My motto is Work to Live, Live to Travel, Travel for Work. This philosophy means turning business trips into opportunities for exploration. My visit to Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a perfect example of how to embrace bleisure travel.
During a recent business trip to Boston, I carved out an afternoon to discover this serene oasis, proving that even within the constraints of a “day job” it’s possible to unlock incredible travel experiences just outside your office door.
About Mount Auburn Cemetery (And How to Get There)
Often, when I think of cemeteries, I imagine solemn places, but Mount Auburn Cemetery is far more than that. It’s the first rural cemetery in the United States, designed by Jacob Bigelow in the mid-19th century with a groundbreaking landscape vision that earned it a designation as a National Historic Landmark. Since 1975, it has also been listed on the National Park Service National Register of Historic Places.
Though the city of Cambridge has expanded around it, Mount Auburn Cemetery remains an idyllic spot for a peaceful afternoon walk/ The cemetery is effectively a historical site transformed into a vibrant public park. Getting there is easy: MBTA public buses (71 or 73) run directly from Harvard Square and will drop you right at the cemetery gate.
A quick tip: guide maps available for purchase at the visitors’ center near the entrance are well worth the token cost – it’s surprisingly easy to lose your way without one!
Down the Primrose Path
What makes Mount Auburn Cemetery stand out is its dual identity as a garden cemetery. You’ll find a network of tranquil trails weaving through the grounds; I particularly enjoyed allowing myself to be led “down the Primrose Path”.
The landscape is diverse, featuring a serene lake with the Mary Baker Eddy Monument, a gazebo that offers a zen retreat from the urban bustle of Cambridge.
While primarily a place of remembrance, the cemetery also encourages contemplation through its natural beauty, regardless of the religious beliefs of those laid to rest here.
Of course, Mount Auburn Cemetery is first and foremost a resting place for beloved family and friends. I took time to admire the intricate details of both ornate and weathered gravestones, each telling its own silent story.
Don’t miss climbing the stone observation tower for panoramic views. From its summit, you’re treated to sweeping views over the Charles River and Boston. This visual reminder of the city just beyond the cemetery gates underscores how accessible such serene escapes are for those of us who champion a part-time travel lifestyle.
Mount Auburn Cemetery Wildlife
One of the most delightful and unexpected aspects of my visit to Mount Auburn Cemetery was the abundant wildlife. I spotted several cute chipmunks and busy bunny rabbits scampering through the grounds.
But the real highlight? Encountering a mama turkey with a brood of about 10 chicklets! I spent a good fifteen minutes observing them from a respectful distance, watching the little ones dash about. Seeing these wild turkeys made my day and was a surprising reminder of nature’s presence so close to Harvard Square.
The cemetery’s heavily forested sections also make it a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with the constant backdrop of birdsong adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
I visited in early June, and the riotous flowers blooming everywhere were simply breathtaking, their intricate color patterns adding visual interest to the park. Further into the grounds, I even stumbled upon a proper bog, so peaceful that for a moment, I completely forgot I were in a graveyard and felt like we were on a country hike.
Mount Auburn’s Historic Architecture
Beyond its natural allure, Mount Auburn Cemetery also boasts impressive architectural elements. The chapel, with its grand, mini-cathedral-like style, is definitely worth a look.
My final stop was The Sphinx, a solemn memorial to those who died during the American Civil War. This powerful monument serves as a reminder that Mount Auburn Cemetery dates back to the early 1800s, bearing witness to many significant, and often brutal, events in American history.
Is Mount Auburn Cemetery Worth Visiting?
Is Mount Auburn Cemetery worth visiting? Absolutely. As our experience shows, it’s an idyllic, zen place to spend an afternoon in Cambridge.
It’s also a perfect example of the kind of destination that enables you to easily integrate enriching cultural and natural experiences into your existing work commitments.
Mount Auburn cemetery is a great bleisure travel option if you find yourself in Cambridge or Boston for work.
