Thing to Do

Walk the Black Heritage Trail®

An NPS Ranger speaking to a group of children in front of a monument, holding an image of soldiers.
A NPS Ranger speaking to a school group about the Battle of Fort Wagner.

Matt Teuten

Join a Park Ranger from the National Parks of Boston to explore the rich history of the Black community in 1800s Beacon Hill.

The Black Heritage Trail® showcases residences and community buildings associated with a Black community that thrived on, and near, the north slope of Beacon Hill before, during, and after the American Civil War. Throughout that time, this community struggled and organized for equal rights and access to equal education. Community members championed the movement to abolish slavery and even housed freedom seekers on their journey along the Underground Railroad.

This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. It begins across the street from the Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial in front of the Massachusetts State House and ends at the Museum of African American History, covering about 1.4 miles.


Tours are offered during the summer season. From May 31 - October 29, 2023, these tours will be offered Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 am and 1:00 pm.* Registration will be required; please register through Eventbrite

*In case of weather, Rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space."

For a self-guided audio tour, see either The Virtual Black Heritage Trail or download the NPS App.  

Details

The Black Heritage Trail® Tours typically lasts 1.5 hours.

Activity
Guided Tours

This tour is best suited for individuals aged 8 and above.

Pets are allowed while walking through Beacon Hill. The Museum of African American History only allows service animals into its buildings.

Please visit our page on Accessibility to learn more about General Guidelines for Visitors with Service Animals.

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Guided tours are offered in the summer and into the fall.

From May 31 - October 29, 2023, these tours will be offered Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 am and 1:00 pm.* Registration will be required; please register through Eventbrite

*In case of weather, Rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space."

For a self-guided audio tour, see either The Virtual Black Heritage Trail or download the NPS App.  

Guided tours are offered in the summer and into the fall.

From May 31 - October 29, 2023, these tours will be offered Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 am and 1:00 pm.* Registration will be required; please register through Eventbrite.  

*In case of weather, Rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space."

For a self-guided audio tour, see either The Virtual Black Heritage Trail or download the NPS App.  

From May 31 - October 29, 2023, these tours will be offered Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 am and 1:00 pm.* Registration will be required; please register through Eventbrite

*In case of weather, Rangers will offer an indoor option in the basement of Faneuil Hall, also known as the "Find Your Park Space."

For a self-guided audio tour, see either The Virtual Black Heritage Trail or download the NPS App.  

Accessibility Information

This trail navigates a hill and consists of sharp inclines and small and uneven concrete sidewalks. Occasionally there are obstructions on the sidewalk that may be difficult to navigate around.

  

Boston National Historical Park, Boston African American National Historic Site

Photograph of a brick building from an angle to include the front door, windows, and sidewalk.
Virtual Black Heritage Trail® Tour

Explore the sites of the Black Heritage Trail® virtually.

Last updated: May 25, 2023