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Monday 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm Thursday 8am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4:30pm Saturday 8am - 4:30pm Sunday 8am - 4:30pm

Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum

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Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum

Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum is historic & active with renowned architecture. Take a tour! Louis, Mo.

Founded in 1849, Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum is a historic, not-for-profit cemetery set on 314 acres of scenic landscape in St. As a guardian of family and community heritage, Bellefontaine is today more committed than ever before to protecting and celebrating the history of our grounds, our families, and the city we call home.

*While we encourage participation on our Page, any comments that contain vulgar language, personal attacks or are off topic are not allowed and will be removed.

09/29/2025

🚢 𝗭𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆!⚓

Steamboats, their pilots, captains, owners, and the waterways they traversed helped define St. Louis and the entire region. Whether we are talking pilots, captains, or owners, the competition was fierce!

At first, it was every man—or boat—for himself, but soon set timetables and routes were established. This intense competition among private owners and groups often led to casualties in the wake of organization. Then there is the river: at once a superhighway and a vexed spirit. Accidents and mishaps on the Mississippi mean a short life for most ships and many who guide them.

You’ll hear about all this and more during our free Zoom video presentation on Wednesday, October 1, from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱, 𝘀𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!
➡️ https://bellefontainecemetery.org/event/zoom-100125/

Our Zoom video presentations are free; however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine are gratefully accepted.

𝗧𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲:
📞 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲: 314-381-0750
🌐 𝗪𝗘𝗕𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗘: https://51295.blackbaudhosting.com/51295/Friends-Gift
✅ 𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗠𝗢:
🔵 𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗣𝗔𝗟: donations@bcastl.org

Other events will be announced soon. If you’d like more information about upcoming virtual or in-person events, please sign up for email newsletters to get advance notice.
📧 https://bellefontainecemetery.org/tours-soc/.

09/27/2025

⚜️ 𝗜 𝗔𝗠 𝗦𝗧. 𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗜𝗦. ⚜️

We are the quiet keepers of its stories, the living canvas of its history, and the vibrant home to its lasting legacies.

At Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum, we preserve the narratives of many St. Louisans who built this city—from architects and civic leaders to artists and families. Our 314 acres are a dedication to preservation, where the beauty of nature and the depth of human history blend to create an urban oasis.

The story of St. Louis is one of resilience, beauty, and perpetual memory. We are proud to be part of that story.

I am Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum.
I am St. Louis.

—

📧 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 to learn more about BCA's rich history, art, architecture, our Level III Arboretum, and our historic Cemetery, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
➡️ https://bellefontainecemetery.org/history-soc/

09/27/2025

🍂 𝗔𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿: 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸! 🍁

Join one of our Horticulturists for a stroll in Missouri’s first ArbNet Level III Accredited Arboretum!

Every Arboretum tour is unique and offers a chance to explore different plants, so feel free to sign up for as many as you like. This special tour will focus on the fantastic fall color shows of Bellefontaine’s collection of about 10,000 trees and shrubs. From golden ginkgoes to majestic crimson maples, our 314 acres are aglow with autumn beauty.

Learn more about what makes Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum an extraordinary horticulture treasure in St. Louis! These different tours are free and will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱, 𝘀𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!

🍁Wednesday, October 8: https://bellefontainecemetery.org/event/fall-tree-walk-100825/

🍁Wednesday, October 15: https://bellefontainecemetery.org/event/fall-tree-walk-101525/

🍁Wednesday, November 5: https://bellefontainecemetery.org/event/fall-tree-walk-110525/

🍁Wednesday, November 19: https://bellefontainecemetery.org/event/fall-tree-walk-111925/

Our Arboretum Walking Tours are free; however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine are gratefully accepted.

𝗧𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲:
📞 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲: 314-381-0750
🌐 𝗪𝗘𝗕𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗘: https://51295.blackbaudhosting.com/51295/Friends-Gift
✅ 𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗠𝗢:
🔵 𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗣𝗔𝗟: donations@bcastl.org

Other events will be announced soon. If you’d like more information about upcoming virtual or in-person events, please sign up for email newsletters to get advance notice.📧 https://bellefontainecemetery.org/tours-soc/.

