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GUIDED WALKING / BUS TOURS
Downtown & Southeast Lancaster
WHAT TO EXPECT
​Our tours will help you gain insight into the roots of African American history in Lancaster and the surrounding counties. You will learn about the roles of abolitionists, freedom seekers, civil rights activists, and African American business owners and pioneers. You will also discover the roles of various city churches in the African American experience and much more!
Please scroll down for information on all available tours. Questions? Contact Sylvia Cavenaugh, Tour Coordinator
tours@aahsscpa.org
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE WALKING TOUR DOWNTOWN LANCASTER
This tour is focused on the Underground Railroad and includes four authenticated Underground Railroad sites. Because the Underground Railroad was by necessity secret, uncovering the details of its existence has required a great deal of detective work. This tour includes the latest research and recent discoveries which further reveal the rich fabric of African American history in Lancaster before and after the Civil War.
Saturdays:
May 2, 2026
June 6, 2026
July 4, 2026
August 1, 2026
September 5, 2026
October 3, 2026
November 7, 2026
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Depart from Lancaster City Visitor Center
11 AM & 2 PM
Tour Length: 2 hours
FARES
Adult $17
Senior (65 and older) $10
Students (6-18) $5
Under 6 Free
(Van tour, rather than walking tour, at 2:00 p.m. for July and August only, due to heat of summer.)
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC SOUTHEAST LANCASTER
The Southeast Area tour highlights that liberation is up to African Americans, whose experiences represent a complex connection to their past—both the trauma of enslavement and the resilience of their heritage. This tour brings to life the triumph of the African American community as it built a culture of service, faith, and social activism, alongside the tragedy of Urban Renewal, which saw the demolition of 14 square blocks of thriving businesses, churches, and civic associations. The fabric of the community was ruptured as individual homes were replaced with public housing and vibrant community spaces were obliterated. This tour also traces the life stream and economic castration of that community, which was attacked by the policy of Urban Renewal, but which has not been forgotten or erased.
Saturdays:
May 9, 2026
June 13, 2026
July 11, 2026
August 8, 2026
September 12, 2026
October 10, 2026
November 14, 2026
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Depart from Crispus Attucks Community Center
11 AM and 2 PM
Tour Length: 2 hours
FARES
Adult $17
Senior (65 and older) $10
Students (6-18) $5
Under 6 Free
(Van tour, rather than walking tour, at 2:00 p.m. for July and August only, due to heat of summer.)
NEW COMBINED BUS TOUR
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Experience the best of both tours in one immersive journey. The African American Heritage Combined Bus Tour brings together the Downtown Lancaster African American Heritage Walking Tour and our Historic Southeast Lancaster tour, highlighting Underground Railroad locations, Black-owned businesses, churches, cemeteries, and the people whose lives shaped Lancaster's Black History.
Traveling aboard a small motor coach limited to 13 passengers, this 2.5-hour guided experience allows for deeper storytelling, discussion, and access to locations beyond walking distance. Tours are offered on the last Saturday of each month, December through April, and depart from the lobby of the Marriot Hotel at Penn Square. This tour is ideal for visitors seeking a comprehensive, comfortable, and richly detailed exploration of Lancaster's African American history.
PRIVATE
TOURS
Private group tours are available to include up to 15 persons on our walking tours and 13 passengers on our van tours. Customized individual and group tours are also available.
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Contact our Tour Coordinator, Sylvia Cavanaugh at tours@aahsscpa.org for more information.
NEED MORE CONTEXT?
Still interested in learning more about African American history, both local and national? Our organization has compiled an in-depth list of resources that can help you gain more knowledge about the rich and expansive history of the African American community.
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Click to download our African American Walking Tour Resource List to continue your journey after taking one of the African American Heritage Walking / Bus Tours (pdf)
Photo of the Conestoga Elks Youth Herd Drum and Bugle Corps. Photo Credit: Nelson Polite, Sr.