Cemeteries are often overlooked as places to explore, but we love visiting them not only for their rich history but also for the fascinating statues, monuments, and intricate headstones. Illinois is home to some truly remarkable cemeteries, each with its own unique character and stories. In this post, I’ll take you on a tour of ten cemeteries in Illinois that are worth visiting for the cemetery enthusiast and newbie alike.
1. Belvidere Cemetery
1121 N Main St, Belvidere, IL 61008
The highlight of Belivdere Cemetery is the Pettit Memorial Chapel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. As you wander around the cemetery, you’ll find plenty of interesting markers and memorials. There are two Revolutionary War soldiers buried here, as well as Civil War veterans. The cemetery even offers a self-guided tour booklet that highlights people of local importance.
2. Bloods Point Cemetery
5045 Bloods Point Rd, Belvidere, IL 61008
Bloods Point Cemetery has a lot of stories around why it’s haunted- ghosts, phantom vehicles, witches, etc. People report glowing orbs and wandering spirits. But, like many hauntings, none of the stories behind it are real- there were no hangings, no bus crashes, no murders. It’s still a fun visit, though, to soak in the spooky vibes.
3. Fairview Park Cemetery
1600 S 1st St #8678, DeKalb, IL 60115
Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb, Illinois, is a fascinating spot with some unique features that set it apart. Notably, it’s the final resting place of three key figures in the barbed wire industry—Joseph Glidden, who invented the stuff, and his partners Jacob Haish and Isaac Ellwood. Their graves are marked by impressive monuments that reflect their significant contributions to agriculture. But the cemetery has more than just historical gravestones; it also includes a pet cemetery with some touching and quirky markers for beloved animals. Additionally, the cemetery is filled with other interesting headstones, including elaborate sculptures and artistic designs that make it a bit of an open-air gallery.
4. Hillside Cemetery (Elgin State Hospital Cemetery)
Behind The Hill BMX track, 709 Sports Way, Elgin, IL 60123
Hidden behind the BMX track, is the cemetery from the original Elgin State Hospital. This was one of the largest mental institutions in Illinois and over the years many patients died without families to claim them. The cemetery feels very institutional, with rows of plain markers- some with only numbers and no names. It’s kind of eerie but also fascinating in that old-school, haunting kind of way.
5. Illinois State Training School Cemetery
764 Fox Run Drive, Geneva, Illinois, 60134
Nestled in a modern subdivision, the Illinois State Training School Cemetery is a quiet and haunting reminder of a complicated past. This small, unassuming cemetery is where many girls who lived at the school were laid to rest, often without family to claim them. The “school” was an institution for wayward girls, some of whom were unwed mothers, and there are many stories about the abuse that went on there. It’s a place that feels heavy with history, and visiting is a poignant experience.
6. Graceland Cemetery
4001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
Graceland Cemetery in Chicago is like a who’s who of the city’s history, filled with impressive monuments and towering mausoleums that are works of art on their own. It’s the final resting place of some of Chicago’s most notable figures, like Marshall Field, George Pullman, and Louis Sullivan. One of the most striking sites is the eerie statue “Eternal Silence” by Lorado Taft, guarding the grave of Dexter Graves—it’s a must-see. Graceland offers an interactive map online to help you find their most notable residents.
7. Evergreen Memorial
302 E Miller St, Bloomington, IL 61701
This is a cemetery I could have easily spent all day wandering around. One of the most unique features is the collection of tree stump carvings. One of them accompanies the most famous grave here, Dorothy Gage. Dorothy was the real-life niece of L. Frank Baum and the inspiration for Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Like the previous cemeteries, Evergreen also has information on its most famous graves online to help you plan your visit.
8. Atlanta Cemetery
1975th Ave, Atlanta, IL 61723
The cemetery in Atlanta, Illinois, might seem like just another small-town resting place, but it’s got some quirky charm that makes it worth a visit. Right off old Route 66, this cemetery is home to some unique headstones and monuments that tell the story of the town’s history. One of the coolest things to see is the unusual collection of zinc headstones, also known as “white bronze” markers, which were popular in the late 1800s.
9. Oak Ridge Cemetery
1441 Monument Ave, Springfield, IL 62702
I wouldn’t be surprised if Oak Ridge Cemetery is the most visited in the state- since it’s the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln’s Tomb is a National Historic Landmark and the only presidential burial in Illinois. It’s an impressive structure and the cemetery itself is beautifully landscaped and includes a reflecting pool.
10. Evergreen Cemetery
501 W Holmes St, Chester, IL 62233
The highlight here is the Governor Bond Memorial, which honors Bond, Illinois’ first governor. Beyond the Governor Bond Memorial, there are other notable graves, including those of local figures and families, each marked by distinctive headstones and monuments. This was an interesting visit too because we saw the same motifs and statues all around the cemetery.
Cemetery Books
Of course I have a couple book recommendations for you too! For cemetery travel inspiration, you can’t go wrong with Loren Rhodes. I have Wish You Were Here: Adventures in Cemetery Travel and 199 Cemeteries to See Before You Die and both are great- the 199 Cemeteries one is especially great because it’s full of photos. There’s actually a new version, 222 Cemeteries to See Before You Die out now. The other book I’ll recommend is a good cemetery symbol guide- I own two Understanding Cemetery Symbols: A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards and Stories in Stone: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography– they’re both solid choices.
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