About Us
The Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery is a 17-acre historic landmark located in the heart of Santa Rosa. Interred here are residents primarily from the 1850s through the 1930s, among them some of the city’s biggest movers and shakers.
Painstakingly restored from decades of neglect by volunteers over the last 20 years, the cemetery’s wooded paths and knolls are now enjoyed by the public; and hundreds participate annually in a variety of docent-led tours and events highlighting local history and the many pioneers buried here.
Self-Guided Tours
Visitors are welcome to take a FREE self-guided tour to navigate through the rich history of the cemetery.
Hours
| Open Daily | |
| Pacific Daylight Time | 6am – 9pm |
| Pacific Standard Time | 6am – 6pm |
Dogs
All dogs are welcome and must be on a leash at all times. Please be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your pet.
Things to See
Memorial & Habitat Garden
In 2001, a small group of dedicated volunteers established a National Wildlife Federation Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat garden at the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery to serve as a memorial garden, where stones could be placed commemorating those whose burial site is elsewhere or unknown.
The garden design focuses on native, drought-tolerant plants that attract native bees and butterflies. It has also been designated an official Monarch Sanctuary.
Memorial Rose Grove
The Memorial Rose Grove, created by the Cemetery’s volunteer Rose Brigade in the meadow to the north of the Franklin Avenue entrance, is dedicated to the memory of unknowns believed to be buried there and to the memory of victims of the 1906 earthquake, many of whom are buried throughout the cemetery and in a mass grave at the foot of meadow. The grove contains a hundred vintage roses.
2021 Tours & Events
| Free Events. Donations are appreciated. |
| Saturday, July 10 – History Walking Tours Learn the history of Santa Rosa while strolling through the grave sites of early residents during a 90-minute docent-led walk through this pioneer cemetery. Tours depart every 20 minutes from 10-11am. Meet at the Franklin Gate. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED Saturday, August 14 – McDonald Avenue Tour Visit the graves of the McDonald’s, then proceed down McDonald Avenue to view and discuss the historic homes and their early residents during a 90-minute docent-led walk through this pioneer cemetery. Tours depart every 20 minutes from 10-11am. Meet at the Franklin Gate. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED |
| Fundraising Events |
| LAMPLIGHT TOURS Walk at night through Santa Rosa’s oldest cemetery to see and hear all new dynamic portrayals of some of our town’s early settlers. Lights, costumes, and stage settings create a magical time. Children must be age 8 or over. DARK SIDE TOURS Take a Friday the 13th walk on the dark side with graveside reenactments bringing you bone-chilling stories from Santa Rosa history. Bring your flashlights and sturdy shoes to enjoy these true and tragic stories. Check out our Facebook for more information, dates, and pricing. Pre-registration required for all Fundraising Events. To protect our attendees, tickets can ONLY be purchased through the City as ID is required at the Event. Tickets can be purchased at https://srcity.org/1080/Tours-Events or by phone at (707) 543-3737. |
Friends of the Rural Cemetery
Individuals can join the “Friends of the Rural Cemetery” at different membership levels, or make one-time contributions to the Rural Cemetery Preservation Fund. Thank you!
Volunteer
The Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery Preservation Committee is volunteer-operated and maintained. While the Recreation and Parks Department provides specialized assistance and limited funding for maintenance, the continuing care of the cemetery relies on tax-free donations and funds raised by tours, programs and special events.
Check Us Out on Social Media
Copyright © 2021 Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery Preservation Committee
1600 Franklin Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
