Official site of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association
Celebrating Indy’s African-American Heritage Tour
Experience Indy’s unique and diverse heritage.
DAY 1
City Tour ... Tour downtown Indianapolis to learn more about the city’s rich African-American history and culture with Historic Landmarks.
Cost/Time: 1 hour City Highlights Step-On - $50, Mon.-Fri.; $60, Sat.-Sun.
2 hour City Highlights Step-On - $100, Mon.-Fri.; $120, Sat.-Sun.
3 hour City Hightlights Step-On - $150, Mon.-Fri.; $180, Sat.-Sun.
Contact: Gwendolen Raley at 317-639-4534
Cost/Time: 1 hour City Highlights Step-On - $50, Mon.-Fri.; $60, Sat.-Sun.
2 hour City Highlights Step-On - $100, Mon.-Fri.; $120, Sat.-Sun.
3 hour City Hightlights Step-On - $150, Mon.-Fri.; $180, Sat.-Sun.
Contact: Gwendolen Raley at 317-639-4534
Madame Walker Theatre Center … A magnificently restored theatre originally built in tribute to the nation’s first self-made female millionaire, Madame C.J. Walker. Enjoy its African/Art Deco motifs, mirrored ballroom and the Heritage Room that showcases Madame Walker’s products and other memorabilia.
Cost: $5, adults, $3, students
Time: 1 1/2 hours
Contact: Mr. Ridley at 317-767-0205 or 317-437-3064 (cell)
Cost: $5, adults, $3, students
Time: 1 1/2 hours
Contact: Mr. Ridley at 317-767-0205 or 317-437-3064 (cell)
Bethel AME Church … The oldest African-American church in Indianapolis, its original building on the same location served as a stop on the Underground Railroad for slaves traveling to freedom. Founded in 1836, Bethel AME represents the core of the African-American community.
Cost: Donations accepted
Time: 1 hour, tours based upon availability
Contact: 317-634-7002
Cost: Donations accepted
Time: 1 hour, tours based upon availability
Contact: 317-634-7002
Martin Luther King Park … Named for civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., this park is where Robert Kennedy gave his speech the night Dr. King was assassinated. The park is home to the Peace Memorial, which honors the contributions of both slain leaders.
Cost: Free
Time: 1/2 hour
Contact: 317-327-7461
Cost: Free
Time: 1/2 hour
Contact: 317-327-7461
Freetown Village Dinner … With a mission to educate the public about African-American lives and culture in Indiana through living history performances, the collection and preservation of artifacts, exhibits and allied programs, groups will experience characters in costume depicting a typical dinner in 1870, five years after the Civil War ended.
Cost: $40, adults; $20, children 10 and under
Time: 2-2 1/2 hours
Contact: Ophelia Wellington or Marriam Umar at 317-631-1870
Cost: $40, adults; $20, children 10 and under
Time: 2-2 1/2 hours
Contact: Ophelia Wellington or Marriam Umar at 317-631-1870
Crispus Attucks Museum … An inspirational tour of the first high school built to educate African-American students in Indianapolis and named for the first African American to lose his life in the Revolutionary War. This museum celebrates the contributions of African Americans across the United States.
Cost: Donations accepted
Time: 1 1/2 hours
Contact: 317-226-2430
Cost: Donations accepted
Time: 1 1/2 hours
Contact: 317-226-2430
Indiana State Museum: Legacy Theater … The Legacy Theater was created to develop a sense of understanding and admiration of African-American history. The Museum showcases African-American stories, engaging live performances that use song, dance and drama to teach about Indiana’s rich African-American culture.
Cost: $5.50, adults; - $3.50, seniors 60+ $5 and children 12 and under. Special performances will be a different rate. Ask for details.
Time: 1 hour
Contact: 317-232-1637, then press "0" to get customer service
Cost: $5.50, adults; - $3.50, seniors 60+ $5 and children 12 and under. Special performances will be a different rate. Ask for details.
Time: 1 hour
Contact: 317-232-1637, then press "0" to get customer service
The Jazz Kitchen … Indianapolis’ premier jazz club and full-service restaurant features the finest in local, regional, national and international jazz musicians. Limited menu or buffet is available for groups of 35 or more. Advanced reservations required. Entertainment can be included for additional cost.
Cost: $13 - $25 (subject to change based on menu selection)
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Contact: 317-253-4900
Cost: $13 - $25 (subject to change based on menu selection)
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Contact: 317-253-4900
- OR -
Conner Prairie: Follow the North Star … Experience the life of a runaway slave in 1836 Indiana. This moving, 90-minute experience allows you to step into the life of a runaway slave on the way to a safe haven. This program runs on a limited schedule in the spring and fall.
Cost: $19/person
Time: 1 1/2 hours
Contact: Joyce Duvall at 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836, ext. 295
Cost: $19/person
Time: 1 1/2 hours
Contact: Joyce Duvall at 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836, ext. 295
Special Events honoring the African American Heritage:
Indiana Black Expo - 317-925-2702 (See "We Love Our Sports" tour for description)
Circle City Classic – 317-237-5222 (See "We Love Our Sports" tour for description)




