Located in historic Savannah, Georgia, the Laurel Grove Cemetery offers visitors a stirring journey into the city's rich past through its 90-minute guided walking tour. Established in the mid-19th century, this sprawling cemetery is the final resting place for many notable figures, including Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, and Confederate colonel Francis Bartow. The tour combines striking architectural details, impressive funerary sculptures, and monumental grave markers with the haunting beauty of live oak trees heavily draped with Spanish moss, creating a contemplative and atmospheric outdoor museum like no other in the region.
As you wander shaded paths beneath centuries-old oaks, your guide reveals stories that shaped Savannah’s social, cultural, and political landscape. The artistry of Victorian-era monuments, wrought-iron fencing, and statuary reflects the customs and values of the city’s antebellum elite. What sets Laurel Grove apart is its blend of solemn history and natural Southern charm — the moss-laden branches and gently rolling terrain evoke a unique sense of place where time seems suspended.
The cemetery, divided into Laurel Grove North and South, also presents diverse perspectives on Savannah’s complex history, including its Civil War heritage and the lives of African American citizens buried here. This tour offers a rare combination of historical insight, architectural appreciation, and immersive outdoor exploration, making it a standout cultural activity in Savannah’s vibrant outdoor recreation scene.
Visitors will find the tour accessible and comfortable, walking leisurely through wide gravel paths surrounded by greenery, suitable for all fitness levels. The nearby city of Savannah offers abundant accommodations, dining, and additional historic sites for a fuller Southern experience.
Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a reflective outdoor adventure amid one of America’s most evocative urban landscapes, the Laurel Grove Cemetery Tour delivers a meaningful and memorable encounter with Savannah’s heritage.