Guided Tours
Discover the stories, people, and places that make Hillsborough special! Join the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough for a guided exploration of our town’s rich history, from its Revolutionary-era roots to its historic neighborhoods, architecture, and local landmarks.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have called Hillsborough home for years, our guided tours offer a new perspective on the people and events that shaped our community.
We offer a variety of experiences, including regularly scheduled downtown walking tours, specialty history tours, and private group tours.
Ready to explore? Browse our available tours, find an upcoming tour date, or contact us to arrange a private group experience. We look forward to showing you around!
Guided Tours
Historic Hillsborough Tours
Experience American history through the unique perspective of one of North Carolina’s oldest and most historically significant towns, with a guided walking tour of downtown Hillsborough. Established in 1754 as the seat of government for Orange County, Hillsborough’s colonial legacy and signs of its importance in North Carolina and American history can be seen everywhere.
The tour begins at the Hillsborough Visitors Center, located in the eighteenth century Alexander Dickson Farm House, and guides visitors to a variety of historic places from the site of a 1790s African American-owned distillery to the 1840s Orange County Courthouse and the grave of one of North Carolina’s signers of the Declaration of Independence.
History Within Reach
Experience the rich history of Hillsborough at a more relaxed pace! History Within Reach offers seated, guided tours designed to make local history accessible to a wider range of visitors. Enjoy fascinating stories about Hillsborough’s people, places, and past without the demands of an extended walking tour. Whether you’re looking for a more comfortable way to explore or simply prefer to take a seat while discovering local history, History Within Reach offers a welcoming way to connect with Hillsborough’s heritage.
Hillsborough History Day
The Historic Hillsborough Tour offers an engaging field trip experience, where students will visit around 12 key sites around town to learn about their historical significance. As they walk through Hillsborough, students will encounter guides stationed at 4 or 5 of the sites, ready to provide in-depth knowledge. For the sites without a guide, we will provide informational materials to ensure students gain a comprehensive understanding of each location. This tour provides a dynamic and educational way to explore the rich history of the town.
Ages: 2nd grade – 8th grade
Know Before You Go
Preparation for Walking Tours
In-person walking tour that sometimes crosses uneven terrain. Please plan to be walking or standing for the duration of the event, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a water bottle (plus your curiosity)!
Refunds
In-person walking tour that sometimes crosses uneven terrain. Please plan to be walking or standing for the duration of the event, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a water bottle (plus your curiosity)!
