Discover Houston's African-American Heritage in a 7-Hour Tour
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Explore Houston's rich African-American history on this 7-hour African-American themed tour. You'll visit historic sites, museums, and neighborhoods that tell the story of Black communities in the city, spanning over 150 years.
Throughout the tour, you'll watch videos, listen to local music from the 1960s and 1970s, and browse through books about African-American Texans, Houston's Black history, and significant landmarks like the Green Book and Memorial Park. It's a vibrant, sensory experience that brings history to life.
Covering parts of the 3rd and 4th Wards and beyond, you'll drive over 25 miles across Houston, discovering diverse Black communities and their contributions. This private tour offers a personalized journey through Houston’s cultural landscape, suitable for all ages and physical fitness levels.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 7 hours.
What is included in the tour?
You’ll receive reference materials, including maps, population tables, and four books about African-American history in Houston.
Are there any meal stops?
Yes, we will stop at a local restaurant for lunch, which could be a fried chicken, soul food, vegetarian, barbecue, or bakery stop, depending on the day.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. The tour is suitable for infants in strollers, children, and adults of all ages. It’s designed to be accessible and engaging for everyone.
Can I tour inside the museums?
Yes, if the museums are open and you wish to visit, we can accommodate that at your expense. Some sites may require additional fees or special arrangements.
How do I meet the guide?
You meet at the designated starting point—inside the rotunda on the first floor on weekdays, or outside on the east side at a picnic table on weekends.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled time for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 7 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Reference materials (maps, population tables, books about African-American Houston, Green Book, Memorial Park)
Not included
- Lunch at a local restaurant (fried chicken, soul food, vegetarian, barbecue, or bakery)
- Additional museum entry fees if you choose to tour inside certain sites
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Visit Houston's oldest African-American settlement, established in 1865.
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Stop 2
See Houston's oldest African-American church, built in 1875, with photos of stained glass, historic doors, and a marker.
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Stop 3
View the largest African-American museum in the U.S. from outside. You can visit inside at your expense if desired.
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Stop 4
Visit a smaller museum with free general admission, open limited hours, with optional paid exhibits.
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Stop 5
See a traditional African-American school with a prominent multicultural mural.
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Stop 6
Tour the historic 1926 school building in Freedmen's Town, now a free museum of local Black history.
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Stop 7
View the homes of Jack Yates, Houston's first civil rights leader, and another formerly enslaved family, in Sam Houston Park. Tours inside are available for a fee.
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Stop 8
Drive through a neighborhood of mansions from the 1920s, once the wealthiest African-American area in the U.S. during the 1960s and 70s.
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Stop 9
Visit Texas Southern University, founded in 1947 as Texas State University for Negroes, now the 5th largest HBCU in the country.
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Stop 10
Stop at Frenchy's, a famous Houston fast-food spot known for spicy fried chicken, often included for lunch.
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Stop 11
Visit the site of the historic This is It Soul Food Restaurant, a major Texas soul food spot, sometimes used for lunch stops.
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Stop 12
Stop at a popular breakfast spot known for wings and waffles, often used for lunch.
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Stop 13
See Houston's largest and oldest African-American live performance theater, established in 1978.
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Stop 14
Visit a historic jazz and R&B bar, great for relaxing and listening to music at night.
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Stop 15
Learn about Juneteenth celebrations at Houston's most famous park for over 150 years.
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Stop 16
See the historic venue built in 1939, once the premier spot for nationally known musicians during segregation.
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Stop 17
Visit the artist colony created in the 1990s from Depression-era homes, showcasing local art relevant to Houston's culture.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
On weekdays, meet in the rotunda on the first floor. On weekends, meet outside on the east side of the building at a picnic table on the upper level.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled time for a full refund.
- 100% refund if cancelled at least 1 day in advance
- No refund if cancelled within 24 hours of the tour
Confirmation within 24 hours
The provider reviews your request and confirms within 24 hours.
From $180.00 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