09/27/2025

𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺: 𝗔 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

A columbarium offers a final resting place to memorialize a loved one, providing a cherished, permanent alternative to keeping cremated remains at home or other less formal dispositions.

The indoor, elegant Hotchkiss Chapel Columbarium at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum includes 600 wooden and glass-front niches. The Chapel is also available for memorial services before or after an inurnment. The Columbarium is climate-controlled and quiet, giving family and friends a peaceful place to visit and reflect.

Ensuring future generations have a dedicated place to pay their respects and connect with your heritage, a permanent place of memorialization helps keep your family history actively alive and accessible for those who visit.

For more information, please contact Bellefontaine advisors, Gracie or Rick, at 314-381-0750, or visit https://bellefontainecemetery.org/cremation-soc/.

09/25/2025

🌿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘀: 𝗔 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆

Nestled within Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum, 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘀 is a stunning botanical jewel—a serene landscape of curving walls, grassy terraces, and tranquil fountains.

Here, our 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘄𝗻 𝗖𝗿𝘆𝗽𝘁𝘀 offer a unique and often overlooked burial option, perfect for those considering pre-planning. These distinctive spaces combine understated elegance with the serenity of nature.

Each Lawn Crypt features a pre-installed, double-depth concrete vault, accommodating up to two burials in a single space. This provides incredible value and a seamless alternative to purchasing separate outer containers. A key benefit is the inclusion of memorialization for two on the adjacent garden wall, offering a lasting tribute and a unique sense of community.

Ideal for couples, families, or anyone seeking traditional burial with an appreciation for natural surroundings, Wildwood Valley Gardens is the perfect place to honor your loved ones in enduring beauty.

To learn more about this unique pre-planning option, please contact our Bellefontaine Advisors, Gracie or Rick, at 314-381-0750, or visit our website. https://bellefontainecemetery.org/wildwood-valley-soc/

09/24/2025

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆
Saturday, October 18, 2025

The Saint Louis Mourning Society presents "Consolations of Memory" with the support of Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. This isn't like other fall cemetery tours. Rather than portraying the spirits of those buried here, we portray the living people of the era who were left behind to mourn the loss of a loved one.

This guided cemetery walk around Historic Hotchkiss Chapel explores life, death, and mourning in the mid-19th century. Guests will learn about tragic events in St. Louis' history, funeral and burial practices, and how the dead were remembered. The tour is followed immediately by a funeral reenactment, procession, and burial service.
This year's tour will focus on the reinternment of Dr. Bernard Farrar, who passed in the 1849 Cholera outbreak in St. Louis. He was laid to rest at Bellefontaine Cemetery in 1862.

This is a free event. Tours take place at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. We ask attendees to show up 15 to 30 minutes before their tour time for a timely departure. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up today!

𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪: https://bellefontainecemetery.org/event/consolation-of-memory-101825/

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆
The Mourning Society of St. Louis is a civilian reenacting group with an interest in mourning, death culture, spiritualism, and the funeral customs of the mid-nineteenth through the early twentieth century. Visit mourningsociety.com to find out more!

While these tours are free, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted and help us continue our mission.

𝗧𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲:
📞 Call our office at 314-381-0750.
🌐 WEBSITE: https://51295.blackbaudhosting.com/51295/Friends-Gift
✅ VENMO:
✅ PAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀? Sign up for our email newsletters!
➡️ https://bellefontainecemetery.org/tours-soc/

09/22/2025

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 #𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹! 🍂🍁🎃🌰

is gorgeous here at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. As the temperatures drop, the Cemetery begins to fill up with more walkers, runners, and visitors, all hoping to get a glimpse of the fall colors that we tend to enjoy each year. We invite you to take a free self-guided tour at your leisure and enjoy the foliage as it transitions through the rich colors of autumn. Immerse yourself in the history and peacefulness of our 314 acres.

You can pick up a tour map outside our office, located just inside the Cemetery gates. Travel along 14 miles of paved roadway, exploring our historic “tour line” from the comfort of your car or on foot.

