Birmingham Civil Rights Tour: Historic Equal Rights Journey
5.0
646 Ratings
Birmingham
Embark on a three-hour walking and driving tour of Birmingham to uncover the historic struggle for equal rights. Explore the Civil Rights movement from the end of the Civil War to the present day, visiting significant landmarks and learning about the courageous individuals who fought for change.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Civil Rights District - Guests will walk around Kelly Ingram Park, see 16th Street Baptist Church, and learn about the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham
- Kelly Ingram Park - Walk around the park to see the statues and learn about those who marched for freedom in Birmingham
- 16th Street Baptist Church - Learn about the role the church played in the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham and the history of the church bombing that tragically killed four little girls.
- Linn Park - See where the march protests ended in Birmingham and learn about groups fighting for Civil Rights in Birmingham
- Boutwell Auditorium - Guests will learn about Bull Connor and his clashes against those fighting for Civil Rights
- Smithfield - Visit Dynamite Hill to see houses and churches that were bombing in Birmingham during the Civil Rights movement.
- The Historic Bethel Baptist Church - Guests will see the church where Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth led the movement from
- Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park - See the Black Business District to learn about Black life in Birmingham during its heyday.
- John Herbert Phillips Academy - Guests will see where Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth attempted to integrate schools in Birmingham
- Wells Fargo ATM - See where the Freedom Riders where attacked in Birmingham.
What's Included
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges included
- Knowledgeable driver/guide at your service
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
- Engaging live commentary on board
- Inclusive of all activities
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
On this tour, which combines both WALKING & DRIVING, you will be on a three-hour journey around Birmingham. This journey will take you through the historical struggle for equality that spanned from the end of the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. The tour initiates at the statue of Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, a key figure in the local Civil Rights struggle. The tour includes discussions on why there was a need for the Civil Rights movement and the factors that led to the breakdown of segregation. As you tour significant churches, parks, and homes within Birmingham, you’ll gain insights into the various factions that either supported or opposed the Civil Rights movement.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to significant weather (hurricane, tornado, or ice), you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- We will walk over a mile on the tour in temperatures anywhere between 40-100F. Guests must be able to walk unassisted at a reasonable speed.
- Not recommended for those that cannot walk at least a mile.
- Not recommended for those affected by cold/hot weather.
Location
512 16th St N
16th Street North
I will be standing in front of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute next to the Fred Shuttlesworth statue. There is a parking lot diagonal from the front of the Institute that is free to park in. There is also free street parking(no meters) & paid street parking(meters) around the start point.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(646 Ratings)
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Ellen_e
Apr 23, 2024
Great Tour - Such a great tour of Birmingham and the Civil Rights Trail. Our guide ( I am so sorry but I have forgotten his name) was knowledgeable and thoughtful in how explained a very delicate and disturbing period of our history. He gave everyone on the tour time to ask questions and share their thoughts. I learned so much from him. Red Clay Tours is a family business owned by his son, Clay. They specialize in small group tours, and this was so helpful in making everyone feel welcome in our group. The best part is that they give a portion of their proceeds to feed and help the homeless that live in the area. We experienced this firsthand at one of our park stops where a homeless man ran up to say hello to him. He greeted him respectfully, and with great kindness. If you go to Birmingham this tour is a must, it was a wonderful experience for me, thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Janemoorhead
Apr 22, 2024
Great tour that everyone should do - This was an excellent tour! Mike, our guide, was so knowledgeable about the history of the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham. The tour took us to places we knew about, but many we did not and we all learned a lot about this painful but inspiration period of American History. I would highly recommend this tour!
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Jonathan_r
Apr 22, 2024
Great tour - Excellent guide. Mike was a great guide the tour was extensive and well thought out. Mike knows his history and presented it in an engaging thoughtful manner
Review provided by Viator
Jean_j
Apr 22, 2024
Excellent tour, not to be missed - The guide was extremely knowledgeable, well spoken and interesting. He answered all questions very well. No question stumped him. He went into amazing detail on all topics.This was probably the best Viator experience I've ever had, in the US and Europe.
Review provided by Viator
Milton_k
Apr 20, 2024
tremendous and worthwhile experience - Clay was fantastic! His breadth of knowledge as well as the presentation of this complex history was excellent and so informative. The tour was comprehensive since we drove to locations as well as visited, by walking, many sites as well.
Review provided by Viator
Gastro44
Apr 18, 2024
great and informative - Clay is fantastic-he is engaging, informative and stimulating about the entire civil rights movement in the history of Birmingham. The visits to locations enhanced the experience. Highly recommend this trip.
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Mark_brooklyn
Apr 17, 2024
Book the tour, you’ll be sorry you didn’t. - Mike was an excellent guide. Having grown up in the area, he mixed personal knowledge with historic facts. There are two sides to every event and Mike did a great job of explaining actions - however unpleasant or unflattering of both sides. He was wonderful at laying out the facts of Birmingham and tying them into the national picture! It was a very good tour, small group, great guide, 100% worth doing.
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881orlandol
Apr 17, 2024
Went with my wife and two grand dauhgters very enjoyable - Excellent tour, very informative. Tour guide Mike was excellent and very friendly and courteous. Learned facts that we were not aware of
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Charmaine_s
Apr 13, 2024
Highly recommended tour - Highly recommend this tour...Mike was very knowledgeable and very patient in answering my many questions...lol. thank you for a wonderful experience Mike.
Review provided by Viator
Resort42930637368
Apr 3, 2024
Great for families & children - Great tour! The guide was very knowledgeable & engaged my children. From beginning to end we were given so much information about the Civil rights movement in Brimingham.
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