African American Heritage Trail

Step into Lexington’s rich African American history with a self-guided digital/audio tour featuring 70+ stops across four historic communities. No app is needed—text and photos are delivered straight to your phone. Narrated by a Lexington native who has researched and walked these paths, the tour brings to life the struggles, triumphs, and legacies of Black residents from the eras of enslavement to civil rights. From a Lexington-born president of Liberia to the city’s first African American female doctor, you’ll learn about important figures throughout history. Listen to the stories of a couple who escaped enslavement to become Underground Railroad stationmasters, the early Black horsemen who helped build Kentucky’s equine industry, and a local Army veteran promoted posthumously to Brigadier General.

Tours range from 45 minutes to two hours, with a digital passport offering deals at local attractions, restaurants, and shops. This one-of-a-kind experience is an unforgettable way to explore Lexington’s past and present.