walking history tour boston

Walk Into History®

Boston Common Visitor Information Center 139 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02111

Daily, 10 am, 11 am,  12 noon, 1 pm  (plus 2 pm Sat. & Sun.) Purchase Tickets  

About This Tour

Boston's official Freedom Trail tours!  The Freedom Trail Foundation's most popular, introductory, tours highlight the diverse history that took place at 11 of the 16 official Freedom Trail historic sites, featuring Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King's Chapel & King's Chapel Burying Ground, Boston Latin School site/Benjamin Franklin statue, Old Corner Bookstore, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Boston Massacre site, and Faneuil Hall.  Experience stories of the American Revolution, as well as the history of traditionally underrepresented peoples spanning from the 16 th – 21 st centuries.  

*Boston Town Crier Tours - Endorsed by the Freedom Trail Foundation, however Foundation-led tour tickets are not valid to use on Boston Town Crier-led tours.

Group Tour Information

School, private, or corporate groups may request specific tour dates and departure times here or by calling (617) 357-8300.

General Information

Access route, public transit, what people are saying, yelp review.

The Freedom Trail is one of the iconic touristy things to do in Boston, and there's a reason for that. I did the full trail many, many years ago but decided to go with this shorter, more compact trail with our family. The 1.5 hour length is the right duration for kids, and our guide, Jeremiah Poope (his actual last name!), kept it interesting the entire time. He has been a tour guide in Boston for many years, and he had a ton of interesting stories and facts beyond the typical revolutionary war factoids.

The Freedom Trail Walking tour presents full of historic knowledge and our guide, Parker, provides us the best experience for this amazing learning adventure. That is to say, in this tour you can also learn about the myth and the truth of the history we learned from our textbooks. I would recommend anyone who visit Boston and is interested in learning history or simply just want to listen to funny stories

TripAdvisor Review

We only had 1 day to explore downtown Boston, and this tour was a great way to see several different sites, learn about history, and get a bit of walking in. We were a few minutes late for the start of the 1pm tour but easily able to catch up and join in.. Our tour guide was fantastic! One member of my group uses a wheelchair, and the guide was great about leading the WHOLE tour through accessible entrances to sites and to sidewalks with curb cuts so that all of us could participate without feeling singled out.

Email Review

We had a wonderful time and your guides were wonderful. They were energetic, informed, and brought history to life. Thank you once again!

Great tour with Isaiah Thomas! Great local guide who was very engaging and a walking encyclopedia of Boston history. It was a nice 1.5 hr walking tour hitting most of the south end Freedom Trail points of interest. For the money, it’s hard to beat!

Freedom Trail Store

The Freedom Trail store offers tour ticket discounts, books, such as the Freedom Trail Walking Guide and A Kid's Guide to the Freedom Trail, in addition to other student-friendly and grown-up intriguing books, audio guides, and other Freedom Trail related items.

Boston Walking Tours: Daily & Weekly

Our mission, vision, and values.

Boston By Foot is a non-profit educational organization committed to inspiring locals and visitors to discover and appreciate the diverse stories of Boston by exploring the cityscape together.

We envision a city whose residents and visitors have a deep understanding and appreciation of the city’s complex and diverse history, geography, and communities.

• We work to create tours that help visitors and residents alike discover or deepen their appreciation for our multi-layered city.
• We are lifelong learners; committed to sharing thoughtful storytelling through the exploration of our city’s past and present.
• We are dedicated to rigorous and thorough research that creates meaningful, engaging, and entertaining experiences.
• We seek to uncover untold stories, encourage new perspectives about the city of Boston, and ignite continued exploration.

Become a member, Book a private tour, or make a donation

Membership comes with benefits including admission to most walking tours, admission to all virtual programming, exclusive member previews, & more.

Private tours are available upon request for groups of up to 15 people. We’re happy to work with you to find the date, time, and tour that works best for you.

Boston By Foot, Inc. is a non-profit organization, exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue code.

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Visitor guide, subscribe to our, e-newsletter, online store, the freedom trail®, walk through america’s history.

The famous Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick trail through Boston’s historic neighborhoods that tells the story of the American Revolution and beyond. From the Old North Church to Faneuil Hall, and through resonant burying grounds, visit the temples and landmarks of the Revolutionary Era.

Freedom Trail Sites | Map of the Freedom Trail |  Freedom Trail Walking Tours  | FAQ

Freedom trail sites.

Begin your journey at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center located at 139 Tremont Street and conclude at the USS Constitution in Charlestown.

BOSTON COMMON

Massachusetts state house, park street church, granary burying ground, king’s chapel & burying ground, boston latin school site/benjamin franklin statue, old corner bookstore, old south meeting house, old state house museum, boston massacre site, faneuil hall, paul revere house, old north church, copp’s hill burying ground, uss constitution - old ironsides, bunker hill monument.

The Boston Common is America’s oldest public park, purchased from Wm. Blackstone in 1635 to be used as common grazing land for the feeding of  cattell . The British militia used it as a  trayning  field.  

The Common has also been the site of hangings, duels, public celebrations and spirited oratory. Today it continues to host public celebrations as well as concerts, ice skating, Shakespearean plays, holiday festivities, sports activities and public rallies.  

Designed by Charles Bulfinch, the State House was completed in January 1798 at a cost of $133,333 (more than five times the budget). John Hancock, a wealthy merchant, patriot, signer of the Declaration of Independence and the first elected Governor of Massachusetts originally owned the land. The oldest building on Beacon Hill is now the seat of the Massachusetts state government. The golden dome, one of Boston’s distinguishing landmarks, wasn’t always gilded. It was originally built of wood. Paul Revere & Sons was commissioned in 1802 to cover it with copper to prevent water leakage. In 1874, the dome was gilded with 23-karat gold leaf.

Park Street Church acquired the nickname Brimstone Corner, both in reference to the fire-and-brimstone sermons and to the gun powder that was stored in the crypt during the War of 1812. Founded in 1809, the Church’s 217-foot white steeple was the first landmark a traveler saw upon approaching Boston.  

On July 4, 1829, abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison gave his first public anti-slavery address here, and two years later, on July 4, the hymn America, better known as My Country ’Tis of Thee, was first sung on the Church steps. 

So named because of its proximity to Boston’s first granary, this is the most visited burying ground in Boston and the final resting place of many prominent Bostonians. Buried here are John Hancock, Samuel Adams, nine governors, all five Boston Massacre victims, Paul Revere, Ben Franklin’s parents and Peter Faneuil.

Under orders from King James II in 1686, land was seized, and the first Anglican Church was constructed. By 1749, the original wooden structure was too small for the congregation, and so the Georgian chapel was constructed around the original church.  

Adjacent to King’s Chapel is Boston’s first burying ground. Here you will find the graves of John Winthrop, Massachusetts’ first governor; William Dawes, Paul Revere’s compatriot who also made the ride to Lexington, and Mary Chilton, believed to be the first woman to step off the Mayflower.    

Embedded in the sidewalk in front of Old City Hall is the mosaic City Carpet, which commemorates the site of the first public school in the U.S., Boston Latin School (1635). Among the school’s alumni are Ben Franklin, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Charles Bulfinch and Ralph Waldo Emerson. 

