Odd Fellows Rest at night changes the mood. This 2-hour New Orleans Ghost Adventures tour blends guided haunted tales with exclusive cemetery access and even puts EMF readers in your hands. It is creepy in the best New Orleans way, and it also beats wandering dark streets solo.

I love the way you get into Odd Fellows Rest after hours, when most people cannot. And I really like the blend of stories and city context from the guide, with humor and clear explanations that make the spooky stuff feel grounded. On the bus, the vibe stays comfortable, and names like Jeff or Geoff and drivers like Cory or Corey show up often in the experience, depending on your date.

One possible drawback: the tour concentrates heavily on the main cemetery stop, so you may not get as many long, in-depth cemetery walks as you would on a longer walking tour. Also, it is not a wheelchair-friendly bus setup since you need to handle steps to board and exit.

Key things to know before you go

• Exclusive late-night access to Odd Fellows Rest, with the only-company-allowed setup
• EMF reader time during the cemetery portion, good for skeptics who just want to try
• A simple, comfortable plan: limited walking, mostly flat ground, and an air-conditioned bus
• You see multiple “above-ground tomb” settings plus a Katrina memorial stop
• A guide who keeps you moving with onboard commentary and time targets for each stop

Night bus + cemetery stops in New Orleans: why this works

New Orleans has a special relationship with cemeteries. At night, those above-ground tombs and crypts feel less like tourist scenery and more like a living part of the city’s story. The bus format matters here. You get security in a group, and you can focus on what the guide is pointing out instead of figuring out logistics in the dark.

This tour also keeps the pace controlled. You are not doing miles of walking, but you do get moments where you actually step into the atmosphere and look closely. The guide’s job is to translate the place from a scary rumor into a set of real burial traditions, plus a pile of local haunted lore that New Orleans does so well.

And then there is the playful tech element: the EMF readers. I would treat it like a fun experiment, not a courtroom-grade ghost detector. Still, having something you can try makes the group feel involved. When everyone is watching the same spot and comparing readings, the night feels like a shared event rather than a lecture.

Odd Fellows Rest: the “only company allowed in” highlight

If you are choosing this tour for one reason, make it the main cemetery stop: Odd Fellows Rest. This is the exclusive access portion, and that is the big value driver. The point is not just to look from a gate. You actually enter and walk among the tombs while the guide sets the scene.

What to expect when you get inside:

• A focused window of time where you can take photos, look at markers, and ask questions
• On-the-spot narration that connects what you are seeing to New Orleans burial culture and the spooky myths attached to specific areas
• A group setup that keeps you together, with the guide managing how you move so nobody lags behind

Timing is part of the experience. You are there long enough to slow down and actually observe, but not so long that the night turns into a waiting game. The reviews I see emphasize this access so strongly because it is the kind of door that is usually locked to regular visitors.

Guide style can make a noticeable difference. If you get Jeff or Geoff, expect storytelling that mixes humor with clear explanations. If you get Jay or J, you might see a more personal, engaging tone, with lots of pointers on what to watch for and how to interpret what you are seeing. Either way, the core promise stays the same: you are walking in a cemetery most people cannot reach on their own.

The drive-by cemetery views: Cypress Grove and Greenwood moments

Not every cemetery stop is a full walk. Part of the fun is the bus windows experience, where the guide flags what you would otherwise miss while driving through New Orleans.

On this tour, you typically get drive-by looks at cemeteries such as Cypress Grove and Greenwood. The guide explains the typical above-ground tomb style you see across the city, so the locations start to feel connected instead of random.

Here is why this matters for your trip:

• It gives you context for what you see later inside Odd Fellows Rest
• It keeps the pace friendly if you want spooky stories without long walking stretches
• It helps you read the city faster, especially if this is your first night in town

You also get a chance to regroup before the next stop. New Orleans weather can turn fast at night, and being on the bus between cemetery moments gives your feet and lungs a break. The tour includes air-conditioning, so if you are visiting during a warm month, you are not sweating through the whole evening.

One practical tip: bring your camera expectations down a notch. Night photos are tricky. You will get plenty of photo opportunities, but this is not a studio setup. If you want clear shots, be ready to use steady hands and quick timing when the group pauses.

The Katrina memorial stop: a respectful, human moment

The tour does more than just scare you. You also visit a memorial linked to Hurricane Katrina, specifically a cemetery created to house unclaimed bodies. Your guide talks about the lasting effects of Katrina while you’re there.

This stop changes the emotional tone of the night. Even if you came for haunted stories, you should treat this part as the seriousness it deserves. The best way to enjoy it is to slow down and let the guide’s words land. You are likely to notice how New Orleans handles loss and remembrance differently than many places in the U.S.

