In the months of September, October, and November we offer a two-hour walking tour of the cemetery and arboretum as the foliage transitions through the rich colors of Autumn.  This tour will be led by one of the cemetery’s Master Guides who will convey highlights of the cemetery grounds, horticulture and a variety of intriguing historic figures who call Bellefontaine their last address. ♦ Space is limited and reservations are required ♦ Walking terrain is mild with a mixture of hard and soft surfaces ♦ Prepare for insects and wear appropriate outdoor walking attire ♦ We ask that everyone arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before tour time for a prompt departure ♦ This is a rain or shine event except in the case of extreme lightning   Tours are free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted. Save Save Save Save

In the months of September, October, and November we offer a two-hour walking tour of the cemetery and arboretum as the foliage transitions through the rich colors of Autumn.  This tour will be led by one of the cemetery’s Master Guides who will convey highlights of the cemetery grounds, horticulture and a variety of intriguing historic figures who call Bellefontaine their last address. ♦ Space is limited and reservations are required ♦ Walking terrain is mild with a mixture of hard and soft surfaces ♦ Prepare for insects and wear appropriate outdoor walking attire ♦ We ask that everyone arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before tour time for a prompt departure ♦ This is a rain or shine event except in the case of extreme lightning   Tours are free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted. Save Save Save Save

This two-hour trolley tour will be led by one of our Volunteer Master Guides who will convey highlights of the cemetery grounds, horticulture and a variety of intriguing historic figures who now rest at Bellefontaine. ♦ Seating is limited and reservations are required. ♦ We ask that everyone arrive between 9:30 am and 9:45 am for a prompt 10:00 am departure. ♦ The Trolley is climate controlled but weather appropriate clothing is suggested as opportunities to disembark from the vehicle are available. ♦ This tour is free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted.

Located on the 314 acres of Bellefontaine Cemetery are over 100 Mausoleums. As St. Louisans had grand homes throughout the city, they also had grand mausoleums on the grounds of Bellefontaine. This tour focuses on 20 of these structures. Entrance into a few of these structures has been granted by the families. Explore these ‘Forever Homes’ with two guides who will share stories of the family and the structures. ♦ Space is limited, and reservations are required. ♦ Tour will cover about 2 miles across moderate terrain over both pavement and grass. ♦ Please wear appropriate walking attire. ♦ Please arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before tour time for a prompt departure. ♦ Tours are free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted.

You have possibly heard about the history of the famous, or infamous, folks so now hear about the art & architecture that can be discovered within the cemetery's walls. This walking tour will introduce you to the stories of the stones themselves. Our Master Guides will lead this 2-hour walking tour past beautiful statuary, artists that have been laid to rest at Bellefontaine, and even into some wonderful examples of architecture.   ♦     Tours will cover about 2 miles across moderate terrain over both pavement and grass. ♦     Please wear appropriate walking attire. ♦     Space is limited, and reservations are required. ♦     Please arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before tour time for a prompt departure. ♦     Tours are free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted.    

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a tour or history event. Bellefontaine’s Wildwood Valley Gardens will be beautifully lit for an evening of reflection and remembrance. We invite our cemetery families and their friends to join us between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm to write a memory and light a luminary in acknowledgement of loved ones here at Bellefontaine or elsewhere. Cemetery Staff and Volunteers will be setting lanterns for those interred at Bellefontaine since January 1, 2018. In order to accommodate all guests, RSVP encouraged and greatly appreciated. Use the RSVP button above or call (314) 381-0750.

In the months of September, October, and November we offer a two-hour walking tour of the cemetery and arboretum as the foliage transitions through the rich colors of Autumn.  This tour will be led by one of the cemetery’s Master Guides who will convey highlights of the cemetery grounds, horticulture and a variety of intriguing historic figures who call Bellefontaine their last address. ♦ Space is limited and reservations are required ♦ Walking terrain is mild with a mixture of hard and soft surfaces ♦ Prepare for insects and wear appropriate outdoor walking attire ♦ We ask that everyone arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before tour time for a prompt departure ♦ This is a rain or shine event except in the case of extreme lightning   Tours are free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted. Save Save Save Save

Curious about green burial but don't know what or who to ask? Join Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum's Green Burial expert, Gracie Griffin, as she provides a closer look at green burial practices, dispels myths, and explores some exciting and fascinating options available throughout the world. You will learn about the range of "green" funeral and cemetery options available today- like being "planted" in a meadow or amongst the trees, what one can expect when choosing a green service, and the environmental benefits of green burial as compared to cremation and traditional burial. This 90 minute presentation and Q&A will be held in at Hotchkiss Chapel at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. Green arrow signs will lead you from our main entrance at 4947 W. Florissant Ave. to the chapel.

