Metairie Cemetery Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans is a unique and captivating burial site with a rich history. Once a bustling racetrack, this "city of the dead" now houses the remains of notable figures, including Civil War generals. Visitors can explore the ornate above-ground tombs and monuments through a self-guided audio tour, seeing the stories of the past. But what secrets do these hallowed grounds hold, and what lessons can be learned from the lives of those who now rest eternal?

Key Points

• Metairie Race Course opened in 1838 as a popular entertainment venue in New Orleans, later transitioning into the historic Metairie Cemetery.
• The former racetrack is now home to ornate above-ground tombs and monuments, with a unique ambiance combining eerie and beautiful elements.
• Visitors can explore Metairie Cemetery through a self-guided audio tour available on the VoiceMap app, providing immersive GPS-triggered narratives.
• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with service animals permitted and convenient public transportation access.
• The tour is priced at £7.27 per person, with positive reviews highlighting the ease of app use and informative content.

The History of Metairie Race Course

Metairie Race Course was once the site of a thriving racetrack in New Orleans. Opened in 1838, it became one of the most popular entertainment venues in the city.

The course hosted exciting horse races that drew large crowds. However, the Civil War and subsequent economic decline led to the racetrack’s closure in the 1870s.

The land was then repurposed as a cemetery, transforming it into the City of the Dead – the Metairie Cemetery we know today.

This historic transition from racetrack to sacred burial ground is a fascinating part of Metairie’s rich past, now explored through the self-guided audio tour.

Exploring the City of the Dead

What intriguing stories lie within the hallowed grounds of Metairie Cemetery? As the former Metairie Race Course, this "City of the Dead" holds a rich history.

Visitors can download the VoiceMap app to uncover these captivating narratives through a self-guided audio tour. The tour allows you to:

1. Explore the ornate above-ground tombs and monuments that dot the landscape.
2. Discover the resting places of prominent New Orleans figures, from Civil War generals to famous Creole families.
3. Enjoy the eerie yet beautiful ambiance that permeates this unique cemetery.

The tour’s flexibility allows you to start, pause, and restart at your own pace, making for an enlightening and memorable experience.

Downloading and Using the VoiceMap App

To make the most of the self-guided audio tour, visitors will need to download the VoiceMap app before arriving at Metairie Cemetery. The app provides GPS-triggered narratives that bring the cemetery’s history to life.

Once downloaded, the tour is available for life with offline access to audio, maps, and geodata. Visitors can start, pause, or restart the tour at their own pace.

The app’s functionality has received mixed reviews, but the host has shown a willingness to assist and improve the experience. The self-guided nature of the tour allows visitors to explore the "City of the Dead" at their leisure.

Accessibility and Tour Requirements

Although the self-guided audio tour of Metairie Cemetery is wheelchair and stroller accessible, visitors should be aware of additional requirements.

The tour allows service animals, but infants must sit on laps. Plus, the cemetery is located near public transportation, making it convenient for visitors.

The tour is a private experience for your group only, and you’ll receive confirmation details after booking.

It’s important to coordinate the start time with the local provider in advance to ensure a seamless experience.

With these accessibility and tour requirements in mind, visitors can fully enjoy the rich history of Metairie Cemetery.

Meeting Point and Starting the Tour

The meeting point for the Metairie Cemetery tour is 5510 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA.

Detailed starting point instructions are provided after downloading the VoiceMap app. The tour can be started, paused, or restarted at any time, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.

Once the tour is complete, the end point returns to the original meeting location. Visitors should confirm the start time with the local provider in advance to ensure they’ve the latest information and are ready to begin their self-guided journey through the historic Metairie Cemetery.

Pricing and Availability

The Metairie Cemetery tour is priced from £7.27 per person. This non-refundable experience is available daily, 24/7, from March 15, 2019, to March 4, 2026.

However, it’s important to confirm the start time with the local provider in advance.

The tour offers several advantages:

1. Flexibility to start, pause, or restart at your own pace.
2. Offline access to the audio, maps, and geodata.
3. Private tour for your group only.

While the tour may not be suitable for those seeking a full refund, its accessibility, historical insights, and customizable nature make it an intriguing option for exploring the Metairie Cemetery.

Customer Experiences and Feedback

Visitors have generally expressed positive feedback about the Metairie Cemetery tour, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 9 reviews.

Reviewers highlight the ease of using the VoiceMap app, the informative historical content, and the flexibility to start, pause, and restart the tour at their own pace.

However, some users reported issues with the app’s functionality. The host has responded to these concerns, indicating a willingness to assist customers and improve the overall experience.

The self-guided audio tour provides an accessible and immersive way to explore the cemetery’s rich history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs during the self-guided audio tour. The tour information doesn’t mention any restrictions on photography, so you’re free to capture images throughout your exploration of the cemetery.

Is There a Guide Present During the Tour?

No, the tour is self-guided with no guide present. The audio narratives are triggered by GPS as users explore the cemetery on their own using the VoiceMap app.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets Separately for the Tour?

No, tickets don’t need to be purchased separately for the self-guided audio tour. The tour is accessed through the VoiceMap app, and the price of £7.27 per person is the total cost to take the tour.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

You can extend the tour duration as needed. The tour is available for life, allowing you to start, pause, or restart it at your own pace using the VoiceMap app. There’s no set time limit for completing the self-guided experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

According to the tour overview, there are no discounts mentioned for group bookings. The tour is available for a set price per person, and it’s a private tour for your group only. You can’t extend the tour duration.

The Sum Up

Metairie Cemetery Stories offers a captivating audio tour that brings the rich history of this unique burial site to life. With GPS-triggered narratives and the ability to explore at one’s own pace, the tour provides an engaging and informative experience for visitors. The high ratings and positive customer feedback attest to the tour’s quality and its ability to immerse guests in the cemetery’s fascinating past.