Wake Forest Historic District Walking Tours
Historic Preservation Month Walking Tours
The Town of Wake Forest will celebrate Historic Preservation Month in May by offering free walking tours in different historic areas of town.
Led by staff from Historic Preservation Planning and the Wake Forest Historical Museum or volunteers from the Historic Preservation Commission, the tours will include the Northeast Community, the Local Historic District/North Main Street, and South Main Street.
Along the way, each group will discuss the developmental and architectural history of the area, along with the significant men and women who shaped the community.
Please Note: Tours are outside only and will not include the inside of individual homes or buildings.
May 2023 Tour Schedule
Each tour is approximately 90 minutes and will begin at 10 a.m. according to the following schedule:
Tuesday, May 9 - Northeast Community
Participants will assemble at Taylor Street Park, 416 N. Taylor St., to learn about Wake Forest’s historically African American neighborhood and its significant culture and history.
Saturday, May 13 – Local Historic District/North Main Street
This is a volunteer-led tour. Participants will assemble at the corner of North Main Street and East Walnut Street at the Wake Forest Historical Museum, 414 N. Main St., to learn about the history of Wake Forest north of and including the Old College Campus.
Wednesday, May 17 - Local Historic District/North Main Street
Participants will assemble at the corner of North Main Street and East Walnut Street at the Wake Forest Historical Museum to learn about the history of Wake Forest north of and including the Old College Campus.
Tuesday, May 23 - South Main Street
Participants will meet at the Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave., to learn about the area south and west of the Old College Campus.
Wednesday, May 24 – South Main Street
Participants will meet at the Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave., to learn about the area south and west of the Old College Campus.
Wednesday, May 31 - Northeast Community
Participants will assemble at Taylor Street Park, 416 N. Taylor St., to learn about Wake Forest’s historically African American neighborhood and its significant culture and history.
Pre-registration is required by completing the online sign-up form. Space is limited to the first 15 participants to sign up for each tour.
Virtual Tours
The Town of Wake Forest is proud of its rich heritage. That heritage is visible through the many historic buildings and districts that contribute to the character of our beautiful town. There are several opportunities to learn about the Town's history and its historic districts including taking a virtual walking tour or visiting the Wake Forest Historic Museum. Guided walking tours are offered occasionally by the Historic Preservation Commission staff and/or the Wake Forest Historical Museum. Information about future tours will be available on this page. However, you can experience historic Wake Forest first hand by taking advantage of the Town's self-guided virtual tours of the Local Historic District, Downtown and Town Cemetery. Printed brochures are also available at Town Hall, the Wake Forest Historical Museum, and the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce. Please click on the links below to access the Town's virtual tours.
Attention History Buffs!
Anyone interested in the history of Wake Forest is encouraged to visit the Wake Forest Historical Museum, 414 N. Main St. The museum is free and open Tuesday-Friday, 9 am-noon and 1:30-4:30 pm/
The Historic Preservation Commission has also published walking tour brochures of the Downtown Historic District and Local Historic District. Both brochures are available at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. or at the Wake Forest Historical Museum.
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