Grave Tales Oakwood Cemetery Walking Tour

Traverse City , United States

Grave Tales Oakwood Cemetery Walking Tour

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(4 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Quiet, beautiful, and haunting in its own right — Oakwood Cemetery holds the stories of Traverse City’s early residents, told among their resting places. On this respectful walking tour, we’ll share graveyard legends, forgotten histories, and local ghostly lore tied to the very people buried beneath your feet.

This tour is reflective, meaningful, and deeply human — with a touch of the unexplained. We also touch on the iconography of gravestones and a short grave rubbing hands on experience at the end of the 90 minute walking tour.

️ Please note: This is a real cemetery and a storytelling tour.

Best for: Graveyard explorers, history lovers, those drawn to liminal spaces
Not for: Guests seeking jump scares or paranormal investigation

Available options

Grave Tales Oakwood Cemetery Walking Tour

What's included

Grave Rubbing Materials

Detailed itinerary

Your experienced tour guide will meet you at the 8th St Oakwood Cemetery Tour entrance to explore this 164+ year old cemetery.

Haunted Traverse's Guests start their early evening with our Oakwood Cemetery's Grave Tales Tour. Explore, learn, and enjoy the tales of the Oakwood Cemetery as we share the story of the White Lady, Wild Bill Germaine, a Civil War soldier's tale, and a Northern Michigan Asylum Patient's last days.

This 90-minute tour is designed to witness how the cemetery reflects on the influences of the past, explore the iconography of the more interesting gravestones, and hear about some of its more famous residents.

Our tours are designed to be kept small. We may from time to time exceed our max of 17 guests, but we try not to. Up to 17 total spots total.

What's not included

Restrooms are not located on site

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Do NOT park at the fire station. Instead, use the entrance to Oakwood Cemetery. The Oakwood Cemetery entrance is right across the street from the fire station. Upon entering the 8th St entrance, take an immediate RIGHT TURN. Park on the grass to the right of the gravel lane next to 8th street.

Important notes

Please provide the name under the booking to your tour guide when checking in. Thank you.

About Traverse City

Traverse City is a charming lakeside destination in Northern Michigan known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cherry orchards, and thriving arts and culinary scene. Nestled along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, it offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and small-town charm.

Top Attractions

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

A stunning national park featuring massive sand dunes, forests, and over 100 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Perfect for hiking, picnicking, and scenic drives.

Nature Half day to full day Free

Downtown Traverse City

The heart of the city with a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings. A great place to stroll, dine, and explore local culture.

Cultural Half day Free to explore, costs vary for dining and shopping

Old Mission Peninsula

A picturesque peninsula offering stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay, wineries, and the historic Old Mission Lighthouse. Ideal for scenic drives and wine tasting.

Scenic Half day Free to drive, wine tastings vary

Traverse City Beach

A beautiful sandy beach along Grand Traverse Bay, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is family-friendly and offers stunning sunsets.

Beach Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cherry Pie

A classic dessert made with fresh cherries from the region, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Pasties

A traditional savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables, originally brought to the area by Finnish immigrants.

Snack Contains gluten and dairy

Cherry Wine

Wine made from locally grown cherries, a specialty of the region's wineries.

Drink Alcoholic

Popular Activities

Hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes Kayaking on Grand Traverse Bay Mountain biking in Traverse City trails Wine tasting at local wineries Sunbathing at Traverse City Beach Spa treatments at local resorts Visiting the Dennos Museum Center Attending performances at the Interlochen Center for the Arts

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak season with warm weather, outdoor activities, and festivals. The National Cherry Festival in July is a major highlight.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) or EDT (GMT-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Traverse City is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it's always important to take basic precautions, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Only use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Cherry Capital Airport • 3 miles from city center
Gerald R. Ford International Airport • 100 miles from city center

By bus

Traverse City Transit Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient for getting around town. Buses run on a regular schedule.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Old Mission Peninsula East Bay

Day trips

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

30 miles • Half day to full day

A stunning national park featuring massive sand dunes, forests, and over 100 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Perfect for hiking, picnicking, and scenic drives.

Leelanau Peninsula

20 miles • Full day

A picturesque peninsula known for its wineries, cherry orchards, and stunning coastal views. Ideal for wine tasting, scenic drives, and outdoor activities.

Interlochen

20 miles • Half day

A charming arts community known for the Interlochen Center for the Arts, a renowned arts education institution. Offers cultural events, performances, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

National Cherry Festival • July Traverse City Film Festival • Late July to early August Winterfest • February

Pro tips

Visit the Traverse City Visitor Center for maps, brochures, and local recommendations
Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, as temperatures can change quickly
Explore the local wineries and breweries, as the region is known for its craft beverages
Try the local cherry-based products, such as cherry pie, cherry wine, and cherry-infused treats
Take a scenic drive along the Old Mission Peninsula for stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay