Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour

The Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour provides a unique opportunity to uncover the city’s rich Black heritage. Led by knowledgeable local guides, this 1.5 to 2-hour tour takes visitors on a journey through Parrish Street, showcasing significant landmarks that played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement and the development of African-American culture. For just $18, this accessible and enlightening experience offers a chance to deepen one’s understanding of Durham’s vibrant past – and perhaps discover a few surprises along the way.

Key Points

• A 5-star rated, $18 per person walking tour in downtown Durham, NC that explores the city’s pivotal role in the civil rights movement.
• Guided by a historian with a maximum of 25 travelers, highlighting influential African-American figures and the thriving "Black Wall Street."
• Includes visits to the Parrish Street Historic District, the Durham Drugstore, and the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company building.
• Designed to be accessible for all visitors, with wheelchair and stroller accessibility, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Positive traveler experiences reporting an informative and engaging tour that showcases the rich African-American history and heritage of the region.

Tour Overview

The Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the rich history and contributions of the local African American community.

This 5-star rated tour, priced at $18 per person, departs from the CCB Plaza in downtown Durham at 4:00 PM. Guided by a historian, the tour accommodates a maximum of 25 travelers and includes bottled water.

Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the easy stroll returns to the starting point. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a Reserve Now and Pay Later option, the tour promises an engaging and informative experience for those interested in African American history in North Carolina.

Exploring Durham’s African-American History

Delving into Durham’s rich African-American history, the tour guides visitors through the city’s pivotal role in the civil rights movement and the lasting impact of its pioneering black community.

Exploring historic sites, the tour highlights the contributions of influential figures like attorney Floyd McKissick and entrepreneur C.C. Spaulding.

Travelers gain insights into Durham’s thriving "Black Wall Street" and its vital role in the fight for racial equality.

The knowledgeable guides bring this powerful history to life, offering an engaging and educational experience for anyone interested in learning more about North Carolina’s African-American heritage.

Highlights of the Walking Tour

One highlight of the walking tour is exploring the Parrish Street Historic District, known as "Black Wall Street" for its thriving African-American-owned businesses in the early 20th century.

Guides share the stories of pioneering entrepreneurs and community leaders who built a prosperous commercial district. Along the way, travelers learn about the Durham Drugstore, the oldest continuously operating African-American-owned business in the state.

The tour also visits the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company building, once the largest Black-owned business in the United States. These sites provide a glimpse into Durham’s vibrant African-American economic and cultural history.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour begins its journey at the CCB Plaza, located at 201 Corcoran Street in downtown Durham, North Carolina.

This tour is designed to be accessible for all visitors, including those using wheelchairs or strollers. The surface is also suitable for those with mobility challenges. Plus, service animals are welcome.

However, it isn’t recommended for individuals with serious medical conditions. The tour lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, returning to the starting point at the end.

The meeting point and accessibility features ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all participants.

Traveler Experiences and Insights

Travelers consistently report positive experiences on the Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who bring the history to life with their passion and expertise. The tour is noted as informative and enjoyable, allowing participants to learn about the significant contributions of the local African American community. Even those with limited mobility find the tour accessible, thanks to the wheelchair-friendly surfaces. The Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour receives high recommendations for anyone interested in exploring the rich history of the region.

Traveler Experience	Highlights
Informative	Guides’ in-depth knowledge
Enjoyable	Engaging delivery
Accessible	Wheelchair-friendly routes
Welcoming	Friendly, polite guides
Enriching	Appreciation for African American history

Positive Reviews and Recommendations

Unsurprisingly, the Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from participants.

The tour is praised for its knowledgeable and engaging guides, who are recognized for their depth of knowledge on the African American contributions to North Carolina.

Reviewers highlight three key aspects that make the tour so enjoyable:

1. The guides’ passion for history and ability to bring the stories to life.
2. The tour’s informative nature, providing valuable insights into the area’s rich African American heritage.
3. The overall experience being both educational and enjoyable for all participants.

Across the board, the tour comes highly recommended for anyone interested in exploring Durham’s African American history.

Booking and Reservation Details

How can travelers book the Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour?

Interested participants can reserve their spot on the tour either online or by phone. The tour is priced at $18 per person, with a reserve now and pay later option available.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 25 travelers, so early booking is recommended to secure a place. The meeting point is at the CCB Plaza in downtown Durham, and the tour starts promptly at 4:00 PM.

Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before the tour without any penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Walking Tour Typically Last?

The tour typically lasts around 2 hours, as it includes a guided stroll through the highlights of the area’s African American history, according to the tour details provided.

Can I Bring My Own Water or Snacks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own water and snacks on the tour. The tour provides bottled water, but allowing personal items provides convenience and flexibility for travelers.

Is the Tour Offered in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is offered in English only. Information on the website does not indicate that any other languages are available for this walking tour. Participants should expect the guide to provide the tour in English.

Are There Any Stops to Rest or Sit During the Tour?

The tour includes stops where participants can rest or sit, as it’s designed to be accessible for most travelers. The guide ensures there are opportunities to take breaks during the easy stroll.

Does the Tour Guide Provide Any Recommendations for Post-Tour Activities?

The tour guide doesn’t provide specific post-tour activity recommendations, but they’re happy to suggest nearby restaurants, cultural attractions, or other sites of interest to continue exploring Durham’s African American history and experiences.

The Sum Up

The Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour provides an insightful and accessible way to explore the city’s rich African-American heritage. Led by knowledgeable historians, the tour takes visitors through significant landmarks, showcasing Durham’s pivotal role in the civil rights movement. At just $18 for a 1.5 to 2-hour experience, this tour offers a valuable opportunity to explore the vibrant history and culture of the local Black community.