Memphis African American History Tour: Insightful Journey

Embark on a 2.5-hour African American History tour in Memphis. Discover the city’s historical sites connected to slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and more. Perfect for residents, families, and visitors.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel - From our vehicle you will see the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, room 306 where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. This is also the location of the National Civil Rights Museum.
  • Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum - This was once the home of Jacob Burkle, a German immigrant who chose to participate in the Underground Railroad. This home was a stop on the Underground Railroad and is now a museum.
  • Beale Street - We will tell you the “rest of the story” about this most iconic street. Once referred to as the Negro Mainstreet USA.
  • Historic Mason Temple - This is the world headquarters for the Church of God in Christ. It was here where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his last speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” less than 24 hours before he was assassinated.
  • Clayborn Temple - It was in this church, built in the late 1800’s, Sanitation Workers gathered to strategize the strike that caused Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to come to Memphis.
What's Included
  • Inclusive of all taxes, fees, and handling charges
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Embark on a 2.5-hour excursion steeped in African American history across Memphis, guided by us. We promise to walk you through a thrilling journey that unveils pivotal historical locations linked to the slavery days, the Civil Rights Movement, and more. Explore beyond the borders of Downtown Memphis and discover the charm of its unique neighborhoods. This enlightening tour is perfect for locals, families and tourists seeking enjoyable, safe and insightful activities.

  • 3 person minimum required.
  • Dress code is smart casual
  • This tour does not stop for guests to visit museums. Visits can be made at your leisure on your own. We will drive by sites with narration.
Location
Tennessee Welcome Center
Riverside Drive
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(161 Ratings)
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Monica
Aug 24, 2024
"Auntie" Queen was great! - We had an amazing experience on this Memphis City African American history tour! Our guide, Queen, was incredibly nice, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about the city's rich history. She was not only great at explaining the historical significance of each site but also made the tour engaging and enjoyable. Her depth of knowledge was impressive, and she answered all our questions with enthusiasm. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to learn more about Memphis' African American history in a fun and informative way!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
205johnf205
Aug 18, 2024
Terrific hidden history tour - Awesome afternoon with Queen, we learned so much about the untold history of Memphis. Queen is knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Glad we did it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fola_s
Aug 12, 2024
Small and mighty Memphis - Queen was very passionate about Memphis and telling our story. We learnt so much history and what is to come of Memphis in the future. We definitely use her again
Review provided by Viator
Elisha_d
Aug 12, 2024
Life changing tour! - Queen is extremely knowledgeable. Through the art of storytelling, and presenting historical information, we all left with a better understanding of who we are, how our ancestors fought for basic rights and a better understanding of Memphis. We learned about MLK, lynchings, Ida B Wells, record companies, Memphis architecture, food, Beale Street, and the Underground railroad just to name a few topics/stops
Review provided by Viator
Donya_l
Aug 10, 2024
The Queen - Our guide was Queen. She was awesome! Very informative and full of energy. Very personable, friendly, and energetic! Would recommend to anyone!
Review provided by Viator
Maryann_m
Jun 16, 2024
An Experience of our lifetime in Memphis! - When my husband booked tickets to Memphis, I was not excited:-( The journey through the city's history and most important highlights was incredible! The owner, Queen, took us on a journey that was priceless with her stories and humbling inner knowledge of some of our history's heroes. We felt we were sharing a tour with an old friend, a fellow traveler through the ages. She even picked us up for the tour on the side of the road as we were helplessly lost from the onset of the tour. We were both deeply moved by the history, but overwhelmed with the comradery, the deep love she held for the experience. We would do it all again with friends on the next trip. That's saying a lot because I never thought there would be a next trip. Thanks Queen for one of the best experiences of our traveling lifetime.
Review provided by Viator
Alicia
Jun 3, 2024
Birthday Trip - Mrs. Jackie is an awesome tour guide. She is very knowledgeable on the culture/history of Memphis. A wonderful experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephenmx8236zo
Jun 1, 2024
Memphis yesterday and today - Great detailed narrative about contemporary and historical Memphis, with character reenactments and an occasional performance. Comfortable transportation and engaging tour guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rose_b
Jun 1, 2024
Uptown Memphis history - Driving through Uptown and hearing about the beginnings of Memphis. The tour guide is a good storyteller.
Review provided by Viator
Carol_p
May 24, 2024
Great tour. - The Martin Luther king memorial and the Mississippi River. Great guide with lots of inside information.
Review provided by Viator
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October 2024
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