Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum Is a Wellspring of St. Louis Stories

In any given season, the historic St. Louis cemetery offers stunning sights and events that focus on architecture, horticulture and more.

A diverse array of mature trees whose pigments ignite in the fall. Babbling streams and pristine lakes surrounded by spectacular plant life. Swarms of bees and butterflies – plus, the occasional red fox or turkey. Headstones, monuments and mausoleums marking the final resting places of historical figures who shaped the St. Louis community and contributed significantly to the advancement of the nation.

This is Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum.

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With more than 170 years of history, Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum is not only a tranquil burial site; it’s also a beloved local landmark and a shining example of environmental stewardship. In 2022, Arbnet, an interactive community of arboreta that supports the common purposes and interests of tree-focused public gardens, accredited it as a Level III Arboretum.

“First, you have to understand what it means to be an arboretum,” Sherry Smith, president and CEO of Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum, explains. “I tell people to think of it like a tree museum. Our purpose is to conserve trees – like you would an artifact – to support native species and to educate people about the importance of trees and other woody plants.

Founded in 1849 and perched on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, the historic cemetery consists of 314 acres, including 87,000 interments. American explorer William Clark and co-founder of Anheuser-Busch Adolphus Busch are among the most notable people buried here.

“I wouldn’t try to wait for a certain season to visit. You’re going to see a different image of Bellefontaine with each and every season, and none of them disappoint.”– Sherry Smith, president and CEO of Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum

Today, the cemetery encompasses more than 9,500 trees, representing 560 species, and in 2012, it received its first accreditation as a Level II Arboretum from Arbnet.

Plan Your Visit

Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum encourages anyone and everyone to visit. Throughout the year, it hosts more than 300 events, covering a range of topics from history to horticulture. Take a self-guided tour or check out one of the themed tours...

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