Bellefontaine Cemetery

Bellefontaine Cemetery: Visiting Hours, Tours, and Travel Guide – St. Louis Historical Site

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, Bellefontaine Cemetery stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage and evolving landscape. Established in 1849 during a period of rapid urban growth and public health reform, it was conceived as part of the rural cemetery movement, offering a peaceful retreat from urban sprawl. Spanning 314 acres, Bellefontaine is more than a burial ground—it is an accredited arboretum, an open-air museum of art and architecture, and a significant cultural landmark.

Home to over 87,000 interments—including historic figures such as explorer William Clark, brewing magnate Adolphus Busch, poet Sara Teasdale, and a host of Civil War generals—Bellefontaine attracts historians, tourists, genealogists, and nature lovers alike. With free admission, guided and self-guided tours, and a calendar full of community events, Bellefontaine welcomes all who wish to connect with St. Louis’s past amid its serene, leafy grounds.

For authoritative details on visiting hours, tickets, tours, and historical highlights, consult the official Bellefontaine Cemetery website, as well as resources from St. Louis Magazine and Explore St. Louis.

Guardian angel statue above a headstone in Bellefontaine Cemetery during fall

Stone monument dedicated to Seddie Leonidas Clark featuring a pedestal resembling stacked bricks with a plaque labeled 'Our Seddie' and a carved young woman in a flowing dress placing a floral wreath on a cross atop the monument

Overview and History
Founding and Early Development
Notable Burials and Monuments
Landscape, Arboretum, and Architecture
Visiting Hours and Admission
Directions, Parking, and Accessibility
Tours and Special Programs
Nearby Attractions and Visitor Tips
Community Engagement and Preservation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Summary and Travel Advice
References

Overview and History

Bellefontaine was born out of necessity during the devastating 1849 cholera epidemic, when St. Louis civic leaders recognized the urgent need for a new, healthy burial ground. Inspired by Boston’s Mount Auburn Cemetery, they envisioned a spacious, landscaped setting away from downtown. Almerin Hotchkiss, the cemetery’s founding superintendent and landscape architect, designed its winding roads, rolling hills, and lush plantings to evoke a sense of peace and reflection—a vision that endures today (Bellefontaine Cemetery Notable Burials).

As a rural cemetery, Bellefontaine played a vital civic and social role in the 19th century, serving both as a burial ground and a public park where families strolled and picnicked. Over time, its mission broadened to encompass historical preservation, ecological stewardship, and community education.

Notable Burials and Monuments

Bellefontaine is renowned for its variety of impressive monuments and for being the final resting place of individuals who shaped St. Louis, Missouri, and the nation. Among its most visited graves are:

William Clark (of the Lewis and Clark Expedition)
Adolphus Busch (Anheuser-Busch co-founder)
Sara Teasdale (Pulitzer Prize-winning poet)
Thomas Hart Benton (U.S. Senator)
William S. Burroughs (author)
Rush Limbaugh (radio host)
Luther Ely Smith (civic leader instrumental in the Gateway Arch)
Numerous Civil War generals—Bellefontaine holds more Union and Confederate generals than Arlington and West Point combined.

Architectural highlights include the Wainwright Tomb, designed by Louis Sullivan (mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright), celebrated for its domed cube and floral ornamentation. The Hotchkiss Chapel (by Eames and Young, 1909) and the Westlake Memorial—the cemetery’s only open tomb—are also noteworthy. The Herman Luyties Monument, protected in glass, adds a unique artistic touch (St. Louis Magazine: Tour).

Landscape, Arboretum, and Architecture

Bellefontaine is both a cemetery and a living arboretum, home to more than 180 tree species and recognized as a Level II Arboretum. Notable specimens include the State Champion Shingle Oak and mature American Elms, survivors of Dutch Elm disease. Its 14 miles of paved roads and numerous walking paths wind past lakes, wildflower patches, and historic memorials, offering visitors an ever-changing landscape in every season (St. Louis Magazine: Arboretum).

The cemetery’s historic gatehouses, chapels, and mausoleums—many undergoing restoration—illustrate a range of Victorian, neoclassical, and modern design, making Bellefontaine a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Grounds: Open daily, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Gates close at 5:00 p.m.)
Office: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free for all visitors. No tickets or reservations needed for general entry.
Tours: Guided walks and trolley tours are free with a suggested $5 donation; advance reservation required due to limited space (Bellefontaine Cemetery: Events).

