October is the time to lean into all things spooky! It’s also the perfect time to experience New England’s colonial history in a whole new light.

Come fall, New England is flooded with tourists from near and far looking to get a glimpse at our stunning foliage, scenic routes and local harvest. Traditionally our crew suggests leaf peepers take part in other seasonal activities like getting lost in a corn maze – here are a few we would recommend – or taking a nighttime ghost tour in one of New England’s many historical destinations – find out where here. But, if you’re looking for a truly unique experience we’re sharing some historical colonial graveyards open for tours in October. 

During the tours, you’ll walk by tombstones from 1648 scribed with messages, symbols, and the Latin language. Tour guides do a great job explaining who the deceased persons and the impact each individual had on our colonial history. Since I’m too scared to take part in spooky nighttime events – I’ve been on several afternoon graveyard tours. I must say, I loved soaking up every ounce of New England history! 

Below our crew rounded up our favorite historical colonial graveyards open for tours in October you won’t want to miss!

Historic Colonial Graveyards To Tour In October

+ Shadows and Stones Cemetery – Portsmouth, NH

Here, you’ll learn about superstitious gravestone symbolism as you walk by 17th and 18th Century gravestones in New Hampshire’s oldest Colonial burial ground.

+ Kennebunk’s Hope Cemetery – Bangor, ME

This family-friendly tour takes you through the past as costumed interpreters portray historical figures, sharing their stories of love, loss, and fate.

+ Still Hill Cemetery – South Glastonbury, CT 

Resident spirits dressed in period clothing share their personal stories by giving you a look back to the historical events that shaped each of their lives and the town of South Glastonbury. 

+ Hillside Cemetery – Chesire, CT 

Take in the sometimes tragic – sometimes entertaining – but, always educational stories of those who lived and passed in Cheshire centuries ago.

+ Old Burial Ground – North Andover, MA  

Peruse the only cemetery in the country with marked graves of accused witches, a formal accuser, and defenders!

+ East Parish Burying Ground – Newton, MA 

Dating back to 1660, the cemetery is the resting place of the town’s founding families and more. 

+ Common Burying Ground – Newport, RI

Visit the gravesites of the influential who rest here. Including, Ida Lewis, Ann Franklin, and Jane Stuart.

+ Mount Wadsworth Cemetery – Sudbury, MA  

Soldiers who were casualties of the King Philip War in 1676 are honored here.  Some of the town’s notable citizens were also laid to rest at this cemetery.

If you’re not available for a graveyard tour this October, cemeteries are open year-round for unguided exploration. I hope this post inspired you to dive into the Colonial history of New England!

However if, you’re looking for something extra spooky check out 13 New England ghost tours that’ll give you a fright here!

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