Designing a University of Chicago Tour
Special for the University of Chicago, we’ve just developed a new tour of the University of Chicago campus and surrounding neighborhoods. The University of Chicago hired us to offer this tour for “Family Weekend,” when parents, siblings and grandparents of undergraduate students come to Hyde Park to learn more about the student experience. While the […]
Choosing Boat Tours in Chicago
As summer winds to a close this Labor Day weekend, we can still take advantage of the many boat tours of Chicago. Chicago is bursting with boat tour options, all that can be a fun way to experience Chicago architecture. To help you out as you plan a boat tour with family and friends, I […]
Designing an 1893 World’s Fair Tour Unlike Any Other
Our new 1893 World’s Fair Tour with Bars launches on March 16th. This walking tour is a three-hour-long adventure featuring charming pre-1900s buildings, drinks, some light snacks, and games. Guests learn the history of popcorn while snacking on the Chicago-made Cretors brand. We ride in one of the last passenger elevators with a human operator. The tour looks […]
The History of Four Chicago Lighthouses
When one thinks of architecture in Chicago, lighthouses might not come to mind. But Chicago, long a preeminent American port, has an extended history with these vital, vertical structures. 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 […]
Walking Tours of Chicago Questions Answered
We give walking tours of Chicago almost daily to locals and tourists alike. One of the many perks of my job as a tour guide is meeting so many curious people. Encouraging questions as much as we do means getting stumped every once in a while. Here are answers to some of those questions. Is […]
UIC Campus History: Part 1
Walking on the manicured lawns of the UIC campus, it’s easy to forget that this venue for higher education was not always here. Before I dig into to Brutalist architecture in Part 2, let’s talk about UIC campus history and this Chicago neighborhood. From the early 1900s through the 1960s, the area between Halsted, Roosevelt, […]
Visit the Chicago Neighborhood of Andersonville
Andersonville is a Chicago neighborhood with a small-town feel. The neighborhood has everything you need–bakeries, theaters, bars, grocery stores, a gym, a church, and even a taxidermy store–all within walking distance! Many of these amenities are located in historic buildings, which just makes things more exciting. Of course, it’s that historic architecture which I’d like to […]
Chicago Blues Fest and a Bus Tour
As Chicago gears up for Blues Fest this weekend, we at Chicago Detours are preparing to celebrate the musical history of Chicago with our Jazz, Blues & Beyond tour, held this Saturday, June 8, 10:30am-1:00pm. This bus tour explores neighborhoods north to south and details Chicago blues and jazz’s roles in our cultural heritage. Jazz, […]
The Who, What, and Why of Our Nonsensical Downtown Walk
Last Friday Chicago Detours held a one-off event called “A Nonsensical Walk of Indoor Spaces.” A lot of planning and preparation went into this particular nonsensical downtown walk two-hour rush through downtown Chicago. Here is a review of this special event and a replay of some of the memorable moments. What’s a Nonsensical Downtown Walk? We started […]
What To Do in Chicago at Christmas
Chicago at Christmas has a magical atmosphere with the holiday lights and people bustling by on the sidewalks. There is no lack of fun holiday events and activities that are great for family visiting from out of town. Here are a few ideas of things to do from Christmas through the end of December. The […]