The stately buildings of tree-lined Main Street hold a treasure trove of stories from Memphis' colorful past. Discover how the Civil War, epidemics, machine politics, and music have shaped the city, and how its wide-open, anything-goes atmosphere helped changed the country at large. On this tour, you will see:
- The Peabody Duck March
- Main Street
- Panoramic rooftop views of the city
- Beale Street
- Confederate Park, overlooking the Mississippi River
- Calvary Episcopal Church (1843), oldest public building in the city
- Civil War sites (the Battle of Memphis and Forrest's Raid)
- Civic Center
- Historic Court Square
What Is Not Included?
Food and beverages are not included on the tour.
Meeting Location
Near the corner of 2nd and Beale Streets, Downtown (Memphis, TN)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- Tickets must be purchased in advance in order to guarantee your spots on the tour. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, book well in advance!
- Can children go on the tour?
- We love children! Children between the ages of 7 and 12 have a reduced priced ticket. Children under 7 can come on the tour for free and do not need to have a ticket.
- What happens if it rains?
- The tour will run in most moderate weather conditions. In the event of unsafe or severe weather, we would have to cancel the tour, and you would be allowed to reschedule subject to availability or receive credit for a future event.
- If the tour is sold out can I get on a waiting list?
- Unfortunately we do not have waiting lists for our tours. Check another date and time, or check out our other offered tours!
- How early should I arrive to check in before the trip?
- Please arrive 10 - 15 minutes early as the tour will be starting right on time.
- What places will we visit on the tour?
- We will visit many historic sites in Memphis, including the rooftop of the Madison Hotel, Main Street, Court Square, Calvary Episcopal Church, the historic Shelby County Courthouse, General Washburn's Escape Alley, and the Peabody Hotel.
- Are there any stops during the tour?
- We will stop briefly at each site to hear detailed stories about the history of that place.
- Will we go into any of the stops on the tour?
- We will visit the rooftop of the Madison Hotel, and will go in the Peabody Hotel at tour's end for the March of the Ducks. We will also go into a local breakfast establishment for refreshments midway through the tour.
- How much walking is involved?
- You will be on your feet for the majority of the duration of the tour (90 minutes), but we will be walking at a leisurely pace and we will also enter into city parks with benches if you do feel the need to sit down. The tour will cover approximately 1 mile.
- Where does the tour begin?
- The tour begins from the lobby of the Madison Hotel (79 Madison Avenue).
- Where does the tour end?
- The tour will end at the Peabody Hotel on Union Avenue, approximately 4 blocks from the starting point. You may walk or ride the Main Street trolley back to the Madison Hotel.
- Who will my tour guide be?
- You will not be guaranteed to have any particular tour guide on the tour. All of our guides are certified professionals and will provide you with a fun, unforgettable experience!
- Should I tip my tour guide?
- If you enjoyed the trip, tips are highly appreciated!
- What is the difference between your tours?
- The Historic Memphis walking tour visits sites relating to the city's founding, the river and cotton trade, the Civil War, yellow fever epidemics, and late 19th century to early 20th century events. The walking ghost tour visits Memphis after-dark and explores its haunted history. We have several sightseeing bus tours: a general Memphis Mojo tour (that on Friday and Saturday mornings includes a guided tour of Sun Studio), an Elvis - based Hound Dog tour, and a tour that visits Graceland with a Platinum Pass!
- Are there any foods or beverages on the tour?
- Food and beverages are not included on the tour, but will be available at a stop midway through the tour.
- Can I bring my own food and beverages on the tour?
- Yes! You can bring any foods, alcoholic, or nonalcoholic beverages you would like on the tour. Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages need to be kept in a closed container in a paper bag.
- What should I bring with me on the tour?
- We recommend that you bring cash in case you decide to purchase food or drinks during the tour or tip your hard working guide! Other than that, bring any essentials you may need, and most of all - good spirits!
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- The tour route follows city sidewalks and the Main Street pedestrian mall, and should be accessible to most wheelchair users.
- Are restrooms available on the tour?
- Although there are no designated restroom stop on the tour, if you need a restroom during the tour, please notify your guide and he or she will be glad to help you find one. We'll be in the middle of Downtown Memphis, so finding an establishment with a restroom should not be a problem!
- Do you offer private group tours?
- Yes! If you are interested in arranging a private group event, please click on the "Contact Backbeat" link for more information.
- Are gift certificates available?
- Yes, gift certificates are available and they make perfect gifts for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion! To purchase a gift certificate please click on the "Gift Certificates: Purchase" link in the box above.
Backbeat Tours
Founded in 2006 by owner Bill Patton and a group of Memphis musicians who all share a common passion for Memphis music and history, Backbeat Tours has already gained a reputation for being one of the city’s most unique and entertaining attractions. Experience the music and high-energy fun while you see the sites where modern popular culture began.
In addition to the walking history tour, Backbeat also offers evening walking tours of haunted Memphis, and several bus sightseeing tours. Check out all these one-of-a-kind tours today!
In addition to the walking history tour, Backbeat also offers evening walking tours of haunted Memphis, and several bus sightseeing tours. Check out all these one-of-a-kind tours today!
