Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond

Hollywood Cemetery is not a quick stop with a few famous graves. It is a broad, story-filled place where two US presidents, Confederate general JEB Stuart, philanthropist Lewis Ginter, writer Ellen Glasgow, and many other Richmond figures are buried. A Segway tour gives you a practical way to cover more of it without spending two hours on foot.

I like the small maximum of six people, which should make it easier to hear the guide and ask questions. I also like the mix of machine handling and local history, especially with guides such as Andrew, who connect the cemetery to Richmond and the wider story of the United States. The main catch is the minimum age of 14, plus the need to arrive 30 minutes early for the Segway side of the experience.

Key points to know before you book

• Hollywood Cemetery in two hours: See far more of this large burial ground than you likely would during a short self-guided walk.
• Stories beyond the headstones: Hear about two US presidents, Lewis Ginter, Ellen Glasgow, JEB Stuart, and other Richmond figures.
• A group capped at six: The small party size should keep the outing personal and the guide easy to hear.
• Andrew is a guide to look for: His approach combines Segway safety with stories about Richmond and national history.
• Easy meeting plan: Meet at 412 S Cherry St at 2:00 pm, and the tour returns to that same point.
• Plan for the age rule: Participants must be at least 14, and you should arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Why a Segway makes sense at Hollywood Cemetery

Hollywood Cemetery is the sort of place where distance changes the experience. On foot, you may spend much of your time walking between sections, searching for important graves, and trying to orient yourself. A Segway cuts down that travel time and lets you focus more of your attention on the stories.

The machines also give you a higher viewing position than you have while walking. That can help you spot markers, monuments, and wider views across the grounds. The tour description specifically points to the Segways’ visibility and their ability to help you see more in less time. That is the real reason to choose this format, not simply the novelty of riding one.

You still need to be comfortable following basic operating and safety instructions. One particularly useful point from the guide experience is that the tour covers both safe Segway operation and cemetery history. You are not left to figure out the machine while the guide rushes through the important sights.

The outing lasts about two hours. That is long enough to give the cemetery proper attention, but short enough to fit neatly into a Richmond afternoon. Since the group can be no larger than six, you should have a better chance of staying close to the guide and asking about a person or monument that catches your eye.

Entering Hollywood Cemetery on South Cherry Street

Your meeting point is 412 S Cherry St, Richmond, Virginia 23220. The activity begins at 2:00 pm and ends back at the same location, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup point at the end.

Arrive 30 minutes early. That half hour matters because you will need time for the pre-tour process and Segway instructions. Arriving at the official start time could leave you rushed, especially if you are new to this type of vehicle.

The dress code is casual, which suits the practical nature of the outing. Choose clothing that lets you move comfortably and shoes that feel secure. The provided information does not specify a required type of footwear, so you should simply avoid dressing for a formal occasion or for a sit-down indoor tour.

No hotel pickup or drop-off is included. You are responsible for reaching the cemetery, though the meeting point is near public transportation. That makes the tour easier to fit into a day of sightseeing than an activity in a remote location.

The cemetery’s major stories and names

The heart of the tour is Hollywood Cemetery itself. It is described as the second most visited cemetery in the country after Arlington, a useful clue to its national importance and broad appeal. This is not only a place for people with a special interest in graveyards. It offers a way to understand Richmond through the people who shaped its politics, business, military life, and literature.

Two US presidents are buried here. The tour also includes figures such as Lewis Ginter, whose name is closely tied to Richmond, Ellen Glasgow, an important writer, and JEB Stuart, the Confederate cavalry general. The list gives you a sense of the range of stories rather than a single historical theme.

A good guide can make these names useful instead of leaving them as disconnected facts. Andrew, specifically, is praised for linking the cemetery’s history with the history of Richmond and the United States. That broader framing is valuable because a grave marker alone tells you who is buried there, while a guide can explain why that person matters.

You should expect the tour to focus on stories and significant people rather than treating every section of the cemetery equally. With only two hours, the guide has to make choices. That is a benefit if you want a clear introduction to the cemetery, though it also means you will not see or study every grave.

Why the small group matters

A maximum of six participants is one of the strongest practical features here. In a larger group, a cemetery tour can turn into a listening exercise from several yards away. With a small party, you should be able to stay within earshot and ask a quick question without interrupting the whole outing.

The small size also fits a place like Hollywood Cemetery. The appeal is not just reaching famous graves. It is noticing details and following the guide’s connections between people, events, and Richmond. A quieter, smaller group makes that easier.

There is a tradeoff. Small-group activities can have limited availability, and the fixed 2:00 pm start gives you less flexibility than a self-guided visit. Still, if you value direct contact with the guide, the six-person cap is worth noting when you compare this with larger city tours.

