Me-Orange

Michelle

Patzlaff

8 years of experience
Minneapolis, MN
United States of America (USA)

Contact Options

“Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures.”

About

My entire life has been a pursuit of knowledge of history, combined with an eagerness to share this information with others. I’m interested in geographical and social history – what happened in specific locations and in the lives of the people who lived there. I’ve always had an intense curiosity for what’s ‘out there’.

As a child I was immediately drawn to history which led to interest in world cultures; the desire to travel to see places and things from times past, and the people who now live there; and an interest in languages to better understand the culture and to interact with the people. At university I studied history, geography, and German, and as an adult I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively to satisfy my curiosity and to deepen my knowledge and understanding.

I spend a lot of time traveling alone, reveling in walking for hours around extraordinary locations with a guidebook and camera, absorbing history, and starting conversations with various people I encounter (many of whom became friends).

Throughout my 20+ years in the travel industry I encountered thousands of clients and guests who sought similar experiences. As a Tour Director and Guide I’m thriving as I tirelessly and energetically share my enthusiasm for experiential and educational travel with students and adults alike.

Tour Directing allows me to continue learning and connecting with travelers. Creating and sharing memorable experiences for others brings me immense joy and gives my life purpose. My goal to inspire others to travel, to engage with the world, and to live a great story is realized through my profession and I couldn’t be happier.

Access my live availability calendar here:  https://tinyurl.com/michelleavailability

Tours Offered & Destination Knowledge

Bus ToursCultural/Specialty ToursExperience HostFood & Drink ToursGeneral Walking ToursLarge Group ToursLocal GuideMulti-Day Tour Director/LeaderPrivate ToursStudent Tour Director

Destination / Itinerary Experience

  • Washington DC
  • Boston
  • New York City
  • Philadelphia
  • Minneapolis-Saint Paul
  • New England Fall Foliage
  • Eastern Canada (Niagara Falls, Toronto, Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa)
  • Gettysburg & Civil War Battlefields
  • Jamestown & Colonial Williamsburg
  • Lancaster & Amish Country
  • Historic South (Charleston, Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, Savannah Jekyll Island, St Simons Island)

Proficient Destination Knowledge

  • London / Great Britain
  • Reykjavik / Iceland
  • Rome, Florence, Venice
  • Ireland & Northern Ireland
  • Isle of Man
  • Black Hills, SD
  • Israel
  • North Wales

Fam Tours / Trainings

  • New York City - TripSchool & EF Explore America
  • Chester, Manchester, North Wales - Visit Britain
  • Reykjavik, Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon - British Booking Center & GJ Travel
  • Gettysburg, Baltimore, Dallas - IATDG
  • Las Vegas - MLT Vacations
  • Walt Disney World Resort - Disney Experiences

Tour Types

  • Student
  • Adult
  • Sightseeing
  • STEM
  • Food, Brewery, Distillery, Cidery, Winery
  • Day
  • Multi-Day
  • Motor Coach
  • Walking
  • Small Group
  • Large Group
Fun Fact!
My immediate and extended family are genealogy enthusiasts. My ancestors include a Mayflower passenger and a Norman knight who invaded England with William the Conqueror. Travel and adventure are in my DNA!
Hobbies & Interests
• Skydiving • Archeology • Cold water immersion • Travel and mystery writing • Inveterate reader • Cultural preservation • Animal rescue volunteering • Genealogical travel • Lifelong Anglophile • Avid concert goer • Supporting Minnesota United Football Club • Walking, hiking, exploring, climbing • Certified Roman Gladiator

Testimonials

  • "Flexible, accommodating, respectful and responsive"
  • "Great with kids. Very friendly, very positive"
  • "Professional and always smiling even when events arose"
  • "Personable, patient and awesome"
  • "Knowledgeable and organized"
  • "Like Tina Turner, Michelle is simply the best"
  • "We went for a bachelorette party and had an incredible time. Michelle was wonderful! Made great memories and loved every venue we went to. Can not recommend enough."
  • "My son just moved to Minneapolis for work. Decided to take this tour to get familiar with some of the skyway. I arranged a private tour for the two of us and it was the best! Michelle is so nice and is full of information about the skyway system as well as the history of Minneapolis. I strongly recommend this tour company!"
  • "Our tour guide Michelle was enthusiastic, fun, and full of knowledge about the history of downtown Minneapolis! The temperatures were very cold and at the end of the tour, Michelle escorted us through the skyway so that we could walk back to the light rail station while staying warm - so nice of her! I highly recommend this tour!"
  • "This tour is totally worth it! My friend and I had an amazing time...and Michelle, our tour guide, was outstanding!"

At Minneapolis Business College the students ranked me #1 of the 8 instructors.

  • "She is a loving, caring, and helpful teacher who always encourages me and makes me have more confidence in myself."
  • "She has been a great instructor for this course. Great at giving advice and answering questions."
  • "Ms Patzlaff is very understanding. I love her."
  • "Ms P has been really helpful. She always gives us a hand when we're struggling."
  • "Very fun, energetic teacher."
  • "I feel very blessed to have met you. I meant it when I said I believe my reason for being here was to meet you and I accomplished more than I could've because of you. You were very encouraging and touching just simply by understanding...You have the teacher's heart - caring and dedicated to everyone under her wing...Thank you for being the wonderful, amazing person you are."

Details

Gateway Airport(s)

MSP

Licenses

Washington, D.C.

Training

International Guide Academy (IGA)

Language(s)

English

Additional Education

CTG - International Guide Academy

CITM - International Guide Academy

Certified Travel & Tourism Professional - The Travel Academy

MA, History - University of South Dakota (completed 29 credits toward degree)

BA, History - South Dakota State University (with honors)

Certified Travel & Tourism Professional - Kelor Travel Academy

 

Start a Tour Business, TripSchool

Master the Art of Storytelling for Tour Guides, TripSchool

Video Production Workshop, TripSchool

 

University of South Dakota & Combined Caesarea Expedition Study Abroad Scholarship Recipient

General Availability

Open for assignments in 2025 from July through October, with occasional windows in the first half. Access my live calendar - https://tinyurl.com/michelleavailability

Photo Album