understand the nature, history and impacts of urban planning and development. It is incredibly rewarding to give back to this wonderful city by helping out in the office of Chicago Detours. I live in the incredibly diverse neighborhood of Albany Park.
“Sonny was extremely knowledgeable about all things Chi-town.”
Wade K
TripAdvisor

Alex

Content Manager and Tour Guide

Chicago has so many neighborhoods, buildings, and by-ways that it’s hard to go long without seeing something new, or something familiar from a new angle. I studied Cinema History for my M.A. from the University of Chicago. I’ve worked as a culture writer for various publications and as an educator of the humanities at the City Colleges of Chicago. I’m thrilled to share my love of this city’s busy past and unique architectural spaces with Chicago Detours. I live in the Chicago neighborhood of Lincoln Park.

“Alex was fascinating to listen to. He clearly knows his history and it shows.”
Katie K
Yelp

Amanda Scotese

Executive Director and Tour Guide

I’m an interpreter of personal stories from the past and the city’s landscape. I love to imagine what originally happened inside old unmarked buildings, and what forces have shaped their design. I studied Chicago history, architectural history, and anything Chicago-related through my M.A. in the Humanities at the University of Chicago. My love for stories was enriched by my B.A. in Literature from the University of Michigan. I’ve written travel articles for publications like Rick Steves’ Italy best-selling travel guides, the San Francisco Bay Guardian, and The Chicago Food Encyclopedia. I live in the Chicago neighborhood of West Avondale.
“You can TELL Amanda is hyper-passionate about doing the research and getting the story that nobody’s heard before.”
Shelby F
Yelp

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