Group Travel Itinerary: African-American Heritage

Indianapolis' African-American community is rich in heritage and history. Select among these tour ideas and celebrate the achievements, past and present, of African Americans who call Indiana home.

Attractions

Indiana Avenue and the Madame Walker Theatre Center — Indiana Avenue is the historic epicenter of black culture in Indianapolis, with vibrant social, commercial, educational, and residential activities dating back to the early 1800s. Renowned for jazz, clubs along the six-block avenue hosted the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Dinah Washington among many others. Anchoring Indiana Avenue is the Walker Theatre Center, named after Madam CJ Walker, the nation’s first female, self-made millionaire. The Center is open for tours and frequently hosts concerts, special events, and Jazz on the Avenue concerts. (1-2 hours)
Crispus Attucks Museum — this museum is named for the first man slain in the American Revolution at the Boston Massacre, African American Crispus Attucks. Located inside an historic high school (Indy’s segregated school for blacks), the museum tells remarkable stories about the segregation era and Indianapolis natives Oscar Robertson, Hallie Bryant, and more, who broke through racial barriers in the sporting world. (1 hour)
Ransom Place Historic Neighborhood — in the 1830s this area just northwest of the Circle became the neighborhood for Indy’s black community to reside, and many of its homes remain intact. The neighborhood later was named for Freeman Ransom, a prominent black lawyer who managed the legal affairs of Madam CJ Walker and her enterprises. (1 hour)
Bethel A.M.E. Church — the first A.M.E. church in Indiana was also a stop on the Underground Railroad for slaves heading to Canada for freedom. The church played an important role after the Civil War including establishing education opportunities for blacks and fostering the birth of the NAACP's Indianapolis chapter. (1 hour)
Follow the North Star at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park — this true-to-life experience of slaves seeking freedom via the Underground Railroad is intense, challenging, emotional, and unforgettable. Be prepared for a never to be duplicated experience. (2 hours)
Indianapolis Museum of Art — housed inside one of the nation's premier art museums is the Eiteljorg Suite of African Art, in which extraordinary collections showcase the sculpture, jewelry, tapestries, and artifacts of the African continent. In addition to the African gallery, guests will enjoy the 152 acres of gardens and the Art & Nature Park. (1-2 hours)
Dr. Martin Luther King Park & Landmark for Peace Memorial — the park memorializes the location where Sen. Robert Kennedy spoke the night Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. A poignant sculpture on the park grounds is a moving tribute to this difficult time in our history. (30 minutes)
Freetown Village — prepare to join the residents of Freetown Village for a delightful evening featuring period food, games, and entertainment. In 1870, Freetown Village became the first settlement in Indiana established for freed blacks. Learn of the triumphs and trials of daily life through dinner, theatre, song, and story-telling. (2 hours)

Special Events of Note

Circle City Classic — each October Indianapolis hosts the Circle City Classic football game at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. The weekend-long event features battle of the bands, parades, concerts, and a football game between traditionally black colleges and universities. (varies)
Jazz on the Avenue — Indy's proud jazz heritage continues monthly at the Walker Theatre Center, featuring national, regional, and local jazz artists. (1.5-3 hours)
Art & Soul — in celebration of Black History Month in February the Indianapolis Artsgarden presents an eclectic array of African American artists showcasing music, poetry, visual arts, dance, and story-telling. And it's all free. (30 minutes-1 hour)

Dining Suggestions

Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place — for more than 20 years the Kountry Kitchen has served delicious soul food including homemade chicken, pork chops, and catfish. Many celebs and politicos stop in for meals. (1-1.5 hours)
Maxine's Chicken & Waffles — for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Maxine’s featuring the perfect waffle served with three chicken wings. Many other items are on the menu to delight your taste buds. (1-1.5 hours)
The Jazz Kitchen — one of Indy's local treasures, this jewel serves great American and Creole items while guests enjoy national and local jazz performers. (1-1.5 hours)
Hollyhock Hill — scrumptious fried chicken, beef tenderloin, and fish are served family-style in this historic home, where comfort food has been king for 80 years. (1-1.5 hours)

Please contact Sandra Johnson, Visit Indy's group tour specialist, for more detailed information about the venues and activities on this itinerary.

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Email the Indy tourism team for contact information at listed venues