Planning a spring or summer road trip? Travel back in time along the Harriett Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. This scenic route highlights the historic sites and secret locations that helped many enslaved people escape from Delaware to freedom in Pennsylvania.
Named for Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery in Maryland in 1849, the 98-mile byway links homes, churches and safe houses used by Underground Railroad “conductors,” including Wilmington Quaker Thomas Garrett. Although driving the full route takes about three hours, the byway is best experienced over several days to allow time for museums, historic sites and local neighborhoods.
The official byway website provides background on the history of each site, practical directions and suggestions for planning a visit based on your interests. Stops along the way offer interpretive exhibits and opportunities to learn more about the people, stories and landscapes that shaped this network of escape and resistance.
When planning your trip, consider timing visits to match opening hours for museums and historic properties, and allow extra time for guided tours and walking the neighborhoods where these events unfolded. Exploring the byway at a relaxed pace lets you connect more deeply with the history and the communities that preserve it.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a family looking for an educational getaway, or a traveler seeking meaningful destinations, the Harriett Tubman Underground Railroad Byway offers a moving and informative journey through an important chapter of American history.