Most People Don’t Know That The Cemetery From Stephen King’s “Pet Sematary” Is Found Right Here In Maine

Known as the maestro of horror, few writers have done more to popularize their genre than Stephen King. Besides lobster, his hair-raising novels are perhaps Maine's most famous export. As a lifelong resident of the Pine Tree State, it's natural that his books frequently evoke alternative— and far creepier— imaginings of regional haunts. For those seeking to experience firsthand what inspires Stephen King in Maine, I recommend visiting the Mount Hope Cemetery, a shooting location for the '89 adaptation of his novel Pet Sematary.

Since the start of his career, King has penned 65 novels, 200 short stories and sold more than 350 million copies of his works to readers worldwide. The sheer magnitude of his success has transformed his hometown, Bangor, into an international point of pilgrimage for horror aficionados.

Known for its quaint brick-work, enviable antique shopping, and return-worthy restaurants, Bangor may seem like unlikely stomping grounds for master-of-suspense King. But on second glance, you'll see that this town's sites are reminiscent of the dark geography depicted in King's body of work.

Published in 1983, Pet Sematary is just as referential to real-life Bangor. When director Mary Lambert began shooting the novel's adaptation six years after its release, she used many Maine locations, including a house in Hancock and Bangor's Mount Hope Cemetery, where King himself had a cameo.

Mount Hope Cemetery is as old as Bangor itself, completed in 1834 when the town was incorporated.

At the time of its construction, it was only the country's second garden cemetery. This style moved burial grounds from cities to rural and suburban areas, where they benefited from having more space.

You can certainly try and find the exact spot where Pet Sematary was shot, but I also recommend strolling through the Mount Hope grounds, which are beautifully landscaped and maintained. Keep in mind that, regardless of its horror-flick feature, this is the final resting place for many, so it's important to remain respectful.

In a nod to the increasingly significant bond between people and their pets, in 2021, Mount Hope reserved a section of the property for individuals who wish to be buried alongside their furry companions. It's the first cemetery in Maine to do so, setting a new precedent. The decision also— perhaps unintentionally— references King's Pet Sematary, whose plot revolves around the consequences of a pet's ill-considered burial.

If you want to see firsthand the spots that inspired Stephen King in Maine, I highly suggest visiting Bangor's Mount Hope Cemetery. If you're already planning a trip, consider extending your stay to enjoy more of this charming town's attractions.