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Thing #12 To Do in Boston: Mount Auburn Cemetery

When walking through Mount Auburn Cemetery, you’ll feel like you’re walking through a Halloween-themed Disney Channel Original Movie and that a curly-haired witch is about to scoop you up on her broomstick. With a haunting yet serene feel, the cemetery is covered in 95,000 beautifully ornamented headstones, each one unique. The headstones, ranging from small, stone crosses to huge, castle-like monstrosities, are nestled in hills and valleys among thousands of trees, shrubs, and other plants.

In addition to the headstones, rolling hills, and impressive collection of plants that would certainly make Professor Sprout weak at the knees, there’s also the huge Washington Tower in the middle of the cemetery, which—if you’re up for the climb—offers sweeping, panoramic views of the Boston skyline.

Some famous residents include Oliver Wendell Holmes, Henry Cabot Lodge, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Charles Dana Gibson, and Isabella Stewart Gardner.

In addition to visiting these hallowed fellows, Mt. Auburn is the perfect place to wander around aimlessly, contemplate the meaning of life, or, according to its website, get married (who doesn’t want a death-themed wedding?).

We recommend that you go on a cool, fall day (perhaps Halloween?), when leaves color the cemetery in hues of orange, yellow, and red. If you’re into writing or drawing, bring your work with you—the atmosphere will certainly inspire some creativity.

Take a leisurely bike ride to Mount Auburn Cemetery with some friends for a hike through the 170 acres of sprawling red, orange and yellow foliage that decorates the area in autumn. Make sure you're prepared for the hike with an easy, breathable t-shirt, and prove that college students can and do exercise! Fend off sunny rays with a classic baseball cap to complete the sporty look!