Whether you are a history buff, love sculpture, interesting cemetery symbolism, or just want to enjoy the pretty scenery, a visit to historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery’s 90-acre grounds is a treat. Make the most of your time here by taking one of our guided tours to unlock some of the secrets behind the stones!
Thank you so much for your support during these challenging and unprecedented times. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All tour proceeds go directly towards preservation and restoration of the grounds. Donations to the Historic Fund are always welcome.
Due to the COVID-19 virus, only a limited number of tours can be offered this autumn, with greatly reduced capacity and a shorter length. Masks must be worn at all times by everyone on tour without exception for the safety of all guests and our staff. If you are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons or have a very young child in tow, we regret being unable to welcome you this year. Refusal to wear a mask properly will result in being asked to leave the grounds and no refund will be made.
Advance tickets are required; no on-site purchase will be available. Tickets can be scanned off your mobile phone.
The Original Knickerbocker: Washington Irving & “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
Did you know Washington Irving lived through a viral epidemic, too? And why is he called the Original Knickerbocker anyway? Come on this one-hour walking tour and find out! Learn more about the talented Mr. Irving, his enormous impact on American Literature and the enduring appeal of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, now in its Bicentennial. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate The Legend Turns 200. It’s a fun way to spend an hour exploring the south end of the cemetery!
Dates: Monday through Friday in October from 11:00 a.m. – 12 noon and 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
The Classic Evening Lantern Tour
Soak up the history of this famous cemetery by the light of kerosene lanterns! It’s like stepping back in time as we visit some of the most impressive residents, including William Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, John Dustin Archbold and others resting in peace in the north end. As this is only a one-hour tour, you’ll need to visit during the day to see Washington Irving’s grave.
Dates: Friday and Saturday nights from September 18 – November 21, plus Sunday evenings in October and early November.
Please note that if only 1 ticket shows as available during the purchase process that is the only (i.e., last) ticket available. Due to COVID-19 protocols, group size is strictly monitored and cannot be increased.
Group visits
All groups must be accompanied by Sleepy Hollow Cemetery staff. Only Cemetery staff members are permitted to conduct tours here. Please email us at tours@sleepyhollowcemetery.org for information about scheduling your group and what fees apply. External organizations and parties are expressly prohibited from using the Cemetery for personal profit or private activities not authorized in advance by the Cemetery. It is not possible for groups to wander the grounds on their own. Unauthorized groups on the property will be asked to leave immediately.
Please note that the cemetery is private property, owned by its lot owners, and funerals occur most days of the week.
On your own
Walk or drive our 90 acre grounds during visiting hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily. Entrance is free to individual members of the public. All groups must be accompanied by cemetery staff.
Please note that tour buses and other large vehicles are not permitted without advance arrangements; access fees apply for all groups.
Commercial photography and/or video filming of any sort is only permitted with prior authorization of the Cemetery superintendent and site fees apply.
- Our full-color, 17” x 20” map is an indispensable guide to more than 50 special features of the cemetery. Purchase at the cemetery office during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm, closed major holidays) or at the Philipsburg Manor museum shop across the street from the cemetery’s south gate. Purchase now through www.sleepyhollowgiftsonline.com.
- We offer free legal-sized maps of our 90 acres—perfect for a short, self-guided tour to 8 major figures in the cemetery. Pick up a copy at the cemetery office or at the cemetery’s south gate, adjacent to the Old Dutch Church.
