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Offered languages
- English
- English
Step into one of the most powerful chapters of American history with this self-guided walking tour through Birmingham’s Civil Rights District.
Designed to be immersive and reflective, this experience guides you through the streets where ordinary people carried out extraordinary acts of courage, changing the course of a nation through peaceful resistance.
As you explore at your own pace, you’ll encounter churches, parks, and monuments that witnessed pivotal moments of the 1960s movement.
Thoughtful storytelling brings context to the architecture and public spaces, revealing how strategy, faith, and community shaped a national awakening rooted in Birmingham.
This walk isn’t just about learning history — it’s about feeling it.
By connecting place with personal stories, the tour offers a meaningful way to understand how protest, sacrifice, and hope transformed this city and left a lasting mark on the American conscience.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a large domed building on 16th Street North, beside Kelly Ingram Park. It is opposite the 16th Street Baptist Church.
The Alabama Theatre is found on 3rd Avenue North, between 18th Street North and 19th Street North. It is beside the Birmingham Music Club.
Itinerary
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1
This moving bronze monument honors the four girls who lost their lives in the 1963 church bombing, capturing both innocence and resilience in its design. It stands as a quiet yet powerful reminder of the human cost of the fight for civil rights.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
16th Street Baptist Church (Pass by)
A central meeting place for Civil Rights leaders, this historic church played a vital role in organizing marches and strategy sessions. Its presence in the heart of the district makes it one of the most emotionally impactful stops on the route.
Admission ticket free -
2
Once a safe haven and planning headquarters for movement leaders, this former motel hosted key figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During turbulent moments, its walls sheltered the strategy that helped change a nation.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This modern museum stands across from Kelly Ingram Park and brings history to life through powerful exhibits and personal stories. It offers essential context that deepens every stop on the surrounding walking route.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Originally a movie palace for Black audiences, this beautifully preserved building now celebrates the city’s rich musical legacy. Inside, the story of Birmingham’s jazz heritage continues through artifacts and exhibits.
Admission ticket free -
3
Once known as the Harlem of the South, this vibrant corridor was the business and cultural heart of Black Birmingham. Walking here reveals the legacy of entrepreneurs, entertainers, and leaders who built a thriving community under segregation.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Kelly Ingram Park
This historic green space became a national stage during the Children’s Crusade, when peaceful demonstrators faced police dogs and fire hoses. Today, sculptural installations throughout the park preserve those moments in striking and thoughtful ways.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This stately structure served as a center for civic, social, and professional life within Birmingham’s Black community. Its architecture reflects both pride and perseverance during an era of deep segregation.
Admission ticket free -
5
This historic congregation played an active role in community organizing and civil rights efforts. Its quiet exterior belies the powerful meetings and moments of solidarity that took place within its walls.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Once a private residence, this modest structure holds deep ties to the strategy and support networks of the movement. It represents the unseen, behind-the-scenes spaces where courage was carefully planned.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
A lavish 1920s movie palace, the Alabama Theatre stands as a reminder of Birmingham’s entertainment golden age. Its ornate interior contrasts with the social divisions that once shaped who could enter and where they could sit.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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