Explore the Haunted History of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in New York

Back in school, English class often meant having to forge my way through assigned books that didn't hold my attention. Still, a few classics engrossed me, particularly Washington Irving's famous American tale "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." This eerie narrative of a scheming schoolmaster, a beautiful heiress, a brutish romantic rival, and a mysterious headless horseman has been one of my favorite ghost stories since I was a kid, so I am always happy to visit the town that inspired it.

Sleepy Hollow, New York, adjoining the charming suburb of Tarrytown, is about an hour outside the city by train. The small town is full of spooky events during Halloween, but for those who want to get close to its eerie roots year-round, a walking tour through Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in New York is just the ticket. You can book a tour or take your chances by exploring this ghostly locale on your own.

Few places combine the past and the present in quite so haunting a fashion as Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. This graveyard dates back to colonial times, but unlike many historic cemeteries, it's still an operating burial site today. For respectful visitors, this is a journey into the haunting history of New York like no other.

The cemetery has been consistently added to since the mid-1800s, so you'll see a combination of historic markers and impressive modern structures. The graveyard has long attracted the rich and famous so you might run across some familiar names.

Among others, Andrew Carnegie is buried here, but no name is more famous than the one who put Sleepy Hollow on the map - Washington Irving, the author of the famous novel. No wonder many report an eerie feeling while exploring the cemetery.

There are plenty of quiet enclaves around the cemetery and as the sun goes down, it's easy to see something mysterious out of the corner of your eye. There are plenty of legends around the cemetery, far beyond that of the Headless Horseman. A graveyard tour will delve into some of the darkest stories of the eternal residents here.

Even during the day, there are many unusual details you'll notice, like the ornate sculptures on some of the monuments. The cemetery is open daily until 4:30 p.m., so you can sign up for a guided tour or explore on your own. However, if you dare to visit at night, you'll need to sign up for one of the special events.

Have you visited Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in New York? If not, we recommend telling a friend about this article because even the bravest explorer might want some company while visiting. If you'd like to take a guided tour through the cemetery, reserve your tickets on the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery website. The whole area is well worth a quick trip, so I highly recommend taking time to explore nearby Tarrytown, where you'll find delicious barbecue at Pik Nik BBQ. If you're staying the night, use our Travel Planner to find your next favorite New York vacation rental!