Memphis Civil Rights Smartphone Guided Walking Tour

Discover Memphis’s Civil Rights Story with a Self-Guided Smartphone Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Memphis and want to understand its complex history of civil rights, segregation, and cultural change, this Memphis Civil Rights Smartphone Guided Walking Tour offers a thoughtful, flexible way to learn. It’s designed to be convenient, affordable, and immersive—without the pressure of a group or a guide constantly by your side.

What we really like about this tour is how it allows you to go at your own pace while still getting a curated experience filled with poignant stories and historic sites. Plus, the inclusion of music and local flavor makes it much more than just a history lesson. That said, it’s a mostly outdoor experience, so be prepared for Memphis weather and bring your own refreshments if needed.

This tour would suit travelers who appreciate self-directed exploration, are interested in civil rights history, or want a meaningful experience that doesn’t break the bank. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a history buff, or someone who loves exploring cities through local stories, this could be a worthwhile addition to your Memphis trip.

Key Points

• Flexible and self-paced: Navigate at your own speed, with no expiration, using a smartphone app.
• Affordable pricing: At just under $10, it provides a cost-effective way to explore Memphis’s civil rights history.
• Rich storytelling: Engage with stories about key sites, music’s role in the movement, and local heroes.
• Authentic sites: Stops include iconic landmarks like the Lorraine Motel and the I Am a Man mural.
• Music and culture: The tour integrates Memphis’s musical legacy, especially blues and Elvis.
• Independent experience: No guided group, no included food or entry fees—perfect for those wanting a personalized journey.

A Deep Dive into the Memphis Civil Rights Smartphone Guided Walking Tour

When considering a history-focused tour in Memphis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by options. What makes this smartphone-guided walking tour stand out is its practical approach. It combines the storytelling richness of a guided tour with the freedom of exploring on your own terms. Its main attraction? The ability to listen to stories anytime, anywhere, and revisit key moments without time constraints.

Ease of Use and Accessibility

Starting outside B.B. King’s Blues Club at 12 PM, you’ll find the tour’s format straightforward. The app is location-aware, meaning as you walk, it plays relevant stories automatically, creating a seamless experience. You can stop for a break, grab a bite at Gus’s Fried Chicken, or simply pause and resume whenever you like—this flexibility is a highlight. The tour’s never-ending access means you can return days later to reflect or catch details you might have missed.

Why the Price Matters

At just $9.75 per person, this tour is a budget-friendly option. While it doesn’t include food, admission, or a guide, the value lies in the depth of storytelling and the ability to explore at your own pace. You may find that it complements other Memphis activities, such as visiting Graceland or taking a river cruise, without a hefty price tag.

What You’ll See and Hear

The tour is packed with significant sites, each with its own story:

• Start outside B.B. King’s Blues Club: Here you’ll learn how blues music intertwined with civil rights struggles. The tour then guides you through Memphis, touching on the city’s musical and social history.

• Stop 1: The Statue of Elvis: A quick five-minute stop, it provides insights into how Elvis’s upbringing and his cross-cultural influence played into the broader social fabric.

• Stop 2: The Orpheum Theater: This historic venue illustrates segregation under Jim Crow laws, featuring stories about how entertainment venues played roles in racial divides and, eventually, integration.

• Stop 3: Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: A beloved local spot that served as a community gathering place, symbolizing how food can bring people together.

• Stop 4: The Green Beetle: Known for serving everyone, including Elvis, it’s a reminder of Memphis’s hospitality and cultural melting pot.

• Stop 5: I Am a Man Mural: An iconic piece of street art, commemorating Memphis sanitation workers’ strike and the historic march led by Martin Luther King Jr. — a truly moving moment.

• Stop 6: The Blues Hall of Fame: Here, you’ll hear about Memphis’s influence on music and culture, enriching your understanding of how music fueled social change.

• Final stop: Lorraine Motel: The tragic site where MLK Jr. was shot, this is a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for justice. The story of that day and King’s mission is compelling and poignant.

• Downtown Memphis: The walk through the city streets ties everything together, highlighting other historical landmarks and local heroes.

Authentic Stories and Real Impact

One reviewer shared that the experience was “very moving” and that “if you don’t shed a tear, you have no emotions in you.” It’s clear that the stories told along this route resonate deeply, especially when paired with the music and visuals. The guide’s insights are considered knowledgeable, providing context that makes each site more meaningful.

Practical Considerations

Since the tour is outdoor and on foot, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are a must. The total duration is flexible, but most of the tour is concentrated in the 1-2 hour window, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. Note that there’s no included food or admission fees—what you see outside is free, but the app enriches your understanding. Also, the tour is accessible via public transportation and is suitable for most travelers.

What Could Be Better?

While the experience is comprehensive, some might find the lack of a live guide or group less engaging. If you prefer a very interactive or guided experience, this might feel a bit solitary. However, for those who enjoy self-paced exploration or want to avoid large crowds, it’s a plus. Also, since it’s mostly outdoor, weather could be an issue on rainy days.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This smartphone-driven experience is ideal for travelers who want to learn at their own pace without a guided group. If you’re interested in civil rights, Memphis’s musical legacy, or local stories, it’s a cost-effective way to get a deep understanding. It’s particularly well-suited for those comfortable with using a smartphone app and exploring independently.

Final Thoughts

The Memphis Civil Rights Smartphone Guided Walking Tour offers a meaningful way to connect with Memphis’s past without the fuss of guided tours or high costs. It’s an authentic, flexible experience that prioritizes storytelling and local history, making it perfect for travelers who want to learn and reflect on their own schedule.

While it doesn’t include guided commentary in real time, the stories are well curated and led by knowledgeable narrators. The stops—ranging from historic landmarks to murals—highlight key moments and figures that shaped Memphis’s social fabric. For the price, it delivers a compelling, personal exploration of a city that played a pivotal role in civil rights history.

If you’re looking for an experience that’s both educational and emotionally impactful, this tour could be a meaningful part of your Memphis journey. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring your curiosity, and prepare to reflect on the stories that changed the world.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since it’s mainly outdoor walking and involves stories of civil rights and historical events, children who are comfortable walking and interested in history should find it engaging. However, parental discretion is advised depending on the child’s age and sensitivity.

How long does the tour take?
The tour normally lasts about 1 to 2 hours, but since it’s self-paced, you can take longer or shorter depending on how much time you want to spend at each stop.

Can I listen to the stories later?
Yes, the tour is designed so you can listen again after your walk, and it never expires. This makes it easy to revisit or highlight favorite parts.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and perhaps a water bottle. Since no food is included, you might want to bring a snack or drink if you plan to be out for a while.

Are there any admission fees at the sites?
The tour itself is free to access outside of the app. Some sites, like Gus’s or the murals, are free to view. The Lorraine Motel is included in the tour route but note that no entry fee is necessary for viewing the site.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The description indicates the tour is outside and accessible via public transportation, but since it involves walking, it’s best to confirm accessibility details if you have specific needs.

What is the starting point?
The tour begins outside B.B. King’s Blues Club at 143 Beale Street.

Where does the tour end?
It concludes at the Lorraine Motel on Mulberry Street, where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot.

Can I do this tour on any day?
Yes, the tour is available 24/7, all year round, so you can explore Memphis whenever it fits your schedule.

Is there a guide available in person?
No, this is a self-guided tour via your smartphone. If you prefer a live guide, you might want to look at other options.

If understanding Memphis’s civil rights history in a personal, flexible way sounds appealing, this smartphone tour is worth considering. It’s a solid choice for anyone eager to connect with the city’s story at their own pace.