Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to experience New Orleans beyond its lively streets and jazz tunes, the Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour offers a quiet, contemplative glimpse into the city’s past. This tour, operated by the non-profit Save Our Cemeteries, promises a small-group, historically accurate stroll through one of America’s most beautiful and architecturally impressive cemeteries. It’s a chance to see the city’s famed funerary art, learn about local history, and support preservation efforts all at once.

What we particularly love about this experience is the deep knowledge of the guides—they’re passionate and well-versed in the stories behind the tombs—and the stunning visual contrast of elaborate monuments set against the lush live oaks. A possible consideration is that, at 1 hour 30 minutes, it’s a relatively brief walk, so those seeking a more in-depth or longer exploration may want to pair it with other tours. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy history, architecture, or simply a peaceful walk that’s both educational and visually captivating.

This tour suits history buffs, architecture aficionados, or anyone curious about New Orleans’ unique culture. It’s friendly for all ages, accessible for wheelchairs, and provides a respectful, authentic look at a city’s “city of the dead.”

Key Points

• Small, intimate group size enhances the experience
• Guides are highly knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging
• The cemetery features some of the grandest funerary architecture in the US
• Supports preservation of historic cemeteries through non-profit organization
• Duration of 90 minutes fits well into a busy sightseeing schedule
• Suitable for all travelers and accessible for wheelchairs

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Meet at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

The tour begins at the Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries, a fitting starting point for a journey into New Orleans’ silent stories. From here, the guide leads you into the cemetery, a landscape famed for its beauty and historical significance. Expect to be greeted by towering live oaks, their branches draping over marble monuments and ironwork that seem to whisper centuries of stories.

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Tombs

As you walk, you’ll notice an array of funerary styles—Greek temples, Gothic, Islamic, obelisks, and ornate marble monuments. These features aren’t just for show; they reflect the diverse influences and the wealth of families who built them. The cemetery’s sculptures and wrought ironwork are especially noteworthy, many crafted with fine detail. Visitors often comment on how the graves are more like open-air art galleries, with each monument telling its own story.

Notable Graves and Their Stories

Lake Lawn Metairie is the final resting place of influential and colorful figures. You’ll see the graves of Louisiana governors, New Orleans mayors, and Carnival kings. The cemetery also holds more unconventional stories—madams, brothel owners, and bandleaders like Louis Prima and Al Hirt, along with literary figures such as Anne Rice, who popularized vampire stories, and former sports team owners like Tom Benson.

The Guide’s Expertise

We loved the way guides like Glenn approach the tour. One reviewer noted, “Glenn was a very informative guide who clearly loves the history of cemeteries and New Orleans history!” Their passion shines through, making facts and stories come alive. Expect to hear tales about the families buried here, the symbolism in the monuments, and the city’s unique funeral traditions.

Accessibility and Group Size

This tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, including those with mobility challenges—wheelchair users will find it manageable. With a maximum of 16 travelers, it offers a personal experience with plenty of room for questions and interaction.

Supporting Preservation

A significant aspect of this tour is its nonprofit backing. By booking, you’re contributing to the preservation and protection of New Orleans’ historical cemeteries. As one reviewer mentioned, “This tour was excellent. Not only did we cover a lot of ground, but our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. This is also a non-profit organization so when you purchase tickets for this tour, you are donating to a good cause.”

What Makes It Worth the Price?

At $35 per person, the tour offers a solid value considering the expertise, exclusive access, and the chance to support historic preservation. For less than the cost of a fancy cocktail, you get a 90-minute guided walk through a visually stunning and historically significant site. The small group size ensures an intimate experience with plenty of opportunities for questions—something you rarely get on larger tours.

The Experience and Atmosphere

Expect a leisurely walk through lush landscapes with towering oak trees and beautiful graves that seem to tell their own stories. The statues, stained glass, and ironwork are highlights, and they’re best appreciated with a guide pointing out details you might otherwise miss. Many reviews praise the guide’s storytelling, making the experience engaging for all ages. One visitor summed it up, saying, “Glenn was super knowledgeable about the history of the cemetery and answered almost all of our questions. There is so much history and very interesting grave sites to visit.”

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re interested in history, architecture, or cultural stories. It’s also a great choice for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy walking and learning. Because it’s wheelchair accessible, it accommodates a wide range of mobility needs. If you prefer long, in-depth tours, you might want to supplement this with other offerings; however, for a focused, beautiful introduction to New Orleans’ funerary art and history, this tour hits the mark.

Practical Details

The tour starts at the address: 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans. It’s confirmed at booking and can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance—so it’s flexible if your plans change. The tour usually requires booking about 15 days ahead, reflecting its popularity.

The mobile ticketing makes it easy to join without fuss. Since it runs in most weather conditions, just dress appropriately, and check the forecast in case of rain. The small group size makes the walk manageable, and the fact that it’s wheelchair accessible adds to its inclusiveness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking an authentic, visually captivating, and respectful exploration of New Orleans’ burial traditions, the Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour is a top choice. It offers a peaceful, informative stroll through one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country, guided by experts who truly love sharing their knowledge. Plus, your participation helps preserve the city’s historic cemeteries, making it a meaningful experience beyond sightseeing.

Whether you’re a history lover, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone looking for a different way to engage with New Orleans, this tour provides both education and entertainment in a compact, well-organized package.

FAQs

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable trip that fits well into a day of sightseeing.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing most visitors with mobility challenges to participate comfortably.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience and plenty of interaction with your guide.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs $35 per person, offering good value considering the expertise and the support for cemetery preservation.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking about 15 days ahead is typical, as the tour is popular and can sell out.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund.

What should I bring or wear?
Dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather—bring water if it’s hot. The tour is outdoors, so wear sturdy shoes for walking.

Are the guides knowledgeable and engaging?
Absolutely. Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ passion and expertise, making the tour lively and educational.

This walking tour offers a beautifully curated look at New Orleans’ funerary art, history, and architecture, all while supporting a worthy cause. It’s a perfect way to add depth and understanding to your visit, with plenty of visual delights to enjoy along the way.