• The Four Spirits - This poignant bronze sculpture commemorates the four girls who tragically died in the 1963 church bombing, embodying both innocence and strength in its design. It serves as a subtle yet powerful testament to the human cost of the civil rights struggle.
• 16th Street Baptist Church - A pivotal gathering spot for Civil Rights leaders, this historic church was instrumental in organizing marches and strategy meetings. Located in the heart of the district, it remains one of the most emotionally significant stops on the route.
• A.G. Gaston Motel - Once a refuge and planning hub for movement leaders, this former motel hosted prominent figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During challenging times, its walls housed the strategies that helped transform a nation.
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute - Situated across from Kelly Ingram Park, this contemporary museum brings history to life with compelling exhibits and personal narratives. It provides crucial context that enriches every stop on the nearby walking route.
• Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame - Originally a cinema for Black audiences, this beautifully maintained building now honors the city’s rich musical heritage. Inside, Birmingham’s jazz history is celebrated through artifacts and displays.
• Historic 4th Avenue Business District - Once dubbed the Harlem of the South, this lively corridor was the business and cultural hub of Black Birmingham. Walking here unveils the legacy of entrepreneurs, entertainers, and leaders who built a thriving community despite segregation.
• Kelly Ingram Park - This historic park became a national stage during the Children’s Crusade, where peaceful protesters faced police dogs and fire hoses. Today, sculptures throughout the park preserve those moments in a striking and thoughtful manner.
• Masonic Temple Building - This grand structure served as a center for civic, social, and professional life within Birmingham’s Black community. Its architecture symbolizes both pride and perseverance during a time of deep segregation.
• St Paul United Methodist Church - This historic congregation was actively involved in community organizing and civil rights efforts. Its unassuming exterior conceals the powerful meetings and moments of solidarity that occurred within its walls.
• The Ballard House Project - Once a private home, this modest building is deeply connected to the strategy and support networks of the movement. It represents the unseen, behind-the-scenes spaces where courage was meticulously planned.
• Alabama Theatre - A grand 1920s movie palace, the Alabama Theatre stands as a reminder of Birmingham’s entertainment golden age. Its lavish interior contrasts with the social divisions that once dictated who could enter and where they could sit.

• Unlimited access with flexible usage
• Audio guide included
• App and tour available for download

• Smartphone (bring your own)

Embark on a journey through a significant chapter of American history with this self-guided walking tour of Birmingham’s Civil Rights District.

Crafted to be both immersive and contemplative, this tour leads you through the streets where ordinary individuals performed extraordinary acts of bravery, altering the nation’s path through peaceful protest.

As you wander at your leisure, you’ll discover churches, parks, and monuments that were central to the pivotal moments of the 1960s movement.

Engaging storytelling provides context to the architecture and public spaces, illustrating how strategy, faith, and community fostered a national awakening rooted in Birmingham.

This walk is not just about learning history — it’s about experiencing it.

By linking locations with personal narratives, the tour offers a profound way to comprehend how protest, sacrifice, and hope transformed this city and left an enduring impact on the American conscience.

• Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
• GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
• Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
• Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time

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