Skip the self-drive hassles and travel with a guide who knows the routes and heritage on this eerie tour of New Orleans’ most storied graveyards—after dark. Visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, established in 1854, the Holt Cemetery, which floods with each heavy rain, the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, the Masonic Temple Cemetery, and so much more. Bring your camera: you may spot eerie orbs in your photos that can only be described as paranormal.
Explore New Orleans cemeteries and other paranormal activity centers by bus
See elaborate 19th-century tombs, both Catholic and Masonic
Hear about the horrors of Hurricane Katrina as you visit the memorial
What To Expect
Hurricane Katrina Memorial
On the former site of Charity Hospital’s paupers’ field, this ominous but oddly affecting circle of tombs holds the bodies of 85 unclaimed victims of the 2005 levee failures and the names of others who perished. It’s an unfussy place that’s easily missed, the better for contemplative solitude, perhaps. Surrounded by a storm-shaped series of pathways, the memorial does its duty in giving one substantial pause.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
City Park
City Park is as magical and unique as the city of New Orleans. The 1,300-acre outdoor oasis has enchanted New Orleanians since 1854, making it one of the nation’s oldest urban parks. Each year, millions of visitors stroll under the same historic oaks and picturesque moss canopies that served as the backdrop for dances, concerts and even gentlemanly duels or “affaires d’honneur” for generations.
• Admission Ticket Free
Masonic Temple Cemetery #2
Founded in 1865 by the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana Free and Accepted Masons, the Masonic Cemetery expresses a character distinct from the Catholic cemeteries that dominate the city. It is known for its many unusual, elaborate tombs, a reputation due in part to the cemetery’s communal nature: members of lodges pooled resources to purchase large group tombs. Occupying two oddly shaped city blocks, the cemetery is triangular in plan, with Conti Street bisecting it. The triangular footprint of the bordering streets overlaid with the cemetery’s angular internal walkways mimics the Masonic emblem of the square and compass. Cast-iron picket fences enclose its two distinct sections, while oak allées line its northern and western edges. Tombs are compactly arranged in rows parallel to Bienville Street, with a wide, paved promenade cutting through the center to provide access to smaller walkways between rows.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
Include
Live commentary on board
Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting point
Tools to communicate with the paranormal
Exclude
Gratuities