Richard Greenough’s statue of Ben Franklin, erected in 1856, prominently stands in front of Old City Hall. Look closely at Franklin’s face. The sculptor said that he found  the left side of the great man’s face philosophical and reflective and the right side funny and smiling.

The original building on this site was the home of Anne Hutchinson, who was banished from Massachusetts in 1638 for her unorthodox religious views. By the mid-1800s, the Old Corner Bookstore was a flourishing literary center. Here, Ticknor and Fields published works by Dickens, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Tennyson, Hawthorne, Emerson, Longfellow, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Julia Ward Howe among others. The Atlantic Monthly, a Boston institution, was originally published here as well. Today, the building continues as a place of commerce. 

Built in 1729, this is the second oldest church in Boston. The largest building in colonial Boston, Old South was used for public meetings when the angry crowd outgrew Faneuil Hall. Many of the crucial events that led up to the Revolution took place here. The most famous of the meetings was held on December 16, 1773, when over 5,000 gathered to protest the tax on tea.  

During the British occupation of Boston in 1775-1776, British troops desecrated this sanctuary of freedom by using it as a stable and riding school, while drinks were served from the balcony. The pulpit and pews were chopped into firewood and the library was used as kindling. 

On another note, Phillis Wheatley, the first female African American published poet, was a full member of the Meeting House. An original copy of her work is on permanent display here.  

Built in 1713, the Old State House is Boston’s oldest surviving public building. It was the center of political and commercial life, housing the merchant’s exchange (a precursor to today’s stock exchange) on the ground floor and the royally appointed government offices and the freely elected members of the Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay Colony on the upper floors.  

The site played a central role in the story of rebellion, from James Otis’ 1761 speech against the Writs of Assistance to the Boston Massacre in 1770 to the reading of the Declaration of Independence from the east balcony in July 1776.  

Adjacent to the Old State House, a ring of cobblestones commemorates the Boston Massacre. Five men were killed in this clash between Colonists and Redcoats. Among the slain men was Crispus Attucks, the first African American to die for the patriotic cause.  

Interestingly, John Adams and Josiah Quincy, loyal to justice as well as the patriotic cause, defended the British soldiers. All but two were acquitted. The guilty had their thumbs branded and were then set free. 

The building was a gift from wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil in 1742. Faneuil Hall served as a meeting place and an open-air market. It was here that Bostonians met to form their opposition to British authority. As a result of the impassioned speeches by such patriots as Samuel Adams and James Otis, the nickname Cradle of Liberty was earned, especially when citizens rallied against the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, the Townsend Acts and the landing of British troops.  

Charles Bulfinch enlarged the building in 1806. After the Revolution, Bostonians continued to gather at Faneuil Hall for the anti-slavery speeches of William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips and Frederick Douglass. The women’s rights movement, early temperance rallies and nearly every war since 1812 have been debated within these walls. 

Built around 1680, the Paul Revere House is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston, and only official Freedom Trail site that is a home. It was from here that its famous occupant set out for the midnight ride. Revere was not only a patriot, but also an expert silversmith, copper manufacturer, part-time dentist, engraver and the father of 16 children. As many as eight children lived here with him, along with his mother, his first and (after 1773) his second wife.  

It was from this steeple that Sexton Robert Newman hung two lanterns on April 18, 1775, to signal the beginning of Paul Revere’s momentous ride. The action is widely regarded as the spark that ignited the American Revolution.  

Built in 1723, Old North is Boston’s oldest church building. See a wealth of historic works, including the first bells brought to the Colonies, its original 18th-century brass chandeliers and clock, and the 17th- century carved angels that were captured by a Colonial privateer. More than 1,000 individuals lay in rest in the underground crypt, including the Royal Governor’s second-in-command at Lexington and Concord.

Copp’s Hill was Boston’s largest colonial burying ground, dating from 1659. Some notables buried here include the Mather family, a very prominent New England ministerial family; Edmund Hartt, builder of the USS Constitution; Robert Newman, who hung the lanterns for Paul Revere’s ride, and Prince Hall, anti-slavery activist, Revolutionary soldier and founder of the African Grande Masonic Lodge. Copp’s Hill is also the final resting place of countless free African Americans.  

Because of its height and prominent location overlooking Boston Harbor, the British used the burying ground to aim their cannons on Charlestown during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Target practice was also conducted here. Be sure to take a look at the grave marker of Daniel Malcom, a member of the Sons of Liberty.

Launched in Boston in 1797, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Her nickname was earned during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs appeared to bounce off her impenetrable hull and the seamen cried out Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron! Today she is manned by an active duty U.S. Navy crew and docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

The Battle of Bunker Hill was one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution. "Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" became the legendary battle cry, according to lore, and immortalized the determination of the ill-equipped Colonists who stood facing the powerful British Army on June 17, 1775. Today the 221-foot granite obelisk commemorates the site of this first major battle. 

Map of the Freedom Trail

Freedom trail walking tour operators.

Stop by a Visitor Information Center to purchase a ticket. Tours leave from the red brick line in front of the Boston Common Visitor Center. 

Freedom Trail® Foundation — Official Freedom Trail Tours®

• (617) 357-8300

Boston By Foot, Inc.

• 87 Mount Vernon Street
• (617) 367-2345

Boston Town Crier - Tours of Freedom Trail

• (617) 794-7512

Hub Town Tours: Freedom Trail Small Group Tour

• 7 Marshall Street
• +1 (844) 482-8696

Tour of the Freedom Trail

• Boston Common Visitor Center
• (978) 741-1170

Action Tour Guide: Self-Guided Walking Tours in Boston

Boston Freedom Trail & Bunker Hill GPS self-guided audio tours: Experience the rich history of Boston and its role in the American Revolution with the Freedom Trail & Bunker Hill…

Activities & Events

Heart of the freedom trail guided walking tour.

This 1 hour tour is the perfect introduction to Boston’s Revolutionary history! Visit some of the key sites along the world-famous…

Road to Revolution Guided Walking Tour

Explore the makings of a revolution! From the Boston Massacre to Paul Revere’s midnight ride, the birth of the American Revolution…

Tour: Benjamin Franklin - Son of Boston

Celebrate the life of Benjamin Franklin on this guided walk along his homes and haunts in Colonial Boston. Born in Boston, he came…

Guided Tour: Footloose on the Freedom Trail

A Boston tradition! Footloose on the Freedom Trail is a 3-hour guided walking tour of the entire Freedom Trail from the Boston…

Freedom Trail FAQs

How long is the freedom trail.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick path featuring a unique collection of 16 historic sites throughout Downtown, the North End, and Charlestown. How much time it takes to see the entire Trail depends on how much time one dedicates to each site.   Most guided walking tours take around 90 minutes and cover 1 mile of the Trail. 

Where does the freedom trail start?

We recommend starting your journey at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center at 139 Tremont Street and concluding at the USS Constitution in Charlestown. However, the suggested Freedom Trail route is based solely on geographical location, and sites can be visited in any order.

Does it cost money to experience the Freedom Trail?

