How Tourists In Pennsylvania Keep Getting Arrested For Trespassing Cemeteries

Pennsylvania is home to some of the most beautiful and historic cemeteries in America, drawing curious travelers and history buffs from all over. However, many visitors don’t realize that not all cemeteries are open to the public, and some have strict rules about when you can visit. Because of this confusion, tourists keep finding themselves in legal trouble for trespassing on cemetery grounds. Understanding the laws and respecting local customs can help you avoid fines, arrests, and embarrassing situations while still enjoying these fascinating historical sites.

Assuming All Cemeteries Are Public Property

Many travelers believe that cemeteries are automatically open to everyone, but that’s a common mistake that leads to arrests. Plenty of burial grounds across Pennsylvania are privately owned by families, churches, or historical societies. These owners have every right to control who enters and when.

Some cemeteries post clear “No Trespassing” signs, while others may have gates that are locked after certain hours. Ignoring these warnings can result in police involvement, even if you meant no harm. Officers take these violations seriously because trespassing damages trust between communities and visitors.

Before stepping onto any cemetery property, look for posted signs or contact local authorities to confirm access rules. Respecting private ownership protects both you and the site’s historical integrity.

Visiting Historic Church Cemeteries Without Permission

Church cemeteries are scattered throughout Pennsylvania’s countryside, often tucked behind charming old chapels that date back centuries. These graveyards hold incredible historical value and attract photographers and genealogy enthusiasts alike. However, many of these sites are still actively used by congregations and require permission before visiting.

Walking onto church property without asking can be seen as disrespectful, especially during services or private burial ceremonies. Some churches have specific visiting hours or require guests to check in at the church office first. Failing to follow these guidelines has resulted in tourists being cited for trespassing.

Always call ahead or stop by the church office to ask about visiting policies. Most congregations are happy to share their history when approached respectfully.

Ignoring Posted Hours and Locked Gates

Just because a cemetery is open to the public doesn’t mean you can visit anytime you want. Most cemeteries post specific hours, typically from dawn until dusk, to ensure visitor safety and prevent vandalism. Climbing over fences or entering after hours is illegal and can lead to immediate arrest.

Law enforcement patrols cemetery grounds regularly, especially at night when trespassing and vandalism are more common. Tourists caught after closing time often claim they didn’t see the signs, but ignorance doesn’t excuse breaking the law. Citations can include hefty fines and even criminal records in some cases.

Always respect posted hours and never attempt to bypass locked gates. If you arrive too late, plan to return during open hours instead.

Taking Photos in Restricted Areas

Photography enthusiasts love capturing the beauty and history of Pennsylvania’s old cemeteries, but some areas are strictly off-limits to cameras and visitors. Sections undergoing restoration, family plots with privacy restrictions, or areas damaged by weather may be marked as restricted. Crossing these boundaries to get the perfect shot can result in trespassing charges.

Cemetery management and families have legitimate reasons for restricting access, including protecting fragile monuments and respecting mourners’ privacy. When tourists ignore these restrictions, they risk damaging irreplaceable historical artifacts and upsetting grieving families. Police have arrested visitors who refused to leave restricted zones.

Stick to designated public areas for photography and always ask permission if you’re unsure. Many cemeteries offer guided photo tours that provide legal access to special locations.

Exploring Rural Family Burial Plots

Pennsylvania’s countryside is dotted with tiny family burial plots, often located on private farmland or tucked away in wooded areas. These intimate gravesites hold deep personal meaning for local families and are definitely not public attractions. Wandering onto these properties without permission is trespassing and can provoke strong reactions from landowners.

Farmers and property owners have called police on tourists who crossed their land to explore family cemeteries. Even if the plot looks abandoned, it likely still belongs to someone who cares about it. Rural communities take property rights seriously, and violations can result in arrests or confrontations.

If you discover a family plot on private land, ask the property owner for permission before approaching. Showing respect for these sacred spaces builds goodwill with local residents.

Misunderstanding Seasonal and Event Closures

Cemeteries occasionally close for special events, maintenance work, or private ceremonies that require complete privacy. Memorial Day services, large funerals, or restoration projects can temporarily restrict public access to entire cemeteries or specific sections. Tourists who ignore closure notices and enter anyway face trespassing charges.

Weather-related closures also happen during Pennsylvania’s harsh winters or after severe storms that make pathways unsafe. Signs announcing these temporary closures are posted at entrances, but some visitors miss them or assume the rules don’t apply to quick visits. Police have arrested tourists who refused to leave during private events.

Check cemetery websites or call ahead during holidays and weekends when special events are most likely. Respecting temporary closures shows consideration for families and community traditions.

Famous Tourist Cemeteries With Strict Rules

Pennsylvania boasts several famous cemeteries that attract thousands of tourists each year, including burial grounds with notable historical figures and stunning Victorian monuments. Places like Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia and Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh offer public tours, but they also enforce strict visiting guidelines. Breaking these rules results in removal from the property and possible legal action.

These popular sites require visitors to stay on designated paths, avoid touching monuments, and follow tour schedules when applicable. Some sections remain closed to general visitors due to ongoing preservation work or family privacy requests. Tourists who wander off or enter restricted areas have been arrested for trespassing.

Join official guided tours when available and carefully read all posted rules before exploring independently.

Legal Consequences and How to Avoid Them

Getting arrested for cemetery trespassing in Pennsylvania can result in criminal charges, fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and even jail time in serious cases. Courts don’t take these violations lightly because cemeteries are sacred spaces deserving protection and respect. Even first-time offenders may face penalties that include community service or probation.

Beyond legal trouble, trespassing creates negative impressions of tourists and damages relationships between visitors and local communities. Your arrest record could affect future travel plans, employment opportunities, and personal reputation. Pennsylvania law enforcement actively patrols cemetery grounds and responds quickly to trespassing reports.

Avoid legal problems by researching cemetery rules before visiting, respecting all posted signs, and asking permission when uncertain. Responsible tourism protects both you and Pennsylvania’s irreplaceable historical treasures.