This is more of an experience than a tour. Four major conductors in the UGRR, dress in character and walk you through the city’s major locations, where, in the 1840s and 50s, was a hotbed of abolitionist sentiment and where thousands of fugitive slaves were spirited in secret to various “stops,” then onto awaiting boats to take them to freedom—less than a mile away in Windsor, Ontario. I’m a native Detroiter and this was my second time on the tour; it was that good! Read more
Incredible Journey to Midnight: Detroit Underground Railroad Walking Tour
Dramatized tour brings history to life
Detroit’s role as a major stop on the UGRR told
Authentic historic sites and events revealed
Embark on this Unique Experience highlighting Detroit’s Underground Railroad History
Saturdays: February 25, March 25 / 10 am – 1 pm
June – October dates TBA soon!
The Incredible Journey to Midnight: Detroit Underground Railroad Lantern Walking Tour isn’t your ordinary tour—it’s an experience! Step back in time to 19th-century America and retrace the steps of freedom seekers on this remarkable journey through Midnight (code for Detroit) as they escape the horrific shackles of bondage in search of freedom across the Detroit River. On this remarkable journey, actors provide added drama by taking on the personas of significant historical figures of this era such Frederick Douglas or Sojourner Truth. If it’s entertainment, knowledge and excitement you seek, then look no further than this memorable experience.
Highlights
Retrace the steps of freedom seekers in Midnight, the final juncture before freedom
Experience the frightening plight of freedom seekers during a powerful reenactment inside the Croghan Street Station
Visit Second Baptist Church which was founded by 13 self-emancipated slaves
Interact with history itself by meeting prominent abolitionists and politicians who changed the course of history
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Trip Details
Price
Adult: $45
Youth: $18 (17 and under)
6% booking fee assessed on tickets booked online (you can avoid booking fee by purchasing tickets via phone).
Departure time
6:00 pm
Meeting point
Second Baptist Church, 441 Monroe Street, Detroit MI 48226
Note: Tour ends at Gateway to Freedom Monument in Hart Plaza.
Availability
Saturdays: February 25, March 25 / 10 am – 1 pm
June – October dates TBA soon!
Duration
3 hours
Group size
10 minimum, 30 maximum
Requirements
- Advanced registration required
- Tour involves walking two miles, standing, and going up and down steep steps at Second Baptist Church
- Wearing of Covid protection masks inside of Second Baptist Church required.
Included
Narrated tour and People Mover tokens
Not included
Gratuities
What to bring
Dress for the weather and wear comfy walking shoes
Cancellation policy
No refunds on tickets purchased unless tour is cancelled by tour operator.
Looking for something different and exciting to add to your to-do list while visiting Detroit? You’re in the right spot—we have the perfect evening tour planned for you. This interactive tour begins with a powerful reenactment inside the Croghan Street Station, a safe house located in the isolated cellar beneath Second Baptist Church, a house of worship founded by former slaves. It provides a glimpse into the frightening conditions that many freedom seekers endured on their arduous journeys to freedom and the obstacles they had to overcome.
As you covertly make your way through Midnight, you’ll encounter the brave people who risked their lives escaping the horrors of slavery and those who aided them. You’ll get a chance to meet prominent abolitionists and politicians who used their influence to change the course of history and be among the likes of Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, George DeBaptiste, Seymour Finney, Laura Haviland and Senator Jacob Merritt Howard, making this tour a true insight into not only black history but American history.
Check out what our guests are saying
Nancy was our guide for the See the D tour. We decided to take a visiting out-of-town relative down to Detroit, but realized we didn’t know much about it despite having lived here all of our lives. Nancy was extremely informative and accommodating. Read more
To be honest, I didn’t have the best impression of Detroit before visiting but Pat at City Tour Detroit changed all that! She was a wonderful tour guide that had so much passion and love of Detroit…it was definitely contagious! I learned so much from her — she had great facts about all the locations we visited. 10/10 Read more
My girlfriend and I took a trip to Detroit and reserved The see the D tour. Our guide Nancy did a great job. She covered a wide range of topics and made the city feel very unique. Read more
This was a very fun activity to enjoy downtown Detroit. The stories are interesting and some are quite grim. I think that much of the enjoyment is dependent upon how well the group interacts and plays along with the tour guide. This 2.5 hr tour on foot is very easy to walk. Read more