The guide can make or break the experience

The guide has two jobs here. First, the guide needs to help you operate the Segway safely. Second, the guide must turn a cemetery full of names into a coherent story. The strongest part of this experience appears to be the combination.

Andrew receives especially strong praise for his work. He is described as fantastic at explaining the history of the cemetery, the city, and the way Richmond connects to the history of the United States. Another account specifically highlights his ability to lead the group through Hollywood while explaining the importance of the people buried there.

That is the kind of guiding you want on this tour. You are not merely following a route and stopping at famous markers. You are getting context for why these people belong in the story of Richmond.

The exact guide for your departure is not guaranteed by the information provided, so do not book solely on the assumption that Andrew will lead your group. Still, his name gives you a clear idea of the standard to hope for: confident Segway instruction paired with strong storytelling.

What you will see in two hours

The advertised itinerary has one main stop: Hollywood Cemetery. That may sound simple, but the cemetery itself is the full setting for the outing. The two-hour format gives the guide time to move through the grounds, stop at notable graves, and explain the people and events connected to them.

The Segway lets you cover more space than you could comfortably manage on foot in the same time. This is especially useful if your Richmond visit is short or if you want an overview before returning later to explore one area at a slower pace.

You should think of the tour as a guided introduction rather than a complete study of every monument. The guide’s selected stops will shape your understanding of the cemetery. That is exactly why the tour adds value over simply arriving with a map and wandering around.

The cemetery also gives you a different way to see Richmond. Its stories include national figures, but the focus remains rooted in the city. The result should feel more personal than a broad city overview because the guide is working from specific people, burial sites, and local connections.

Value, timing, and what is included

The price is not provided in the available details, so I cannot judge the exact cost against other Richmond activities. I can still assess what you receive for the fee: about two hours, a professional guide, Segway use as the central touring method, and a small group capped at six.

That package has good value if you want both transportation around the cemetery and interpretation of its major stories. You are paying for more than a vehicle rental. The guide’s role is important, especially for connecting the cemetery to Richmond and US history.

All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so add your own transportation time and cost when comparing the tour with activities that begin at your accommodation.

A 2:00 pm start can work well if you spend the morning elsewhere in Richmond. It also limits your scheduling options, so check your day carefully before booking. You need to be at the meeting point 30 minutes early, not just on time.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This outing suits you if you want a history-focused Richmond activity but do not want to spend two hours walking. The Segway is especially useful for people who want to cover ground efficiently and appreciate a higher view across the cemetery.

It also fits first-time visitors who want an organized introduction. The guide points you toward major people and stories, saving you from trying to identify the most important sites on your own.

History enthusiasts should find plenty to like in the range of subjects: presidents, military figures, writers, business leaders, and Richmond civic history. You do not need to know these names in advance. The guide’s job is to supply the connections.

This is not the right choice for children under 14, since the minimum age is clear. It may also be a poor fit if you prefer to move at your own pace, linger quietly at one grave, or read every marker without a schedule. The tour is guided and time-limited.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate according to the provided activity information. If you have concerns about operating a Segway, use the early arrival time to listen closely to the instructions and decide whether the format feels right for you.

Small practical details that matter

Wear casual clothes and plan for an outdoor activity. The information does not provide a weather policy or a list of required equipment, so check local conditions before you leave and dress accordingly.

Bring only what you need. One participant accidentally left a good water bottle behind and had no phone number available for a quick lost-and-found call. That is a small but useful warning: keep track of personal items during stops and make sure you know how to contact the provider, RVA on Wheels, before departure if that matters to you.

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation is received at booking, which gives you a clear record of the meeting time and location. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour?

Book it if you want to see a large and important Richmond cemetery without walking every stretch of it, and if you enjoy history delivered through specific people and local stories. The best reasons are the small group, the efficient Segway format, and the chance to hear how Hollywood Cemetery connects with Richmond and the broader United States.

I would be more cautious if you are under 14, dislike scheduled tours, or want a slow, independent cemetery visit. Also remember that the exact price is not provided here, so compare the fee with other Richmond tours based on the guide, vehicle, small group, and two-hour format rather than treating it as simple admission.

For most adults and teens who meet the age rule, this is a smart way to cover more ground and leave with a clearer sense of Richmond’s past. Arrive early, keep hold of your belongings, and hope for a guide with Andrew’s mix of confident Segway handling and strong historical storytelling.

FAQ

Where does the Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour begin?

It begins at Hollywood Cemetery, 412 S Cherry St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 2:00 pm.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Hollywood Cemetery.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 14 years old.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled tour time.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though the meeting point is near public transportation.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.