There is no fee associated with walking the Freedom trail, making it the perfect activity during your visit to Boston! There is, however, a fee associated with admission to some historic sites and guided walking tours. Visit the map above for more information on site admission.

How do I buy walking tour tickets?

Tickets to guided tours of the Freedom Trail can be purchased online or at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center (139 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108). 

Is the Freedom Trail wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, the Freedom Trail and guided walking tours are wheelchair accessible. 

Are dogs allowed on the Freedom Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Freedom Trail as it is a path on city sidewalks and in public spaces such as Boston Common, Bunker Hill Monument grounds, and Charlestown Navy Yard.  Dogs are not permitted in the historic burying grounds or the historic sites’ buildings.  Please call historic sites directly to inquire about service animals.

Where can I find maps of the Freedom Trail?

A downloadable map of the Freedom Trail can be found here .

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The 10 Best Freedom Trail Tours in Boston

Explore the history of the original New England patriots.

From day trips to weekend getaways, our biweekly Traveler newsletter shows you the best of New England and beyond.

A Freedom Trail Foundation tour guide in Boston Common. / Photo provided by Freedom Trail® Foundation

Whether you’re a Boston local or a tourist here for the weekend, you’re probably familiar with the red-brick road of the Freedom Trail, a quintessential landmark as recognizable as our beloved Citgo sign. But unlike Kenmore’s iconic sign, there’s no debate over the historical significance of the Freedom Trail. With 16 sites over 2.5 miles, stretching from Boston Common to Charlestown, the Freedom Trail paints a picture of the American Revolution, and the vital role our city played in the nation’s independence. Next time you’re looking to revisit the roots of our city, check out one of these tours to find the experience that works best for you.

Boston By Foot Heart of the Freedom Trail

Dust off your U.S history knowledge in a 90-minute, 0.7-mile tour of downtown Boston’s most famous landmarks from the nation’s path to independence. From Faneuil Hall to the first public school in America, you’ll be guided through the stomping grounds of the original New England patriots.

$8-$15, Samuel Adams Statue, Faneuil Hall, Boston, 617-367-2345, bostonbyfoot.org .

Boston By Foot: Boston By Little Feet

Described as a “child’s-eye view” of the Freedom Trail, this condensed version of their Heart of the Freedom Trail tour is designed specifically for children ages 6-12. Covering 0.7 miles and 10 historic spots in 60 minutes, the Boston By Little Feet tour is built to pack the city’s history into shorter attention spans.

$10-$12, Samuel Adams Statue, Faneuil Hall, Boston, 617-367-2345, bostonbyfoot.org .

Boston Duck Tours

The duck boats are as iconic as Boston itself, so why not use these semi-aquatic vehicles to tour the city? On any Duck Tour, you can see Freedom Trails sites like the Granary Burying Ground, Boston Common, and Faneuil Hall, as well as slightly more modern landmarks, like Cheers. Plus, you can receive discounts at the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, shops, and restaurants with your ticket.

$10.50-$42.99, 9 a.m. to 1 hour before sunset, Prudential Center, 53 Huntington Ave., Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, 617-267-3825, bostonducktours.com .

Free Tours By Foot Freedom Trail Tour

With Free Tours by Foot, you name your price. This 2-hour, 1-mile tour of Freedom Trail sites including the Old Corner Bookstore, Park Street Church, and Boston Common tells an “epic story of Boston’s rise and America’s birth.” And at the end, the price is up to you.

April to June, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday at 10:30 a.m., June 20-Labor Day, everyday at 10:30 a.m., Labor Day to November, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday at 10:30 a.m., November-April, weekends at 10:30 a.m., Park Street T Station, Boston, 617-299-0764, freetoursbyfoot.com .

Lessons on Liberty Freedom Trail Walking Tour

With tours conducted by classically trained historians, Lessons on Liberty promises to be “Boston’s most historically accurate tour,” providing “little known facts and details” about colonial Boston’s landmark events, from the Stamp Act to the Boston Tea Party. If you’re craving an even more authentic experience to transport you back in time, visit Lessons on Liberty founder Gary Gregory’s colonial print shop, The Printing Office of Edes & Gill .

$8-$14.95, Boston Common Visitors Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston, 857-205-1775, lessonsonliberty.com .

Old Town Trolley Tours Trolley and Freedom Trail Package

If you’re looking to get the most out of a day spent sight-seeing in Boston, consider bundling a walk of the Freedom Trail with a trolley tour of the entire city. With Old Town Trolley Tours Trolley and Freedom Trail Package, you can experience a narrated hop-on, hop-off ride from the Pru to the waterfront and a 90-minute walking tour of the Freedom Trail. As a bonus, your ticket grants you free admission to the Old State House Museum and Boston’s Dreamland Wax Museum.

$25.46-$54, Old Town Trolley Tours, November-March 9 a.m.-4 p.m., April-October 9 a.m.-5 p.m., A Walk Into History Tour, daily tours at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 200 Atlantic Ave., Boston, 855-396-7433, trolleytours.com .

The Freedom Trail Foundation’s Walk Into History

On this 90-minute tour, you’ll see 11 out of 16 official Freedom Trail sites, including Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, and the Granary Burying Ground, where you can visit the graves of noteworthy Revolutionary figures like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.

$7-$14, daily tours at 2 p.m. 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., Boston Common Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston, 617-357-8300, thefreedomtrail.org .

The Freedom Trail Foundation’s African American Patriots

Gain a perspective on the American Revolution that your history classes might have missed through a tour that delves into the stories of African-American patriots in Boston. With discussion of notable figures like Crispus Attucks, Prince Hall, and Peter Salem, the Freedom Trail Foundation sheds light on the often lesser-known histories.

$8-$14, February, select Saturdays and Sundays at 12:45 p.m., Boston Common Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston, 617-357-8300, thefreedomtrail.org .

The Freedom Trail Foundation’s Lantern Tour

Explore the darker side of Boston’s history guided by a costumed Freedom Trail Player and the eerie glow of lantern light. You’ll hear stories of murders, assassins, and witch trials while visiting Freedom Trail locales like King’s Chapel Burying Ground and the Boston Massacre site. Recommended for visitors 12 years of age and older.

$8-$14, September-October, select Thursdays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., ArtsBoston Booth, Faneuil Hall, Boston, 617-357-8300, thefreedomtrail.org .

The Freedom Trail Foundation’s Revolutionary Women

This Freedom Trail tour is all about the women behind the Revolution, and the ladies who followed in their forward-thinking footsteps. Covering the same 11 sites as the Walk Into History tour, Revolutionary Women shifts the focus to tell the stories of female game-changers like Abigail Adams, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Susan B. Anthony.

$8-$14, March, select Saturdays and Sundays at 12:45 p.m., Boston Common Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston, 617-357-8300, thefreedomtrail.org .

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Walk the Freedom Trail

Boston National Historical Park

Originally conceptualized in the 1950s, the Freedom Trail ®  is an iconic symbol of Boston. Its red brick line snakes through some of the oldest parts of the City, navigating visitors to some of the most significant historic sites in the Downtown, North End, and Charlestown neighborhoods of Boston. The trail itself does not necessarily tell a narrative. Rather, it aids tourists with a starting point—an opening sampler of Boston's storied, complicated, and multi-faceted history. While many sites are primarily recognized for their role in the American Revolution, all the sites on the Freedom Trail ®  remained significant because of the role they played in subsequent social, political, and religious movements, controversies, and challenges.

