On occasion the interactive virtual tours and events that we always offer for corporate and university groups can be booked by the general public. This way, everyone can join a virtual journey with us!Â
These virtual events are great to invite a friend or family member from afar to join you. You can easily invite them from our Facebook Events Page, too.
We are accepting enrollment for our new Four-Part Architecture Crash Course Series. You can book the whole 4-part series or individual programs that interest you the most.
VIRTUAL TOURS & EVENTS
BADASS WOMEN OF HISTORY
Learn about the diverse women whose stories resonate with us today. Included are a daredevil pilot, a trailblazing sculptor, and a fierce labor union leader. You’ll experience historic photos, contemporary artwork, live narration and a creative collaboration. Our Badass Women Journal mailed direct to your home augments the experience!
Take a quick study of Chicago’s most renowned feature. This series of live virtual presentations outlines the human impact on the city’s architecture, from grand commercial structures to humble neighborhood dwellings.Â
Fridays at 5:30pm CT, beginning Feb 19
Seminars include:Â
One-hour live presentations on Zoom.
Live Q&A with host Alex or Amanda.
book the series
Book all four and save 25%, plus get EXTRAS!
TOTAL PRICE: $65 individual, $95 household (up to 4 people/device)
Extras for the virtual series are a curated reading list, and four additional weeks of access to the recordings.
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.”