Detroit History Tours is proud to partner with Historic Elmwood Cemetery to offer this exciting tour. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sale benefit the upkeep and rehabilitation of Elmwood Cemeteries historic gravesites.

From Detroit’s French founding in 1701 through British rule, from America’s fight for independence through World War II, and the ups and downs, and all-arounds of the past three centuries, Detroit has filled its cemeteries with our dearly departed history makers. Join Detroit History Tours as we explore historic Elmwood Cemetery, on Buried in Detroit: Elmwood Cemetery Walking Tour. 

Together with your guide, you’ll see the final resting places of some of our city and State’s most famous former residents. From mayors, governors, and explorers, to war heros, abolitionists, and inventors. Elmwood is full of the educators, artisans and labor leaders who’ve left an enduring mark on “City on the Strait”.  All while you explore the architecture, landscape, and history of this spectacular cemetery; learning the iconology and customs of American graveyards.

Elmwood Cemetery is the oldest, continually operating (yes, you can still buy a plot there), non-denominational cemetery in the State of Michigan! Its gently rolling hills give modern Detroiters the only available glimpse into the pre-European topography of the city. As the site of The Battle of Bloody Run in 1763, the land was familiar with death, long before its incorporation as a cemetery. 

As one of the last locations with a tributary of the Detroit River visible above ground the cemetery is popular with nature watchers as well. Recognized as a Level 1 Nationally Certified Arboretum with over 1,400 trees, it’s unsurprising its become a birder’s paradise.

To best enjoy this tour guests must be able to:

• Manage small hills and uneven grassy terrain

• Walk 1.5 miles to 2 miles

• Stand for the full 2 hour duration of the tour

We highly recommend proper footwear, the terrain may be muddy, slippery, or covered in Canada Geese poop.

This tour takes place in all weather conditions with the exception of thunder and lighting. In the event the tour is canceled for weather, all guests will be refunded or have the option to rebook. Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather.

There is NO access to restrooms within the cemetery. There are also no public restrooms in the vicinity. Please plan accordingly.

On this tour we are pleased to welcome guests over 12 years old, all minor guests must be accompanied by an adult.

This tour departs from:  Inside the cemetery, just past the gatehouse/main office and to the left where the cemetery’s historical state marker stands. Guests should park past the historical marker on the edge of the roadway between Sections 10 and Section A (this is the roadway that slopes downhill towards the pond). The cemetery kindly requests that guests leave the few parking spaces situated around the main office for anyone coming on funeral business.

Elmwood Cemetery : To best navigate to the cemetery, use the address for Cavalry Baptist Church - 1000 Robert Bradby Dr, Detroit, MI 48207, once you arrive at the church continue straight into the cemetery.

Guides will be on site at least 30 minutes prior to the ticketed start time. The tour will depart at the ticketed start time. Late arrivals can not be accommodated.

Your ticket price includes the tour , along with a donation to the cemetery. Your order confirmation email will serve as your only ticket. Please save your email and be prepared to show it on your phone or printed at the start of your tour. Guides will also have a manifest with each guest's name. (We do this to avoid the ticketing fees that come along with all ticketing systems. The price of your ticket will remain the same throughout checkout with no added service charges, fees, or tax.)

Meet Your Guide:

Gwyn Kross

Gwyn grew up in Detroit, living first in the Barton-McFarland and then Rosedale Park neighborhoods. She attended Detroit Public Schools K-12, and graduated from (the sadly gone) Redford High School. Go Huskies! Her connections to our fair city include teenage jobs at Kresge’s (announcing the Blue Plate Special) and Sanders (slicing cream puffs and pouring hot fudge), and Sunday mornings spent in her childhood church – also where she was married – First UU at Cass and Forest. She credits her Dad for instilling her love of the history of places, and the enjoyment of a good walk through them. A retired teacher, Gwyn enjoys traveling, birding, and concocting homemade cocktail ingredients… plus MORE time in DETROIT since she moved back into the city.

“We’re likely standing on a lost grave…” and “Can I bring you some homemade limoncello?”