Exploring Boston's History

Some choose to walk the entire 2.5 mile trail, end to end. Others select a handful of sites of particular interest and focus on those places. Visits can be as short as a few hours—however those who wish to enter every historic site and explore what each site has to offer can spend a full weekend along the Freedom Trail.

Guided tours are available seasonally from both National Park Service staff and through private organizations. Generally, few public tours walk the entire trail. Many sites are part of Boston National Historical Park, however they are independently owned and operated and may charge admission fees.

Free Self-Guided Audio Tour

The National Parks of Boston have developed a FREE Freedom Trail ® Audio Tour for visitors. This tour is available online on our Freedom Trail® Audio Tour webpage , or by downloading the NPS App. Once downloaded, search "Boston National Historical Park" and select "self-guided tours."

• Stairs to the 54th Massachusetts/Robert Gould Shaw Memorial: When in the Boston Common, head toward the Park Street MBTA station at the intersection of Park and Tremont Streets. Follow the sidewalk up Park Street toward Beacon Street.
• Stairs to enter the Granary Burying Ground can be bypassed by entering an at-grade entrance off Beacon Street. When at the main entrance at Tremont Street, continue down Tremont to the intersection with Beacon Street. Turn left to head up Beacon Street. The first alleyway to the left ends with an at-grade entrance to the Burying Ground.
• Old State House can only be entered via stairs.
• When following the trail from Paul Revere Park to the Old North Church, a detour around the block on Tileston Street is required.
• Copp's Hill is only accessible by stairs.
• USS  Constitution  and USS  Cassin Young  are historic ships with stairs, ladders, and gangways that move with the tide.
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Last updated: May 22, 2023

New: Big Savings from March to April 30, 2024 on our Most Popular Freedom Trail Tour! Learn more

Boston Walking Tours with Ben Edwards

Private tours for groups and families.

Private tour guide Ben Edwards, a relative of Paul Revere, offers Boston’s Best customized Freedom Trail walking tour! Ben’s tour is FUN and Educational.

Working with Ben is the ideal choice if you:

• Seek insider secrets and advice from a Boston tour guide who can introduce you to the very best the city has to offer.
• Wish to experience historic Boston like a celebrity and delight in being entertained.
• Desire more than history and appreciate surprises along the way.
• Are intrigued by the opportunity to hold and read rare documents and original colonial newspapers from Ben’s personal collection.
• Value the unique chance to see Boston with a relative of Paul Revere—a highly experienced guide whose ancestors walked the same cobblestone streets as Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams.
• Enjoy the bonus of receiving Ben’s children’s book about the beginning of the American Revolution in print, eBook, and MP3 audio formats.

“I cannot imagine a more wonderful tour and a more perfect guide! The walk really does take one to all the great sites. And Ben’s knowledge of people, places, events and dates is absolutely incomparable.”

“Ben is careful to detail, passionate, and knowledgeable of accurate history. And he is fun and personable. All of the characteristics that make a unique and exceptional experience!”

“Wow! If you want a true historical perspective and a fun and entertaining way to see Boston, this is by far the best tour of Boston you can take!”

The 20th Anniversary Edition of One April in Boston

Learn the real story of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride in a tale that teaches American history, the power of imagination, and the value of goal setting.

Ben’s children’s book, based on the lives of his Boston ancestors, was written after six years of extensive research. Fully illustrated, 256 pages. Revised in 2024.

Available from the author and at the Paul Revere House, King’s Chapel, and Old North Church – all copies are donated. Tour groups get the print and audiobook versions for free.

Boston Walking Tours with Ben Edwards—What You’ll Experience

On a Walking Boston private guided walking tour, you’ll experience the Freedom Trail sites in Boston in a fun and unique way. Ben Edwards will keep you fully engaged with his lively and animated storytelling and through a history trivia contest that’s sure to bring out the competitive nature in members of your group or family. You’ll appreciate Ben’s endless knowledge, enthusiasm, and sense of humor.

Along the tour route Ben carries a backpack of treasures including rare documents and historic newspapers and lets you hold history in your hands. Bringing Boston history to life in this fashion is something no other tour delivers . You’ll also see hidden spots that other Boston walking tours miss.

Your private tour group (on tour option 3) will have the opportunity to stop at Parker’s Restaurant in the historic and haunted Omni Parker House Hotel. Here you can purchase and enjoy Boston Cream Pie and Parker House Rolls as Ben transports you back in time through his collection of rare Parker House memorabilia.

Along the route you’ll go inside King’s Chapel, Faneuil Hall, and 3 historic burying grounds. P articipants in tour options 2 and 3 can visit inside the Paul Revere House and Old North Church while option 3 participants can also visit inside Old South Meeting House and the Old State House. Option 3 includes time for a lunch break at Union Oyster House along the Freedom Trail—America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant established in 1826.

Ben’s Boston walking tours are customized to the specific needs of your group or family and are ideal for all ages. You won’t find a tour guide in Boston better at keeping children interested and engaged than Ben. Since 2004 he has worked with thousands of students, a large number of groups and families from across the United States, and visitors from around the globe.

Walking Boston Lets You Hold History In Your Hands

A paul revere connection captured ben’s imagination  .

The unequaled passion Ben Edwards has for Boston is evident from the moment you meet him. It’s one of the things that makes his private guided walking tour unlike any other in the city. With Ben, you’ll walk the same streets that four generations of his ancestors did and even pass the spot where their home once stood before, during, and after the American Revolution.

The Edwards family connection to Paul Revere and the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” have captured Ben’s imagination since childhood. They inspired him to learn more about the patriot and Boston history and even write an educational and inspirational children’s book on the subject. On a walking tour of Boston with Ben Edwards you’ll learn the real story of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride and hear tales about Revere, his family, and his many business ventures that you won’t get on ANY other tour. You’ll even receive a wonderful MP3 audio of Longfellow’s famous poem and get a FIRST LOOK at the paintings that will appear in the upcoming book Paul Revere’s Ride: An Illustrated History by Cortney Skinner.

Behold Boston Walking Tours

Time Travel on Foot! See 100 photos from 400 years of Boston’s history on this incredible tour!

Your guide’s “magic scroll” is a portal to the past, displaying moving pictures from Boston’s brightest stories! Join a journey across time & witness the inspiring transformations of both the city’s iconic landscapes & the bold individuals who shaped its spirit!

Sign up now! Tours have limited availability to ensure everyone has visibility of the magic scroll’s display!

