Historic burial grounds join travel itineraries this season, with crowds eager to explore the sculptures and secrets tucked between the headstones. Guided walks in Virginia, lantern-lit tours in New York and music-filled gatherings in Philadelphia welcome curious visitors in new ways. Through these events, guests learn local history while uncovering the remarkable stories and lives that shaped each site.
Laurel Hill Cemetery. Photo credit: Depositphotos.
Some cemeteries have added theater performances, art installations and craft markets that bring communities together. With continued support for such attractions and tourism initiatives, these sites are finding sustainable ways to preserve their heritage while staying relevant to modern visitors.
The evolution of cemeteries
Cemeteries once served as park-like retreats where people could reflect and spend time outdoors. Before public parks existed, these spaces offered rare patches of greenery where city residents could walk, picnic or simply enjoy quiet surroundings. As urban populations grew, cemetery operators set stricter boundaries to protect privacy and maintain respect for those buried there.
Many sites restricted access to prevent vandalism and preserve order. In recent years, however, cemeteries have reopened to the public with guided tours, maps and interpretive signage, returning to their early role as places of learning and reflection.
What makes cemeteries worth visiting
Historic cemeteries attract visitors for their art, history and quiet open space. Many feature elaborate mausoleums, detailed sculptures and distinct architectural styles that reflect changing eras of design. In Spain, the Alcoy Cemetery displays renowned Art Nouveau funerary works, while in London, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park operates as a heritage site and a protected green area.
Some visitors actively research ancestry or confirm burial records, using digital archives that make exploring these grounds easier. Beyond remembrance, cemeteries now offer a way to engage with history while spending time outdoors.
Memorial parks open their gates wider
Cemeteries across the country are reintroducing themselves as active community spaces through guided tours, cultural programs and creative events. Many now offer walks that highlight notable burials, historical symbols and local stories, supported by audio guides, apps and self-guided maps. Beyond tours, some sites host concerts, theater performances, art installations and seasonal events that draw visitors, especially in October.
At Philadelphia’s Laurel Hill Cemetery, activities such as lantern tours, punk rock nights and the Market of the Macabre attract a wide mix of visitors. The Dead Milkmen, a local punk band, has even performed there. The market charges a small entry fee and features vendors selling offbeat crafts and Halloween-inspired items. While the revenue is limited, the exposure builds public interest and introduces new audiences to the site’s history and purpose.
To support maintenance and restoration, many cemeteries now rely on memberships, paid tours, donations and venue rentals. Some have partnered with nonprofits to expand educational and preservation programs. Cemetery owners say these efforts strengthen ties with nearby communities, while visitors appreciate the mix of history, creativity and open space.
Burial grounds open to the public
Across the United States, historic burial grounds turn into community spaces where visitors learn local history and join guided events. In Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery provides live-narrated hop-on, hop-off tours that stop at key memorials and landmarks. Its Memorial Arboretum Walk gives visitors a closer look at the cemetery’s landscaped areas, featuring regional trees and shrubs in a peaceful setting to honor veterans.
In Georgia, Atlanta’s Historic Oakland Cemetery doubles as a public park and cultural venue. The 48-acre site hosts Halloween tours, Day of the Dead celebrations and themed walks that explore topics from Victorian symbolism to the city’s African American history.
New York’s Sleepy Hollow Cemetery draws crowds year-round with storytelling tours tied to Washington Irving’s legacy. Visitors can join the Original Knickerbocker Tour to learn about his work and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Evening lantern tours offer a nighttime walk through the historic setting, while the Murder & Mayhem tour shares true stories of crime and loss that took place long ago.
In North Carolina, Green Hill Cemetery in Greensboro connects visitors to local history through guided walking tours organized by the Friends of Green Hill Cemetery. Proceeds support preservation work and help maintain the Garden-style layout, keeping the site educational and inviting and affirming the role of historic burial grounds as places of remembrance, learning and peaceful recreation.
Respect as tourism grows
Historic burial grounds that welcome visitors face the challenge of balancing preservation with tourism. Most outline clear visitor rules on conduct, quiet zones and crowd limits to maintain respect. Some restrict access to active or sacred sections to protect family privacy and cultural traditions. Local communities often view these areas as sacred spaces, so organizers work closely with residents before adding tours or events.
Higher foot traffic brings risks such as wear, vandalism and structural strain, which require steady maintenance and funding. Many sites now manage these concerns with added security, insurance coverage and timed access for large groups. Conservation efforts continue to expand through heritage grants, volunteer programs and nonprofit partnerships that help preserve the cultural and historical value of these grounds.
Sacred spaces welcome new visitors
Cemeteries are increasingly becoming places where history and community meet. What were once quiet resting grounds now serve as open spaces where people learn about the past and connect with local culture. Visitors come to explore art, architecture and family stories, while caretakers work to keep the sites respectful and educational. These evolving spaces allow heritage and reflection to coexist in places once defined only by silence.
Zuzana Paar, a co-founder of Food Drink Life, is a seasoned traveler and writer who has explored 62 countries and lived in St. Lucia, Dubai, Vienna, Doha and Slovakia. Her work has been featured on Fox News, New York Daily News, MSN and more; she has also appeared live on Chicago’s WGN Bob Sirott Radio Show. When she’s not discovering new destinations, she shares travel tips and insider insights to help others experience the world in a unique and unforgettable way.
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