Tours

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This historical walking tour takes guests through the presence of Black people in the heart of downtown Austin. Since Austin’s establishment in 1839 and before, people of African descent have played an integral part in this city’s development. We journey through centuries of histories, contributions, and experiences that are seldom told. We will explore the history of enslavement in Austin, routes to freedom in Mexico for enslaved persons passing through Austin, and the Black businesses and institutions that once flourished downtown. On this one-mile walk, guests will engage in dialogue about Black people's role in Austin’s development and their continued presence.  

This historic walking tour takes guests through the beginnings of Austin's Black community through the present. Guests will learn about The City of Austin's 1928 Master Plan and creation of the "Negro District", which is was centered around East 11th Street. We will visit important sites and institutions throughout our one-mile journey. Guests will also be able to engage in dialogue about the changing nature of East Austin and the city's Black community. A large part of this experience is to support local Black owned businesses in the neighborhood.

Guests will discover the Colorado River's centrality in the development of Austin and the surrounding region. We will do this by centering African Americans' history and experiences related to the vital waterway. Guests will have a chance to paddle through the river's role in race-based enslavement as a mode of transport and barrier to be overcome by self-emancipating African people in pursuit of freedom. This tour will also highlight how African Americans have used the Colorado River for different activities such as baptisms and recreation. Emphasis will be placed on the "swim-ins" of the 1960s, where Black youth in Austin challenged the city's segregationist policies, which barred Black people from recreating in its most coveted green space, Barton Springs. This tour is led by Javier Wallace, the founder and guide for Black Austin Tours. His family was trafficked into Mexican Texas as enslaved persons on this same body of water in the 1830s. 

Rowing Dock is proud to support Black Austin Tours. 100% of proceeds from this tour series will go to Black Austin Tours.

Join us for an unforgettable evening exploring the rich history of East Austin’s Black music scene while savoring local flavors as part of Black Foodways. This tour uniquely showcases the Chitlin Circuit’s legacy, tracing East Austin’s role as a hub for Black entertainment. Along the way, we’ll taste this history at Black-owned restaurants, with stops at iconic sites like the George Washington Carver Museum and Ebenezer Baptist Church, before ending the night with a delicious meal at the legendary Victory Grill’s Busy Signal restaurant. This adult-only tour blends music, history, and food for a truly unique Austin experience.