For the latest information, check the official website.

Directions, Parking, and Accessibility

Address: 4947 West Florissant Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63115
Directions: From I-70, take Exit 245B for West Florissant Avenue and continue northwest for 0.7 miles to the main entrance.
Parking: Free and plentiful, with spots available near the entrance and throughout the grounds.
Public Transit: Several MetroBus routes serve the area; confirm current schedules for West Florissant Avenue.
Accessibility: Paved roads and walkways are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Climate-controlled trolleys offer accessible tours. Assistance is available at the office (Adventuring Woman).

Tours and Special Programs

Self-Guided Tours

Maps and brochures are available at the office. A popular self-guided tour follows the Historic Loop Trail, with numbered markers and a downloadable map. The AllTrails app also offers a mapped route.

Guided Walking Tours

Led by knowledgeable guides, these two-hour tours (approx. 2 miles) highlight history, art, horticulture, and monument symbolism. They’re offered regularly in spring and fall. Free with a suggested $5 donation; reservations required (Bellefontaine Cemetery: Events).

Trolley Tours

Accessible, climate-controlled, and ideal for those with limited mobility, trolley tours run select dates, stopping at key sites for short walks. Free with a suggested donation; reserve in advance.

Themed and Special Events

Bellefontaine hosts over 300 annual events, including:

Horticultural tours and tree walks
Iconography and monument symbolism tours
Beer Barons and African American history tours
Outdoor theater, musical performances, flower-arranging classes
Artist-in-Residence exhibitions (featuring works like Charles Turnell’s “See Beauty Everywhere” collage series)

Many events are free or low-cost and support the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery (Bellefontaine Cemetery: Events).

Nearby Attractions and Visitor Tips

Bellefontaine’s central location makes it easy to combine with visits to:

Forest Park (museums, zoo, gardens)
Missouri History Museum
St. Louis Zoo
Gateway Arch and downtown historic sites

Visitor Tips:

Wear comfortable shoes; bring water and sun protection.
Spring and fall are peak seasons for flora and foliage.
Leashed pets are welcome; please clean up after them.
Photography for personal use is permitted; be respectful of ceremonies.
Observe quiet, especially during funerals and services.

More tips and etiquette guidelines are available on the official website.

Community Engagement and Preservation

Bellefontaine is a vibrant civic resource, offering educational programs, historical research services, and community events. Restoration projects on the Amaranth House, Hawthorn Gatehouse, and Hotchkiss Chapel ensure the cemetery’s continued role as a cultural and educational destination. The Artist-in-Residence initiative embodies Bellefontaine’s commitment to artistic innovation and community outreach.

The cemetery also champions inclusive historical storytelling, highlighting the contributions of women, African Americans, and lesser-known figures from St. Louis’s past (Bellefontaine Cemetery Notable Burials).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are Bellefontaine Cemetery’s visiting hours?
A: Open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; gates close at 5:00 p.m.

Q: Is there an admission fee or are tickets required?
A: General admission is free. Guided tours require advance reservation and a suggested $5 donation.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome.

Q: Is the cemetery accessible?
A: Yes, with paved roads, accessible restrooms, and trolley tours for those with mobility needs.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, for personal use. Please be respectful of ongoing services.

Q: How do I find a specific grave?
A: Staff can assist during office hours. An online tool is also available; detailed genealogy services are provided for a fee.

Q: Where can I get tour tickets?
A: Reserve via the official website or at the visitor center.

Summary and Final Travel Advice

Bellefontaine Cemetery is a living museum where history, art, and nature converge. As both a historical landmark and an evolving community space, it offers a reflective and enriching experience for every visitor. Free general admission and a variety of tours—ranging from self-guided strolls to themed trolley rides—ensure accessibility for all.

For the best experience:

Plan your visit in advance, especially for guided tours.
Download the Audiala app for audio guides and related St. Louis historical content.
Respect the site’s heritage and tranquility.
Explore nearby attractions to enrich your St. Louis itinerary.

Stay updated on events and restoration projects via the official Bellefontaine Cemetery website, and consider signing up for the newsletter or following social channels.