Memphis Walking Tour: Exploring Historic Cotton Row
4.8
337 Ratings
Memphis
Discover the captivating history of Memphis on a leisurely walking tour of historic Cotton Row. Explore Court Square, enjoy river views, and hear tales of rebels and bootleggers.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Beale Street - The tour starts on historic Beale Street, the Home of the Blues, at Alfred’s on Beale
- Court Square - History of one of Memphis’ oldest and most beautiful parks
- Confederate Park - History of the 1862 Civil War Battle of Memphis
- The Peabody Ducks - History of the South’s Grand Hotel and the Peabody duck march
- Mississippi River - History and importance of the Mississippi River
- General Washburn’s Escape Alley - Civil War history of Memphis
- WDIA-WHRK Radio Building - History of WDIA, the “Goodwill Station”
- Barboro Alley - History of yellow fever in Memphis
- The Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange - History of the Cotton Exchange and historic Cotton Row
What's Included
- Professionally-led tour with an expert guide
- Inclusive of all local taxes
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Additional Information
Embark on a two-hour on-foot adventure around Memphis, delving into its vibrant past at an unhurried pace. Our journey takes us to the historic Cotton Row and Court Square - the heart of 19th-century Memphis with its breathtaking beauty; soak up the panoramic vistas of the Mississippi River; and listen to captivating stories about Civil War rebels and Prohibition Era smugglers. A part of your journey involves a treasured Memphis tradition, the renowned Duck March at The Peabody Hotel. This tour is tailored to entertain all age groups.
- Within a few blocks there are four different parking garages, and several open-air parking lots. The closest garage to our location (just two blocks away) is at 149 Peabody Place between Second Street and BB King Blvd., next to the Hampton Inn. You can try your luck with on-street metered parking, too, on Second Street just south of Beale; on Beale between Front and Second; or along Peabody Place from Front to Fourth Street.
Location
Alfred's On Beale
Beale Street
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(337 Ratings)
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Pat_s
Mar 27, 2024
Very knowledgeable guide... - Very knowledgeable guide who told stories of Memphis as we walked at a very good pace.
Very pleasant and welcoming.
Review provided by Viator
Hike-happy-hon
Mar 27, 2024
Excellent Springboard to your Time in Memphis - This was an excellent way to start our time in Memphis with history and details provided by our amazing guide, Shannon. Got in some good walking and arrived in time for the march of the ducks at The Peabody. Finished just in time for lunch. HIghly recommend this tour as a springboard to your time in Memphis.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Darcyc296
Mar 5, 2024
Good broad history of the events that shaped and built Memphis - Our guide, Chris, is not a life-time Memphian but had a passion for the history of the Memphis. While other tours focus on the musical history of Memphis, this tour focuses on the history of the City itself. It was informative and we learned a lot about the events that shaped the City. It is a lot of walking but at a comfortable pace. We appreciated the host being watchful of the time and getting us over to see the Peabody ducks. We would recommend this tour to others.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrea_b
Feb 4, 2024
First time in Memphis - Our tour guide on Feb 3rd @9:30 am. was very knowledgeable. She was very easy to listen to and had a few personal insights. We really enjoyed her. Loved the ending of the tour at the Peabody Hotel with the Marching of the Ducks.
Review provided by Viator
J7927bnpetrah
Dec 30, 2023
Great - Our guide, Kate, was excellent. It was well worth the time, and the money, so I recommend it to everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joan_g
Dec 24, 2023
Kate’s great! - Kate was a well-informed and fun tour guide. She was genuinely interested in what we were curious about and tailored our walk to cover our interests and more.
Review provided by Viator
Nhwanderer
Nov 16, 2023
A history buff guide who really knew Memphis inside out! - Charlie was our guide and he was excellent. Very knowledgeable about the history of Memphis. I particularly liked the fact that on a walking tour, he waitied for all the participants to catch up with the group before launching into his description of the site and also welcomed questions. A true professional who knew a whole lot more than a scripted dialogue. He apologized for not knowing all the details of some sculptures that had been installed only a few days before. Book direct on the Back Beat website. Good value and well described meeting point. I would add that it might be helpful to some to state the total distance covered on the walk. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Courtney_m
Nov 12, 2023
Nice tour - This was a comprehensive tour. Knowledgeable tour guide. He has personal experiences, was able to give us tips and tricks for where to go to eat and get best views of the duck walk.
Review provided by Viator
Nancy_r
Nov 18, 2023
Walking tour Memphis - The Peabody Ducks at the end of the tour
I enjoyed walking through Memphis and learned some history of the city
Review provided by Viator
Kim_l
Feb 4, 2024
It was ok - Our tour guide was really sweet and I loved her as a human. But the tour itself was blah. We passed many many buildings and placards that I feel we could have learned about, but we didn’t receive a whole lot of info on a whole lotta things. I guess we could’ve asked more questions but ultimately I feel we could’ve had more info on the history of Memphis on our walking tour
Review provided by Viator
