Incredible Journey to Midnight: Detroit Underground Railroad Walking Tour

Dramatized tour brings history to life

Detroit’s role as a major stop on the UGRR told

Authentic historic sites and events revealed

Embark on this Unique Experience highlighting Detroit’s Underground Railroad History

The Incredible Journey to Midnight isn’t an ordinary tour. It’s an immersive experience where history comes alive!

Travel back to pre-Civil War America when the horrific institution of slavery was legal in much of the United States. Learn about those who spoke out against this unimaginable yet widely accepted practice, challenging both its legality and morality. Follow in the footsteps of Freedom Seekers who made the dangerous journey through Midnight, code word for Detroit, to escape the oppressive shackles of bondage in favor of freedom across the Detroit River. Discover the compelling stories of those who risked their lives to make this dangerous journey and those who dared to help them. Meet significant historic figures of this era such as Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and John Brown portrayed by actors who insure their mighty voices and powerful messages continue to be heard today.

If you like history told in a compelling and interactive way, then this memorable tour is for you.

Highlights

Real history brought to life through actor portrayals

Follow in the footsteps of Freedom Seekers who made the dangerous journey to Midnight

Discover where profound historic events took place

Participate in an immersive and emotional "safe house" reenactment

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Trip Details

Price

Adult: $46
Youth: $18 (17 and under)


Meeting point

Guardian Building, 500 Griswold Street, Suite 250, Detroit MI 48226
Note: Tour ends at Gateway to Freedom Monument in Hart Plaza.


Duration

3 hours


Cancellation policy

No refunds on tickets purchased unless tour is cancelled by tour operator.

Are you looking for unique and compelling things-to-do in Detroit? If so, then our Incredible Journey to Midnight walking tour should be at the top of your list! Using elements of street theatre with Downtown Detroit as the stage and actors to convey important American history, it’s more of an experience than ordinary tour. So, get ready to travel back in time with us to pre-Civil War America where the horrific institution of slavery is legal in much of the United States?

Your journey begins in Midnight – code for Detroit. There, a conductor will meet you and the other brave people who risked life and limb to escape the shackles of this immoral and cruel form of involuntary servitude and covertly escort you to the banks of the Detroit River where you’ll make safe passage to freedom in Canada. Along the way, you’ll meet others willing to help with your transport despite the danger to them and their families. You may also encounter well-known abolitionists such as Sojourner Truth, John Brown, and Frederick Douglass or high-ranking politicians like Senators Jacob Merritt Howard or Zachariah Chandler who are all speaking out against slavery and changing the course of history.

Although a narrow river literally separates you from freedom, sadly you still cannot let your guard down while in Midnight. Slave catchers lurk around every corner, eagerly awaiting your arrival. So, just like every other place you’ve been on this long, dangerous road to freedom, you may have to hide at a moment’s notice. And just like before, you must remain silent and invisible as if your life depends on it – because it does! God-willing, the danger will pass, and you’ll be able to complete your journey.

Limited tickets are available for the Incredible Journey to Midnight, an immersive experience where history comes alive! If you like history told in a compelling and interactive way, then this memorable tour is for you.

 

Frequently asked questions:

Although we ride the Detroit People Mover occasionally, this tour is geared towards people who can easily walk about 2-2.5 miles, climb up and down short flights of stairs, and stand for 10 or so minutes at numerous sites over a period of three hours.

The tour starts at the Guardian Building near the Financial District People Mover Station and ends at the Gateway to Freedom monument at Hart Plaza which isn’t far from the starting point. The Buhl Garage is located across the street from the Guardian Building. Numerous surface lots and metered street parking can be found nearby. Online parking guides such as www.parkwhiz.com can be helpful.
Actors return to the starting point so you can walk with them if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

There are restrooms available at the beginning, and we take a restroom break near the middle of tour. If there is a bathroom emergency along the way, we usually can direct you to the nearest one.

We frequently have young people on this tour. They learn a lot and enjoy being part of the experience. That said, slavery – the subjugation of humans through brutal tactics, is a very tough topic even for adults to comprehend and can be especially frightening for children. Please make sure your children are of an age where they can handle the subject.

The Underground Railroad is figurative. In most instances, freedom seekers didn’t escape via railroads or underground tunnels. The tour takes place on street level.

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