Tour Details

Start Point: Boston Common Visitors Center

139 Tremont St, Boston, Ma 02111

Duration: 2 hours, 1.3 miles [2 kilometers, 1364 smoots ]

End Point: 11 Congress St, Boston, MA, 02109

15 minutes to walk back to the start point

Price: $36 per adult, $16.30 per child or university student, plus tax, Book Here

No tours during intense rain or temperatures below 25 F (-4 C) . You will be refunded for those cancellations

The tour’s theme is Transformation! In both physical and figurative forms. Specifics stories include:

• Boston’s beginning
• Back Bay landfill
• Urban architecture
• MIT & Harvard’s downtown presence
• Trains, brains, Cow Lane, Circles , Colonels, bricks, famous pics
• Shafts, bones, telegraphs, telephones
• Shoes, news, springs, & Kings
• Come curious! Your guide loves entertaining guest questions!

Contact Info

Follow me on Instagram or Twitter , you will find a 10% off discount code there!

Interested in a private tour? See my offerings here!

Email [email protected] for other requests!

See reviews of Behold Boston Tours on Tripadvisor or Google

About Ye Guide

Dear patriot,

Pleasure being acquaint’d! Call me Arturas. Since moving to Massachusetts, i have fallen in love twice. First to a woman named Anne. Second to this city of Boston. This latter love is an open relationship & i invite you to join the fun!

Behold Boston tours is presently a one man show. I am the sole researcher, prop fabricator, photo colorizer, tour guide, web admin and accountant. This has been a delightful first foray into entrepreneurship! When not giving tours, i am building, breezey-machines.com

The contents of my tour come from many sources credit’d below. I am most grateful for them compiling information about this great city and sharing it freely.

• The Boston Athenaeum
• The New England Historical Society
• Digital Commonwealth
• Massachusetts Historical Society
• Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center
• Boston City Archives
• Library of Congress
• Boston Fire Historical Society
• Massachusetts Interactive Property Map
• The Biography of Benjamin Franklin
• Boston’s Back Bay: The Story of America’s Greatest Nineteenth-Century Landfill Project by William Newman
• Malcom X, by Alex Haley

If virtue and knowledge are diffus’d among the people, they will never be enslav’d. This will be their great security Samuel Adams, Letter to James Warren February 12, 1779

A route starting in seaport is currently being written. Check this page for updates!

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See our Calendar Below for All Tours, as well as Things to Do & Travel Tips

Featured tours.

Freedom Trail

Freedom trail highlights.

• Boston Common
• Massachusetts State House
• Park Street Church
• Granary Burying Ground
• King's Chapel
• Old South Meeting House
• Old Corner Bookstore
• Old State House
• Boston Massacre Site
• Faneuil Hall
• and much more!

The Story of Boston (Along the Freedom Trail)

The story of boston (along the freedom trail) highlights.

• Kennedys Love Nest
• Rough Old Scollay Square
• The growth of the Irish, and other diverse ethnic groups as the all-important Newspaper Row and much more!
• This is a different, fascinating walk through historical Boston you will not want to miss.

Beacon Hill Crime

Beacon hill crime highlights.

Free Tours by Foot offers walking tours and travel tips for your trip to Boston (and other cities).

Our expert guides share their knowledge about Boston, Harvard, Cambridge and more on our guided tours and offer local travel advice for the top things to do, how to get tickets, and what to do in Boston tonight.

WALKING TOURS IN BOSTON

Free Tours by Foot is pleased to present the best free, self-guided and name-your-own-price guided Boston tours .

These interesting and informative sightseeing city tours will take you through many of Boston's most famous neighborhoods.

Our guided tours are led by expert city guides who can help you plan your best trip. From the best places to visit in Boston to the most fun Boston attractions.

There is no charge to take our tours, meaning you may pay what you feel the tour was worth after the tour is completed. This ensures that your tour guide must strive to give his or her best on every tour.

Name-your-own-price Boston tours are tours for everybody's budget and we're one of the best things to do in Boston .

Tour Calendar

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SELF-GUIDED BOSTON WALKING TOURS

We know that sometimes our schedule doesn't fit into yours. Here for a day trip or a short weekend in Boston?

Our self-guided Boston tours allow you to see what we think are the most important places to visit in Boston on your own time.

We also offer audio tours .

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

North End Boston: Mafia Mission - Exploration Game

Getting there.

The Rose Kennedy Rose Garden

Atlantic Avenue, Boston, 02110

Select date and session

No booking fees

Similar Experiences

Go city boston: explorer pass, back bay: small group tour of women's rights boston, boston exploration game - mystery walk with pub & cafe stops, boston classic: duck boat sightseeing tour, boston city view bicycle tour by urban adventours, guided walking tour of copley square to downtown boston freedom trail, boston citypass, boston's revolutionary and drunken past with ye olde tavern tours, portsmouth and surrounds mystery picnic: self-guided foodie adventure, boston codzilla high-speed thrill boat ride.

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Love Exploring

Every US State's Best History Tour

Posted: April 26, 2024 | Last updated: April 26, 2024

In the footsteps of history

Despite its relatively young age, the United States has plenty of fascinating historic stories to tell. These exceptional tours cover a variety of topics, from the heroic tales of the Independence War and the Civil Rights movement to the more light-hearted stories of literary giants, royal palaces (yes, really!) and musical legends. All tour prices are per person, unless otherwise stated. 

Read on to discover the best history tour in every US state...

Alabama: The Fight for Rights Tour, Birmingham

Once the nation's most segregated city and notorious for racially motivated violence, Birmingham became the heart of the Civil Rights movement. This tour follows its history, traces the footsteps of the marching students and follows the actions of the Ku Klux Klan. The tour offers an excellent insight into the impact racism had on the city and what happened when segregation laws finally fell. Tours run daily, tickets are $60 (discounts for under 12s) with free selected hotel pick up and drop off.

Alaska: Kennecott Mill Town Tour, Kennicott

A ghost town frozen in time, Kennecott was once drawing in fortune hunters thanks to its rich supplies of copper. The area boomed until the late 1930s, when the copper ran out, and was soon abandoned as the railroad service ended. The two-hour guided tour chronicles the ghost town's fascinating history and offers an exclusive look into the massive 14-story Concentration Mill, plus several other historic buildings. Tours run between May and September, tickets are $34 (discounts available for under-12s). Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged.

Arizona: Sedona and Native American Ruins Day Tour, Phoenix

It's no secret Arizona is rich in Native American history and this part of the state is easily accessible from Phoenix. The small group guided day tour takes in important cultural sites such as the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock and Airport Mesa for unbeatable views of the red rocks and Sedona. But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this tour is a visit to the Montezuma Castle National Monument. Among the most spectacular cliff dwelling ruins in America, Montezuma was built by the Sinagua people between the 12th and 15th centuries. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who offer fascinating historic insights and context. Tickets are from $179 with free pick up and drop off.

Arkansas: Old State House Museum guided tours, Little Rock

One of the most historic buildings in the state, the elegant Greek Revival-style Old State House Museum is said to be the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. Although no longer serving as a political center, it's now a fascinating museum that recounts the history of the state and the previous lives of the building itself – as a medical school and Arkansas State Police headquarters. Learn interesting stories of important local political figures and see engaging exhibits either on a self-guided or guided group tour . Admission and tours are free.

California: Alcatraz Island Day Tour

As a legendary location immortalized in movies and TV, Alcatraz's reputation precedes it. The island off the coast of San Francisco was the site of a formidable prison from 1934 to 1963. Designed to house the most notorious prisoners, including Al Capone himself, the penitentiary can now be visited on day tours. The tour includes a round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island and access to the prison's interior, including the cells. Tours depart daily and tickets cost $53.25 (discounts for children and seniors).

