
Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 172 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour worth booking?
Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in Portland, United States, from $54 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 172 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (172)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $54 per person
Trace the steps of the Black Portlanders who moved our city, state, and country closer to the ideals of freedom, democracy, opportunity, and equality. Maine’s earliest settlements couldn’t have existed without Black labor, skill, and insight. You'll meet the Black Yankees who founded Maine communities, overturned slavery statewide, drove our maritime industries, gained political influence, crossed color boundaries, and expanded Mainers’ rights in the modern era. Stepping on granite cobblestones crooked with age — that once saw footfalls from national heroes like Frederick Douglass — you’ll pass storefronts once home to Black-owned barbershops where abolitionists whispered intelligence to Underground Railroad conductors. Enjoy 2 hours of entertaining and enlightening historical narration over a 1.5-mile route. Owner and guide, Dugan Murphy, dug through the archives to present an amazing constellation of stories left out of most tours. TripAdvisor named him Portland's #1 guide!
What you get
About this experience
Trace the steps of the Black Portlanders who moved our city, state, and country closer to the ideals of freedom, democracy, opportunity, and equality. Maine’s earliest settlements couldn’t have existed without Black labor, skill, and insight. You'll meet the Black Yankees who founded Maine communities, overturned slavery statewide, drove our maritime industries, gained political influence, crossed color boundaries, and expanded Mainers’ rights in the modern era. Stepping on granite cobblestones crooked with age — that once saw footfalls from national heroes like Frederick Douglass — you’ll pass storefronts once home to Black-owned barbershops where abolitionists whispered intelligence to Underground Railroad conductors. Enjoy 2 hours of entertaining and enlightening historical narration over a 1.5-mile route. Owner and guide, Dugan Murphy, dug through the archives to present an amazing constellation of stories left out of most tours. TripAdvisor named him Portland's #1 guide!
What's included
Included
- 10% off water tours with Portland Paddle (instructions at confirmation)
- Two hour fully narrated guided tour.
- Donation toward restoring the Abyssinian Meeting House, America's third-oldest standing Black church
Not included
- A tip for your guide!
What you'll see and do
Your guide Dugan will lead you to the locations relevant to Black Mainers and their achievements. We'll trace the steps of the folks who resisted indignity and realized power to move our city, state, and country closer to the ideals of freedom, democracy, opportunity, and equality.
50 minutes here
Lobsterman Park
Discover the hidden Black history that predates slavery in Maine.
Pass by without stopping
Congress Street
Be surprised by the story of a largely unknown but well-connected international activist from the 19th century hiding in plain sight.
Pass by without stopping
The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception
Hear the complicated history of racial passing at the highest levels in 19th-century Catholic Maine.
Pass by without stopping
Commercial Street
Dugan will guide you to where Black leaders and laborers shaped Portland's waterfront and earned a seat at the table when the odds were against them. We'll honor the Black journalist who decided to leave the US behind and seek self-determination in a newly-founded African nation.
20 minutes here
Portland's maritime history may not be what you think it is. Discover the Black skill and labor too often overlooked.
Pass by without stopping
Marvel at the architecture and hear how antebellum Black Portland built and wielded political power at a time when the vast majority of Black Americans were denied basic human rights.
Pass by without stopping
Bell Buoy Park
Visit the Black social scene of WWII Portland and meet the important people who came out of that period to impact our lives today.
Pass by without stopping
Old Port
Follow Dugan through the Old Port to a historically-Black section on the eastern end of the waterfront, uncovering Black history hidden all around us. You'll hear about the people who founded Maine communities, overturned slavery statewide, drove our maritime industries, swung elections, founded houses of worship, crossed color boundaries, and expanded Mainers’ rights in the modern era.
50 minutes here
Learn the story of an enterprising young Black man who forged his own destiny in the legal field despite those who tried to hold him back.
Pass by without stopping
Find the brave folks who risked federal prosecution by aiding and abetting freedom seekers from the South via the Underground Railroad.
Pass by without stopping
Marvel at the achievements of a small, tight-knit community, who worked together to improve their lives and the lives of others.