What I like about including this stop:

• It widens the meaning of New Orleans haunted lore. The scary myths sit next to real tragedy and real history.
• It keeps the tour from feeling like a pure gimmick.
• It gives you something memorable that is not just about jump scares.

You will usually have a bit of walking or standing time here to pay respects and read what you can. Keep your phone on respectful mode if you’re filming, and remember this is a cemetery setting, not a theme park.

EMF readers at midnight: how to treat the tech part

EMF readers on a cemetery tour are half science cosplay, half group entertainment. That said, I think they are a smart add-on. They give you a task while you wait and watch, which makes the night more interactive.

How it tends to work during the tour:

• The guide explains how you can use the EMF readers during the cemetery portion
• You try to spot spikes while you stand in the spots the guide highlights
• The group compares notes in real time

If you are a skeptic, you can still have fun. You are not required to believe what the meter is telling you. You can treat it like a shared experiment that helps you notice details you’d otherwise ignore.

If you are a believer, this part is still not a guarantee. What matters more is the ritual feel: everyone is focused, everyone is watching, and the guide keeps you anchored to the tour’s stories and the cemetery setting.

My advice: do not chase the device readings like they are answers to everything. Use the meter as a prompt to look harder—at inscriptions, tomb shapes, and the exact corners your guide points out.

Price and value for a 2-hour haunted bus tour

At $40.32 per person, you are paying for more than a couple stops. You are paying for:

• The bus and guided routing around the French Quarter area
• Live on-board commentary that links locations together
• Air-conditioned transport
• The emotional and logistical value of nighttime cemetery access
• The provided EMF readers for that extra interactive element

The biggest value piece is the exclusive entry into Odd Fellows Rest. If you compare this kind of after-hours access to typical cemetery entry rules, the price starts to make sense quickly.

What is not included also matters for budgeting. Alcoholic beverages are not included. Drinks are not included in the general sense, but you do get a stop where you can buy something before you head out, plus you can bring your own drink to enjoy on the bus. That keeps you from paying premium prices for snacks at random moments, and it helps you stay comfortable during the timing between stops.

Duration is about 2 hours. That is a good length for a night out in New Orleans. It is long enough to feel like a real tour, but short enough that you can still do dinner or another activity afterward without your whole day collapsing.

Meeting point in the French Quarter and how the stops actually feel

You meet at New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tours at 620 Decatur St #600. This is in the heart of the French Quarter area, so you will likely find public transit options nearby. Parking can be limited in that zone, so I usually tell people to plan on walking a little or using a ride-share if they are driving.

A few timing and comfort notes that matter:

• You should arrive about 15 minutes early so you’re not stressed about check-in and finding the group.
• The tour runs in all weather conditions, so plan for wind and nighttime chill.
• The bus is not wheelchair accessible, because you must navigate steps to board and exit.
• The walking is described as not strenuous, mostly flat, but you still want comfortable shoes.

The tour also has a group cap of 42 travelers, which is large enough to feel lively but small enough that a good guide can manage questions and pacing.

Should you book the New Orleans Cemetery Bus Tour After Dark?

Book it if you want a night activity that feels genuinely New Orleans without requiring you to plan routes, find entry rules, or walk for hours in the dark. This tour is a strong choice for couples, solo travelers, and anyone who likes history mixed with spooky storytelling.

Skip it if you expect multiple long cemetery walks. The experience leans hard on the main inside access at Odd Fellows Rest, with other stops and views supporting that centerpiece. If you want a deeper cemetery marathon, you may want a different format.

One last check before you go: if you hate the idea of any spooky-tech play, remember the EMF readers are optional in spirit. You can participate lightly or just use them as a conversation starter while you focus on the real draw—night access, guide storytelling, and the Katrina memorial stop that gives the whole night weight.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the New Orleans Cemetery Bus Tour After Dark?

You meet at New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tours, 620 Decatur St #600, New Orleans, LA 70130. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 2 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $40.32 per person.

What cemetery do you get exclusive access to during the tour?

The tour provides exclusive access to the Odd Fellows Rest cemetery.

Does the tour visit the tomb of Marie Laveau?

No. Marie Laveau’s tomb is in St. Louis Cemetery 1, and that is not included on this tour.

Do you stop at the Hurricane Katrina memorial?

Yes. You visit the Hurricane Katrina Memorial Cemetery, and your guide explains the lasting effects of Hurricane Katrina.

Are EMF readers included?

Yes. The tour includes EMF readers, and the guide uses them during the cemetery portion.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are not included, but there is a stop at a local place before the tour where you can purchase a drink. You can also bring your own drink to enjoy on the bus. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Is the bus wheelchair accessible?

No. The bus used for this tour is not wheelchair accessible, and you must be able to walk and navigate a few steps to board and exit.

Does the tour run in all weather conditions, and can the route change?

The tour operates in all weather conditions. Routes may change due to parades, festivals, construction, or other reasons.