Colorado: Cliff Dwelling Tours, Mesa Verde National Park

Carved out of an alcove in Mesa Verde National Park, the Cliff Palace is a cliff village once built and inhabited by Ancestral Puebloans in the 13th century. Studies have shown that the remarkable dwelling contained around 150 buildings, created from sandstone, mortar and wooden reinforcements, and housed around 100 people at a time. To enter the site and learn more about its fascinating history, visitors can join a ranger-led guided tour of the Cliff Palace. Tours run seasonally and 2024 dates are yet to be announced. 

Connecticut: Guided tour of Mark Twain House and Museum, Hartford

Follow in the footsteps of one of the most famous authors in the world as you walk the halls of Samuel Clemens' (aka Mark Twain's) home. The impressive 25-room Gothic mansion includes the grand hall, library and billiards room where the author penned Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Prince and The Pauper among others. The house can only be visited on guided tours which run daily (closed on Tuesdays) and tickets start from $24 (discounts for children and seniors).

Delaware: Delaware History Trail, statewide

This excellent self-guided trail of 29 culturally and historically significant locations throughout the state is an excellent resource to tap into when you're visiting. The trail covers sites such as estates and gardens, historic towns, colonial landmarks and coastal attractions all connected to the history of Delaware. Our favorite spots include the Wilmington & Western Railroad, Fort Delaware State Park and Nemours Estate. 

Florida: St Augustine Historic Walking Tours, St Augustine

Florida is not all theme parks and beaches, it's also home to the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the continental United States. St Augustine was established in 1565 by Spanish explorers and many of its buildings in the Historic District still date back to the 1700s. The historic walking tours in St Augustine have continuously been voted among the best in the country. Choose between the Conquistatour of St Augustine or the Homes and Buildings Tour and journey into the past of this historic city. Tours run daily and tickets are $25 (discounts for children).

Georgia: The James Brown Family Historical Tour, Augusta

The Godfather of Soul has a special place in America's music history. Cherish the memories of James Brown and visit his childhood home, spots where he hung out, his favorite restaurants and even his elementary school. Tours are led by his daughter Deanna Brown-Thomas and can be arranged via the James Brown Family Foundation. Tickets cost $25.

Hawaii: Iolani Palace tours, Honolulu

As the only royal residence in the United States, Honolulu's Iolani Palace is truly unique. Completed in 1882, it served as the seat of the Hawaiian monarchy. Queen Liliuokalani was Hawaii's last sovereign and the splendid building offers an interesting insight into the affairs of the monarchy. Today, several guided tours are available – the volunteer docent-led tour is among the best and dives into the history of the palace, as well as its royal residents. Tours are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays for $32.95 (various discounts for under-18s and the military apply).

Idaho: Historic District Walking Tour, Idaho City

Idaho City is one of the best day trips from Boise. Today a quirky 'ghost town' (it does technically have around 500 residents), it was the largest city in the northwest more than a century ago. In the 1860s, plenty of miners descended upon Idaho City and the now-derelict buildings have retained a lot of their charm. This  walking tour lets you step back in time and grants access to historic buildings such as the courthouse and saloon, as well as the village, plus you'll hear secrets and stories you're unlikely to discover anywhere else. Tickets start from $5.

Illinois: Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise, Chicago

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise  on board the First Lady is an excellent way to get your bearings and learn about the Windy City's history. It takes in a significant amount of Chicago's most remarkable buildings, with the knowledgeable docents giving each one a historical context too. The tour finishes with a short trip out into Lake Michigan so you can marvel at the historic architecture that's left its mark on the city skyline. The river cruise season runs from spring to fall, tickets start at $54.

Indiana: Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site guided tour, Indianapolis

Sometimes hidden among more famous names, the 23rd president Benjamin Harrison has actually left a very permanent mark on the country. A colonel in the Union Army during the Civil War, Indiana's only president is most remembered for opening the immigration station on Ellis Island. His home – a stunning example of an Italianate Victorian home from 1875 – holds many fascinating artifacts and bursts with family history. The many exhibits tell of the president's life and work, put into context thanks to comprehensive daily guided tours (check hours of the tours before visiting). Tickets are $16 with various discounts to children, students, the military, veterans and seniors, or book in advance online and save $2 per ticket.

Iowa: History Express, Union Pacific Railroad Museum, Council Bluffs

Across the state border of Nebraska in Omaha, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum traces the history of one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects America has ever seen. The museum explores 150 years of American railroad history, from the nation's first transcontinental railway to the technology of modern-day railroading. The experience is taken to the next level with the in-depth guided tour History Express , which covers both floors of the museum and its exhibits. The museum is free to visit, tickets cost $10 and should be booked in advance.

Kansas: Dome Tours, Kansas State Capitol, Topeka

Kansas' State Capitol building is striking indeed, from the two stories below ground right up to the magnificent 306-foot dome. Climb the 296 steps to appreciate breathtaking close-up views of the inner and outer domes. To learn more about the dome and the rest of the building's history, take a guided or self-guided tour , which run throughout the year, are free, and reservations are not required for groups of 10 or fewer.

Kentucky: The Trace Tour, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort

The spiritual home of bourbon, Kentucky is jam-packed with distilleries offering tours, however, Buffalo Trace is special – it's the oldest continually operating distillery in the US. The Trace Tour sees visitors head inside the Blanton Bottling Hall to learn all about the history of bourbon in Kentucky and of the distillery in particular. There are also opportunities to sample the goods for yourself. All tours are complimentary and run daily, but should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment as tour sizes are small.

Louisiana: Whitney Plantation guided tour, Edgard

A former indigo, sugar and cotton plantation established in 1752, the Whitney Plantation serves as a chilling reminder of America’s history of slavery. The site was home to more than 350 enslaved people, whose names can be seen etched onto the Wall of Honor today. Guided tours delve deeper into the plantation's troublesome history and offer a sobering opportunity to learn about the lives of enslaved people during this period. Tours are offered three times a day and can be booked in advance online. Tickets are $32 (discounts available for under-19s, children under six go free).

Maine: A Daily Walk Through Time, Portland

Portland has buckets of history waiting to be uncovered on a two-hour walking tour . Covering the historic Old Port, downtown and waterfront areas, the tour charts Portland's history as far back as 1632, bringing the city's maritime, industrial and cultural past to life. The tour ends with an irresistible sweet treat from one of the coveted James Beard-nominated bakeries that Portland is famous for. Tours run daily, tickets are $41.99 (discounts for the military, veterans and seniors).

Maryland: Flag Talk, Fort McHenry, Baltimore

"O say can you see…" One of the world's most instantly recognizable anthems was inspired by this very spot. Its author, Francis Scott Key, wanted to capture the dramatic victory during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814 when American forces repelled and defeated British troops in the Independence War. The fort played a pivotal role and today it can be visited on a self-guided tour. Don't miss the daily Flag Talk  – the short, ranger-led program shines a light on the American flag that inspired the anthem and tells the story of the events that led to the victory being immortalized in the  Star-Spangled Banner 's lyrics. The day entrance fee is $15, children under 15 go free, or visit on one of the six fee-free days.