Dog walking is permitted, but please remember our leash laws and to clean up after your pet. You may also ride a bike through the Cemetery by yourself or with a friend. Please avoid services in progress.

Bellefontaine Cemetery is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The gates are locked promptly at 5:00 p.m..

Bring your camera and share your pictures on our Facebook and Instagram pages!

09/22/2025

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲: 𝗔 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Monuments and markers are enduring tributes that tell the stories of those who came before us. Through unique iconography, poems, dates, and other details, these markers become a lasting remembrance of a life.

For over 175 years, Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum has been dedicated to helping families commemorate their loved ones with the finest craftsmanship. Our artisans and engravers work to create unique memorialization, from matching historic markers to designing new and meaningful tributes.

Our monument offerings include:

♦️ Gravestones and family monuments
♦️ Benches and statuary
♦️ Wall engravings and cremation memorials

Whether you are honoring a loved one or planning for your own future needs, our team is here to help you create a lasting legacy.

For more information about monumentation and memorialization options at Bellefontaine, please visit our website:
➡️ https://bellefontainecemetery.org/monuments-and-markers-soc/

You can also contact Gracie or Rick directly by calling our office at 314-381-0750 to set up an appointment.

09/22/2025

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲!

The autumnal equinox officially arrives at 1:19 PM CDT on Monday, September 22, 2025, marking the official beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere.

To celebrate the change of seasons, a unique phenomenon will happen right here at Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum. On the first day of fall each year, a memorial designed by internationally renowned sculptor William Conrad Severson acts as a natural sundial.

At approximately 12:50 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025 (solar noon), the sun will cast a perfect shadow of a cross on the grass beneath the Severson monument. It's a truly beautiful and fleeting moment to witness.

If you’d like more information about the history at Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum and unique events like this, please sign up for our email newsletters to get advance notice!
➡️ https://bellefontainecemetery.org/history-soc/

09/19/2025

𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹, 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀! 🌼

As astronomical summer officially comes to an end on Monday, we're taking a moment to appreciate the vibrant annual displays in our Willow Garden. Hear more about these fleeting beauties in our video!

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿'𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱:

🪻 Anise Hyssop 'Blue Fortune'
🌾 Melinis grass 'Savannah'
🌻 Black Eyed Susan 'Indian Summer'
🌺 Mexican Petunia 'Compact Purple'
🌸 Sunpatiens 'Pink Kiss'
🍍 Pineapple Sage

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲'𝘀 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿? Take a self-guided tour to enjoy our seasonal displays, or sign up for a guided tour of our Level III Arboretum to learn more about the flowers, plants, and nearly 10,000 trees and shrubs from various origins, including native, regional, and international species, across our 314 acres.

For more updates on our changing landscapes and horticulture news, subscribe to our newsletter!
➡️ https://bellefontainecemetery.org/horticulture-soc/

09/18/2025

𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗮: 𝗔 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲!🏵️

Talk about resilience! This little Portulaca was planted last year as part of one of our summer annual beds. Against all odds, it bravely weathered the winter and has now decided to grace us with its beautiful presence again! Plants are truly full of surprises, reminding us of nature's incredible strength and beauty here at Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum.

For more stories of our amazing flora and updates from our grounds, subscribe to our horticulture newsletter!
➡️ https://bellefontainecemetery.org/horticulture-soc/

Address

4947 West Florissant Avenue
St. Louis, MO
63115

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm
Saturday	8am - 4:30pm
Sunday	8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+13143810750

Website

http://www.bellefontainecemetery.org/

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Our Story

Founded in 1849, Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum is a historic, not-for-profit cemetery set on 314 acres of scenic landscape in St. Louis, Mo. As a guardian of family and community heritage, Bellefontaine is today more committed than ever before to protecting and celebrating the history of our grounds, our families, and the city we call home. *While we encourage participation on our Page, any comments that contain vulgar language, personal attacks or are off topic are not allowed and will be removed.

Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum

09/29/2025

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09/25/2025

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09/19/2025

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