TRAVEL TIPS

10 Tips for Cemetery Tourists

Published on: July 26, 2015 | Last Updated on June 10, 2020
Cast iron gate leading to Irving Family gravesite at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (Photo credit: Jerome Levine)

The first time you visit a cemetery as a tourist (as opposed to a friend or family member) may feel awkward because you may be uncertain about the “rules” or etiquette. The most important thing to know is that most cemeteries welcome cemetery tourists.

Here are 10 tips for cemetery tourists:

1) Before your visit, read guidebooks and/or the cemetery website so you know what to expect.

2) Cemeteries are four-season destinations but check on specific opening hours and holiday closures.

3) Once there, ask for a map or directions from the cemetery office to find the locations of your “must-see” grave or monuments.

4) Most cemeteries charge a nominal fee for guided tours. Proceeds from these tours usually support preservation efforts.

5) After your tour, allow yourself sufficient time to wander, reflect and discover the unexpected.

6) Be respectful of people around you; active burials may be going on during your visit.

7) Dress casually but respectfully; wear good walking shoes and be cautious of tripping on uneven ground, rocks or exposed tree roots.

8) Most cemeteries permit photography but check with the office first. If you photograph people, be sure to ask permission.

9) Don’t lean on headstones, which may be unstable. If you see something amiss, inform cemetery staff.

10) Children are welcome but make sure they are well-behaved; younger children may enjoy bringing along coloring books and crayons.

This box by Irene S. Levine appeared as part of a feature story in the Chicago Tribune.


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  • Reply
    Marilyn Jones
    July 26, 2015 at 10:15 am

    Excellent guide to cemetery touring; be curious and be respectful.

  • Reply
    Sheryl
    July 28, 2015 at 2:34 pm

    Good tips. Many people might not realize that they need to venture quietly and respectfully since they are “touring.”

  • Reply
    Michael Robinson
    December 7, 2017 at 3:04 pm

    I wanted to thank you for everything that you had to say here about cemetery tours. Just like you mentioned, you should always contact the cemetery and ask if they have any kind of guided tours or rules that they would like you to follow while on their grounds. I think your advice to not lean on the headstones is really smart because it could come off as inappropriate. I am doing a report for school, and I want to come and look at the graves of a couple war heroes. Thanks again for the post!

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