Massachusetts: Walk Into History, Boston

The signature tour on Boston's Freedom Trail, this comprehensive walk  takes in all of the city's most important historical highlights, including Boston Common and Massachusetts State House. Expect stories of the American Revolution and US history spanning six centuries. Tours run six times daily and tickets cost $17 (with discounts for seniors, students and children, children under six go free).

Michigan: Architecture Walking Tour, Detroit

New York and Chicago are well known for their early skyscrapers and 1920s Art Deco architecture, but another city sporting eye-catching architecture is Detroit. Trace the city's architectural, cultural and economic history through its buildings, from famous must-sees to impressive hidden gems, such as the GM Renaissance Center and Shinola Hotel. Plus, gain access to buildings where entry is normally not permitted. Tickets from $115 .

Minnesota: Washburn A Mill Tour, Mill City Museum, Minneapolis

Built into the remains of the Washburn A Mill, which used to be the world's largest flour mill, this curious museum tells the story of a unique aspect of Minneapolis' history. The mill turned the city into the milling capital of the world for over 50 years, even earning it the nickname Mill City. The Washburn A Mill Tour explores the nooks and crannies of this National Historic Landmark and highlights the lives of men and women who worked there, as well as explaining how the mill functioned and changed over time. Tickets are $18 (discounts for members). The 2024 tour dates are yet to be announced.

Mississippi: Guided tours, Mississippi State Capitol, Jackson

The seat of the state government since 1903, the Mississippi State Capitol is also a National Historic Landmark. An architectural marvel in itself, it's also key to the history of the state and of the city. Free guided tours are available at certain times Monday through Friday so visitors can take in one of the replicas of the Liberty Bell, 10 types of marble used throughout the building and the ornate Rotunda.

Missouri: 2-Hour History Tour, Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City

Watch Jefferson City's past come to life as you stroll the halls and cells of this once-famous prison. Still owned by the state, it was the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi until it was decommissioned in 2004. Opened in 1836, the prison is nicknamed the 'bloodiest 47 acres in America' due to its troublesome history. Discover some of it on a two-hour guided tour through the housing units, centennial cells and gas chamber. Tickets are $25, tours run from March to November each year.

Montana: Old Butte Historical Adventure Tours, Butte

The largest National Historic Landmark District in the country, Butte was once one of the most famous mining towns in the West and dubbed the 'Richest Hill on Earth.' During the late 1800s, the town produced the most copper in all of the United States. Today, a group of enthusiasts run three historic tours , taking visitors on a journey from the 1890s through to the 1950s. From exploring the city's underground tunnels and life that thrived there to journeying through the history of Butte in a single building, the engaging tours are filled with curious historic anecdotes, stories and characters. Prices are from $20 (discounts for seniors, students and the military).

Nebraska: Public Tours, Joslyn Castle, Omaha

Completed in 1903, the private home of George and Sarah Joslyn is a 35-room Scottish baronial-style mansion and one of Omaha's most impressive gems. The first historic landmark of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, the castle's history is not just fascinating in itself, but also tells the story of high society in Omaha back in the day. Tours don't have to be booked in advance, tickets are $12 (discounts for seniors, students and the military).

Nevada: Guided Dam Tour, Hoover Dam

One of the most impressive feats of engineering in the US, the Hoover Dam was completed in 1935 to save the local farmlands from frequent flooding and supply the surrounding states with electricity. Situated around 30 miles from the neon lights of Las Vegas, the dam is a marvel to see in real life. Guided tours offer an up close and personal view of the mighty structure, giving access to the historic tunnels and original elevators, the inspection tunnels at the center of the dam, and views through the inspection ventilation shaft. Tickets are $30 and are available to buy on-site only.

New Hampshire: Canterbury Shaker Village guided tours

This exceptionally preserved historic village tells the story of the original Canterbury Shakers, who emigrated from England to America in the 18th century. Guided tours of the whole campus take in more than 25 original and reconstructed buildings, which have been preserved for over 200 years and include the carriage house, pump room, schoolhouse, and infirmary. Guides help tell the story of the once-influential community, their values and impact on agriculture, technology, modern architecture and design.

New Jersey: Trolley Tours, Cape May Historic District

The tip of this peninsula, jutting out into Delaware Bay, has always been admired for its pristine beaches, but the real highlight here is the Cape May Historic District. A collection of colorful and intricately decorated Victorian mansions, the eye-catching area earned National Historic Landmark status in 1976. Today, the neighborhood is best explored on a  guided trolley tour . Knowledgeable guides share stories of America's first seaside resorts with plenty of fun facts sprinkled in. Options include the historic district tours, ghost tours and mansions by the sea. Several tours run seasonally, tickets are $20 (discounts for under-12s).

New Mexico: guided tours of Taos Pueblo

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark, Taos Pueblo is a Puebloan settlement in northern New Mexico that's survived since the 13th century. Made from adobe – a construction material made from earth, water and straw – the unique settlement is still maintained by local people, resulting in one of the most well-preserved examples of Indigenous architecture not only in America, but in the world. Free guided tours take visitors to the most significant areas of the village, helping them to appreciate this incredible settlement through historic tales and interesting titbits.

New York: Swing Style and Social Revolution Tour, Manhattan

From tours of Ellis Island and the Tenement Museum to sobering exhibits of recent history at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Manhattan is full to the brim with interesting historical tours. For a different view of the city, join New York Historical Tours , which take you back in time to the Roaring Twenties. Discover how New York City became the center of cultural and social reform, explore the most iconic locations of the Art Deco era, and discover the stories of hidden speakeasies during the Prohibition. Tours run daily, tickets are $279.

North Carolina: Guests of the Vanderbilts, Biltmore Estate, Asheville

Best known as America's largest home, the sprawling Biltmore Estate is a fine example of a Gilded Age mansion. With 250 lavish rooms, it was built by George Vanderbilt in 1889. An exclusive tour  invites visitors to see the mansion from the perspective of the Vanderbilts' guests, giving access to exclusive areas. Available with house audio guide tour, two-day access to the gardens and complimentary parking and wine tasting from $305.

North Dakota: Fort Union Trading Post tour, Williston

A two-hour self-guided tour lets visitors explore one of the most historic – and curious – trading posts in America. Run by the American Fur Company, it was one of the most important and longest lasting trading posts on the upper Missouri River. Trading guns and ammunition for grizzly and bison furs from the Northern Plains Tribes, the site attracted famous faces such as naturalist John James Audubon and Prince Maximilian of Wied, a German explorer and naturalist. The free walking tour maps out significant places and helps visitors understand the site's importance in American history.

Ohio: History of Cincinnati, Cincinnati

Take the city's only multimedia mobile history tour with over 40 points of interest covered during the two hours. From its inception as a river town for cargo shipping, to its ambitious architecture projects such as the Roebling Bridge, the story of the Queen City is a fascinating one. There's no better way to discover its past than through this tour, which combines knowledgeable guides and archive video to reveal the history of the city. Tours run Thursday through Saturday, tickets are from $45 (discounts for under-15s and seniors).