In the months of September, October, and November we offer a two-hour walking tour of the cemetery and arboretum as the foliage transitions through the rich colors of Autumn.  This tour will be led by one of the cemetery’s Master Guides who will convey highlights of the cemetery grounds, horticulture and a variety of intriguing historic figures who call Bellefontaine their last address. ♦ Space is limited and reservations are required ♦ Walking terrain is mild with a mixture of hard and soft surfaces ♦ Prepare for insects and wear appropriate outdoor walking attire ♦ We ask that everyone arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before tour time for a prompt departure ♦ This is a rain or shine event except in the case of extreme lightning   Tours are free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted. Save Save Save Save

Master Guides will lead a 2-hour trolley tour weaving the stories of intriguing figures in African American History with highlights of the cemetery grounds and monuments. Seating is limited and reservations are required. We ask that everyone arrive between 9:30 am and 9:45 am for a prompt 10:00 am departure. The trolley is climate controlled but weather appropriate clothing is suggested as opportunities to disembark from the vehicle are available.

During this three-hour walking tour, you will explore the Civil War and the stories of those who lived during that tumultuous time in American history. The Bellefontaine Civil War tour will include military and civilians, men and women, and key figures from both sides of the conflict. ♦ Space is limited, and reservations are required. ♦ Tour will cover about 3 miles across moderate terrain over both pavement and grass. ♦ Please wear appropriate walking attire. ♦ Please arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before tour time for a prompt departure. ♦ Tours are free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted.

In the months of September, October, and November we offer a two-hour walking tour of the cemetery and arboretum as the foliage transitions through the rich colors of Autumn.  This tour will be led by one of the cemetery’s Master Guides who will convey highlights of the cemetery grounds, horticulture and a variety of intriguing historic figures who call Bellefontaine their last address. ♦ Space is limited and reservations are required ♦ Walking terrain is mild with a mixture of hard and soft surfaces ♦ Prepare for insects and wear appropriate outdoor walking attire ♦ We ask that everyone arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before tour time for a prompt departure ♦ This is a rain or shine event except in the case of extreme lightning   Tours are free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted. Save Save Save Save

'Consolation of Memory' is a guided cemetery walk of the area surrounding Hotchkiss Chapel.  Each year focus' on a different topic related to life, death, and mourning in the mid 19th century.  During the tour, guests will learn about tragic events in St. Louis' history. funeral and burial practices, how the dead were remembered as the lives of those left behind to mourn and loss. The tour is followed immediately by a funeral reenactment, procession and burial service. 2019's tour will focus on the history and development of 19th-century rural cemeteries and will be followed by a reenactment of the 1866 funeral of Maurice D. Blaine. EVENT LOGISTICS This is a free event but registration is required. To help managing parking, we ask that you RSVP for your anticipated arrival time.         Once you are parked, please proceed to the registration tent for assignment of your guide who will lead you through the stations of the event.  Complimentary parking and public restrooms will be available. Enter at the main gate of the cemetery and you will be directed to the parking area. This is a rain or shine event (except for excessive lightning.) Consolation of Memory is presented by the Mourning Society of Saint Louis with support from Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum ABOUT THE MOURNING SOCIETY OF ST. LOUIS We are a civilian re-enacting group with a focus on mid-nineteenth century mourning, death culture, funeral customs and Victorian spiritualism but we often branch out into other eras and topics from St Louis history such as the ladies of the 1916 Golden Lane Protest, the 1904 World’s Fair and World War I. The Mourning Society has participated in events at Bellefontaine Cemetery and The Missouri History Museum. Save Save Save Save Save