Holy Cross Cemetery Walking Tour

Inextricably bound to the history of Buffalo is the story of the Irish immigrants and their descendants who helped transform the city from a tiny village to a booming metropolis in the span of a century. Some were scoundrels, some were heroes, but all contributed their brains and brawn to the growth of Buffalo. Hear their stories and see the beautiful carved monuments that mark their final resting places while strolling through the peaceful shade of historic Holy Cross Cemetery.

This tour is approximately ¾ of a mile in length and will last approximately 90 minutes. Some parts of the tour require walking on grass and uneven ground, which could be muddy after rainfall, so please wear appropriate footwear. The tour is not 100% handicapped-accessible, but some accommodations can be made, particularly for those able to walk a short distance.

The tour begins at the Caretaker’s House, at 915 Ridge Rd., just inside the Ridge Rd. entrance gate of the main cemetery. The gate is directly across from Stone Art Memorial at 914 Ridge Rd. If traveling west on Ridge Rd. from NYS Thruway Exit 55, continue past the annex entrance across from Orchard Place. Go past the signal at Rosary Ave. The tour entrance will be on the left, just over the slight hill. Parking is along the cemetery roads.

Walking Tour Prices: 

• General Admission: $18
• Children & Students: $8
• Explorer Pass Members: FREE

Tour Procedures & Policies: 

• Reservations are required for all tours, including for Explorer Pass members. Walk-ups without reservations cannot be accommodated. Tours are generally limited to a maximum of 18 people per group.
  • Reservations close two hours before the tour’s scheduled start time (for example, reservations close at 8am for a 10am tour).
  • Reservations can be made online; please email explore@explorebuffalo.org or call (716) 245-3032 if you need assistance.
  • If you have an Explore Buffalo walking pass (orange or blue), please email explore@explorebuffalo.org to reserve your tour.
  • The Explore Buffalo docent for your tour will have a list of tour reservations for their tour; you do not need to print or bring any tour confirmation.
• Children & Student Admission is for children ages 6-18 or college students with a valid student ID. Children ages 5 and under are free and do not require a reservation.
• Accessibility: Some parts of the tour require walking on grass and uneven ground, which could be muddy after rainfall, so please wear appropriate footwear. The tour is not 100% handicapped-accessible, but some accommodations can be made, particularly for those able to walk a short distance. Please contact us at explore@explorebuffalo.org or (716) 245-3032 if you plan to attend this tour and will require accommodations or if you have questions about accessibility.
• If you feel ill or suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please do not attend any Explore Buffalo tours. We will be happy to refund your reservation or welcome you to join us at a later date.
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Tours generally proceed rain or shine. In the event of weather that requires a tour cancellation, we will contact registered tour guests in advance of the tour.
• See our FAQs page for our refund policy and answers to other questions.
• By confirming your reservation for any Explore Buffalo tour, you acknowledge and accept Explore Buffalo’s tour policies.