Oklahoma: The Real Black Wall Street Tour, Tulsa

Until the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre in 2021, little was known about it. This tour , which takes place through the historic Tulsa district of Greenwood, will give you an education that might be painful but insightful. You’ll hear the details about the people and buildings that were affected by the massacre, and the places that were bombed, including churches and schools. Admission is $15.

Oregon: Portland Ghosts, Portland

See a different side of Portland on this haunted tour exploring the ghost stories and spine-tingling tales of the city. Most of the tour takes place in the Old Portland Underground, also known as the Shanghai tunnels due to their location mostly underneath the old Chinatown neighborhood. The tunnels were built to move goods from ships to storage areas, but many scary, suspicious and even brutal legends still haunt these passageways... Tickets are $25 (discounts for under-13s).

Pennsylvania: Complete 3-Hour Tour, Gettysburg National Military Park

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is now home to one of the largest collections of Civil War artifacts in the world. Fought in 1863, it was the bloodiest conflict in the American Civil War and signified a major turning point for the Union. The Complete 3-Hour Tour , where visitors are joined by Licensed Battlefield Guides, is an excellent way to learn as much as possible about this significant point in American history. Pricing starts from $120 for 1-6 people.

Rhode Island: Ranger Guided Tours, Slater Mill, Pawtucket

Considered the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution in 1793, Slater Mill in Pawtucket was the country’s first cotton-spinning factory powered by water. This seemingly simple innovation changed the course of industrial history. Today, the old textile mill still includes its machine shop complete with tools and the 16,000-pound wheel that used to churn the water from the Blackstone River. Free ranger-led tours examine the beginnings of industry in America and its lasting effects to this day.

South Carolina: African American History And Heritage, Charleston

The heritage and history of Georgia is inextricably linked to the enslaved people brought here from West Africa. Join Bulldog Tours  for a comprehensive guide to the city's past through the African American lens. Touching upon the abolishment of slavery, Jim Crow and the Civil Rights struggle, the two-hour tour covers many of Charleston's most significant historical spots, with stories told through critical moments, giving context to modern-day Charleston. Tickets are from $37 (discounts for children, under-threes go free).

South Dakota: Ranger Talks, Mount Rushmore

No presidential monument is more impactful than Mount Rushmore, conceived as a dedication to represent the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States through four former presidents. Carved into a natural rock face, completed in 1941, it's an impressive site to visit and daily free ranger talks between June and September help add context. Erected on Lakota grounds in the Black Hills, don't miss an opportunity to discover the controversy it brought at the Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Heritage Village along the first section of the Presidential Trail.

Tennessee: Ultimate VIP Tour, Graceland, Memphis

It's hard to name another musician whose stardom outshines Elvis Presley's, even today. A worldwide phenomenon, his singing and dancing captivated audiences and changed the history of music forever. Elvis superfans shouldn't miss out on the Ultimate VIP Tour of Graceland, the former home of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Visitors will join a small guided tour of the mansion and enjoy self-guided tours of Elvis' custom jets and the Entertainment Complex, including the Career Museum and the Making of ELVIS Movie exhibit. Tour price with a meal voucher is $225.

Texas: The JFK Tour, Dallas

One of the most shocking events in modern history, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy still captivates history fans. This brilliant tour recounts the events of the day in surprising detail, winding through Dallas in the footsteps of the assassinated president and his killer. Much of the day's events have remained a mystery to many and this enlightening tour uncovers many secrets, visiting iconic sites such as the Dealey Plaza and the X on Elm Street – the exact point of the assassination. Note the audio tour is self-guided and can be completed at your own pace. Admission is from $14.99.

Utah: Temple Square tours, Salt Lake City

Although initially Salt Lake City's Temple Square was just that – a square – today it refers to a 35-acre area in the center of the city, consisting of some of the most important buildings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the Mormons. The stunning Salt Lake Temple (only open to members of the church), the Tabernacle and the Family History Library are all part of the historic square. Free self-guided and guided tours offer a unique glimpse at these historically important locations. Tours can be organized by the church.

Vermont: von Trapp History Tours

Most people are familiar with the singing family from the classic movie The Sound of Music , but here in Stowe you can explore the family's history after they escaped Austria and settled in Vermont. The tour at the Trapp Family Lodge, the family's home in 1942, uncovers the truths and imagined story lines of the famous film and recounts Maria's last trip to Salzburg – you might even get lucky and run into one of the family members. Tickets are $32.10 (discounts for under-12s, under-fives go free), advance booking is highly recommended.

Virginia: In-Depth Tour, Mount Vernon

History buffs shouldn't miss out on a visit to Mount Vernon, the home of the first president of the United States, George Washington. The 18th-century mansion sits next to the scenic Potomac River and is also Washington's final resting place as he lies in a tomb on the property. A plantation built in the 18th century, its history of slavery is also carefully outlined in a special exhibition. The 45-minute  In-Depth guided tour  offers access to areas normally off limits and uncovers more than 250 years of history at Mount Vernon. Tickets cost $60 in addition to general admission.

Washington: The Underground History Tour, Seattle

When visiting Seattle you might not even realize there's a whole underground world below the city's streets. Descend to what was once the street level and discover Seattle's history before the 19th century. After a lot of the city burned down in 1889, an opportunity presented itself to raise and rebuild it as protection from the tidal flats, thus creating this now underground city. Tickets are from $25 (discounts for under-12s, seniors, students and the military).

West Virginia: Bunker Tours, The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs

Opened in 1778, The Greenbrier – popular for its natural hot springs and dubbed 'America's resort' – has been at the very center of American history. Over half of the 46 US presidents have stayed here and during the Second World War it housed diplomats from Germany, Japan and Italy, before it was converted into a hospital for soldiers. One of its most curious aspects is the emergency Cold War fallout shelter built beneath the property. The bunker can be visited on a guided tour , which journeys through its corridors and chambers, recounting the history of the Cold War in the 1960s. Tickets are $47 (discounts for under-18s).

Wisconsin: Guided tours, Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee

Perfect for petrol heads, the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee offers plenty to see for adults and kids alike. Discover the iconic manufacturer's history and its impact on the world, see everything that goes into making a motorbike in the Engine Room, and enjoy several permanent and temporary exhibits celebrating the motorbike. A choice of three guided tours helps take the experience to the next level. Choose from the Spotlight Tour, which sees a knowledgeable guide talking you through the artifacts in the museum's collection, or go for the Beyond the Gate Tour for a unique access to the Motorcycle Vault. Tickets are from $15 (does not include admission to the museum).

Wyoming: Sundance Sip n Walk Historical Tour, Sundance

This tiny town in Crook County, Wyoming is where the legendary outlaw and Butch Cassidy’s sidekick, the Sundance Kid, got his nickname. The Sip 'n' Walk tours recount the curious history of the Wild West through live reenactments, allowing you to meet famous figures as well as notorious outlaws, and see real, historical locations while sipping on beer, wine or lemonade. Tickets are $40 for a family or group of six or more.

Now discover America's most historic and beautiful downtowns

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