Pass by without stopping
Portland Observatory
Learn how important Black Portlanders were to the maritime economy in the age of sail.
Pass by without stopping
Visit the beating heart of the civil rights movement and hear the stories of the leaders whose impacts are still being felt today.
Pass by without stopping
Eastern Cemetery
Learn the surprising story of the Black minister who convened a community of expatriate Black Americans to rewrite the US Constitution.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Portland
Meet at the front steps of First Parish Church. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Portland by the Foot." Check-in time is 10 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. The church is one half mile from the cruise ship terminal.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Eastern Cemetery is on Congress Street at the head of Montgomery Street. If you want to get back to where we started, it's an easy, straight shot 0.5 miles (10-minute walk) down Congress Street. It's also 0.5 miles from the cruise ship terminal.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Portland by the Foot
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Pets are not allowed on tours unless medically required.
- Portland is a hilly city. Participants will walk uphill sometimes, including a staircase of 17 steps.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 171 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
171 verified traveler reviews for Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The perfect tour ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
10 out of 10! My parents and I *LOVED* the Black History Tour we took in Portland yesterday! Dugan is incredibly knowledgeable and such a gifted storyteller. We were blown away by the history he shared—so many stories, people, and important pieces of history that we were never taught in grade school. The tour was engaging, eye-opening, and truly memorable. We walked away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Portland’s history and the Black experience in the area. Dugan has a way of bringing history to life that makes you want to keep listening and learning. If you’re visiting Portland—or even if you’re a local—I **highly recommend this tour!** It’s an experience you won’t forget. 🙌🏾
Response from the operator: I am honored the Black History Tour had such an impact on your family. I had a great time showing you all these landmarks and sharing these stories. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed review! I really appreciate it.
via Viator
West time Getaways Black History Tour 2026
First of all have a good pair of walking shoes on and be able to take good notes. There will be a lot of good information to take back home to share with your family , friends , and love ones. I live in Georgia, grew up in Mississippi I learn so much on this one day tour about black history in the north. You will get plenty of exercise on this tour. Please pay attention and enjoy the scenery . There is alot of historic buildings still bring used today.
Response from the operator: Thank you for learning about Maine's Black history with me! I'm happy to know someone else who as impressed as I am by what I found in the archives. I appreciate you taking the time to write a review.
via Viator
Take this tour!
What a gift of a tour! Dugan is a top-notch, world class guide and he has curated an incredible circuit / narrative to learn about the surprisingly rich history of black Portland. Thumbs-up!
Response from the operator: I am honored to receive such high praise. Thank you! I love taking about Portland history with visitors and Black history runs deep here. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your stay here.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour
1. Very interesting and informative. Dugan is a great guide and extremely knowledgeable about Portland history.
Response from the operator: Thanks for the great review! I hope the rest of your stay in Portland was just as enjoyable.
via Viator
A fascinating history lesson
An interesting tour through the experiences of African-Americans which reveals a lot about Maine and US history. Our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. He researched several of the stories himself. The tour was thoughtfully planned with several rest stops along the way. Well with an afternoon.
Response from the operator: Many of the people and events on this tour have gotten little scholarly attention despite their impactful role in history. I'm excited to share the results of my research. Thank you for learning about Black history in Portland with me! And thank you for taking the time to post a review.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 60
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Portland.
How much does Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $54 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Portland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Portland is not rushed.
Is Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 172 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Portland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour?
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Around 60 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Portland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Portland and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Portland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Portland?
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Portland sells lighthouse and lobster-boat tours in Casco Bay, Old Port food and brewery walks, seal and puffin cruises, and fall foliage runs up the Maine coast. On Outty we rank every Portland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local, Portland, Maine: Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour, A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Portland?
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June to October, with peak foliage in early October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Portland?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour?
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Included: 10% off water tours with Portland Paddle (instructions at confirmation); Two hour fully narrated guided tour; and Donation toward restoring the Abyssinian Meeting House, America's third-oldest standing Bl. Not included: A tip for your guide!. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour?
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Meet at the front steps of First Parish Church. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Portland by the Foot." Check-in time is 10 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Portland. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Portland, Maine: Black History Guided Walking Tour?
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Across 172 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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