Self-Guided Tours

Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour to navigate through the rich history of the cemetery. Please print your own self-guided tour brochure at the following link: Self-Guided Tour Brochure

2023 Tours & Events

Saturday, April 8 - The McDonald's and Their Avenue

Visit the McDonalds graves, then proceed down McDonald Avenue to view and discuss the historic homes and their early residents. Tours depart every 20 minutes from 10-11am. Meet at the Franklin Gate. Admission is free; donations appreciated. Pre-registration recommended.

Saturday, May 13 - Roses, Native Plants & Cemetery Flora Tour

Stroll through the Rose Garden, California Native and Habitat Garden, and the entire cemetery to learn about the vintage roses and other historic and native plants. Tours depart every 20 minutes from 10-11am. Meet at the Franklin Gate. Admission is free; donations appreciated. Pre-registration recommended.

Monday, May 29 - Memorial Day

Honor the day with tours of veterans' graves. Tour departs at 12pm. Meet at the Franklin Gate. Admission is free; donations appreciated. No pre-registration required.

Saturday, June 10 - General History Tour

A family friendly walking tour through the gravesites with attention to Santa Rosa’s early residents’ history. Tours depart every 20 minutes from 10-11am. Meet at the Franklin Gate. Admission is free; donations appreciated. Pre-registration recommended.

Saturday, July 8 - A Walk Down Cemetery Lane

Experience the history and learn about the people resting in the Rural Cemetery who gave their names to the streets of Santa Rosa. Tours depart every 20 minutes from 10-11am. Meet at the Franklin Gate. Admission is free; donations appreciated. Pre-registration recommended.

Saturday, August 12 - Tapestry of Cultures

Explore the impact and interweaving of the diverse cultures of those who rest in the Rural Cemetery and how they helped form Santa Rosa’s mixed culture we embrace today. Tours depart every 20 minutes from 10-11am. Meet at the Franklin Gate. Admission is free; donations appreciated. Pre-registration recommended. 

Friday & Saturday, September 15 & 16 - Lamplight Tours

Walk at night through Santa Rosa’s oldest cemetery to see and hear all new dynamic portrayals of some of our town’s early settlers. Lights, costumes and stage settings create a magical time. Children must be age 8 or over. Pre-registration required. Book early – tours sell out! $40. Purchase tickets online here or by phone at 707-543-3737.

Saturday, November 18 - A Day of Remembrance, Gettysburg, 1863

Gather from 2-3pm for a presentation by Roger Vincent, as President Lincoln, and Colleen Vincent, as Mary Todd. Bring a chair, as seating is limited. Meet at the Franklin Gate. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. Registration not required.   

Graveyard Vignettes

Watch our Graveyard Vignettes video about the popular Lamplight Tours.

Tombstones & Tales

Four small volumes of stories about people buried in the cemetery are available for purchase at tours and events ($4 each or $14 for all four).