Architecture at Decorators Supply
The title is just a joke. I had the rare opportunity to go on a private tour visit of the plaster-filled factory of Decorators Supply, a manufacturer of classical architectural details and significant figure in Chicago architectural history. They craft columns, pilasters, capitals, and a seemingly infinite list of ornaments out of plaster, wood, and […]
Group Urban Excursions (aka Private Tours)
2022 Update: We no longer offer public tours and have kept this post as a historical record of our role in innovating in travel and tourism. Lately we’ve been bombarded by interest in our private tours of Chicago, and it probably comes along with the surge in interest in unique experiences these days. (FYI, we […]
Not One but Two Christkindlmarkets! (Part 1)
With so much to say about Chicago’s not one but two Christkindl Markets, we are going to make this into two posts. The Christkindlmarket has officially opened in Daley Plaza, and as one of my favorite holiday activities in Chicago, I of course paid it a visit. We pass by it on our “Loop Interior […]
Answers About the Pedway
We get a lot of questions about the Chicago Pedway system our private tours of downtown. So here are some more in-depth responses. We research stories from Chicago history, architecture and culture like this while developing our live virtual tours, in-person private tours, and custom content for corporate events. You can join us to experience Chicago’s stories in-person […]
Tour Questions Answered!
The curious people who come on our interactive, guided tours of history, culture and architecture sometimes have questions. Since Chicago Detours guides don’t make up answers for our architectural tours, we mark them down and then research the answers for them. Said research is done, so consider these tour questions answered! If you’ve come on […]
The Prairie Style of Lincoln Park Zoo Architecture
Dwight H. Perkins, prairie school architect, has a number of relevant buildings located throughout Chicago, yet has traveled under the historical-radar. His most famous buildings are located in the Lincoln Park Zoo and offer an opportunity to learn more about the oldest public zoo in North America.
We Answer Tour Guest Questions About Chicago
When guests ask us questions that we cannot answer fully, we try to find answers.
Answer to your Chicago architecture questions
Answers to questions from our Loop Interior Architecture Walking Tour! What kind of stone is Chase made of? Well, I knew it was granite, but what kind of granite was the question. Pearl Gray Granite. Where did it come from? A tour guest who worked on the building in the 1960s was happy to research […]
Chicago Detours Answers Questions
Chicago Detours treats our exploration of the city as an interactive, educational experience. We want to encourage your curiosity so we welcome questions. During my several years of working as a tour guide people have jokingly asked me if I ever make up answers. I’ve certainly eavesdropped on other guides with wild imaginations and an […]
Chicago Tour Company Cheers to our New Website
Note: Our current website was built by the Langley Group. This dynamic website, designed by Studio of the Month, will help us fulfill our mission to share Chicago history and culture through our public walking tours and private tour programs. Many exciting developments are happening with Chicago’s newest tour company, which just launched this past […]