Events

Springtime History Walking Tour Join us for a seasonal walk through Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum! During the months of March, April, and May, we offer this two-hour guided experience led by one of our Master Guides. Our guides will share highlights of the Cemetery grounds, its unique horticulture, and the stories of the many intriguing figures who call Bellefontaine their "last address." As the landscape changes, these spring tours place a special emphasis on our horticulture as various areas of the Arboretum reach different levels of bloom. Tour Details: Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Distance: Approximately 2 miles Terrain: Moderate Attire: Please wear appropriate walking shoes and clothing. Arrival: Please arrive 15–20 minutes early for a prompt departure. Registration is limited and reservations are required. Sign up now! REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT This tour is free; however donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

All aboard the trolley at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum for a special 1904 World’s Fair trolley tour! From David R. Francis to Isaac Taylor, this tour will spotlight the people who helped shape the event that took place in Forest Park from April 30 through December 1, 1904. An estimated 20 million visitors attended the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and some of those attendees traveled to Bellefontaine Cemetery to pay homage to a person directly connected to the new American Territory acquired in 1803!Please note:♦ Seating is limited and tickets are required.♦ We ask that everyone arrive 15 minutes early for a prompt departure.♦ The Trolley is climate controlled but weather-appropriate clothing is suggested as opportunities to disembark from the vehicle are available.♦ Trolley tour tickets are free with a suggested donation of $5 eachTrolley tour tickets are free with a suggested donation of $5 each. Register now!MAKE A GIFTDonations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750.Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Arboretum Tour – Wildwood Valley Gardens Walk Discover one of Bellefontaine’s most tranquil spaces on this guided walk-through Wildwood Valley, a true hidden gem nestled between lakes, curving paths, and grassy terraces. Designed to evoke the restorative serenity of nature, this expansive garden blends annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees into an ever-changing tapestry of color and texture. Join one of our Horticulturists to explore the winding pathways and garden “rooms” that make Wildwood Valley a botanical jewel on our grounds. With something always in bloom, this walking tour highlights the plants, design elements, and natural features that bring the valley to life throughout the year. This tour will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. It is free to attend with a suggested donation of $5.00. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please wear appropriate walking attire. Please arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before tour time for a prompt departure.  REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT Donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Moments Remembered Caravan Tour This special caravan tour of Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum is designed for individuals experiencing mild to moderate memory loss and the caregivers who support them. Traveling together through the peaceful grounds, the group will follow a guide in their own vehicles and make three stops that invite reflection, conversation, and shared storytelling. At each location, gentle prompts and familiar sights are used to encourage participants to share memories, observations, and personal connections—creating moments of recognition, laughter, and community. Caregivers are encouraged to participate alongside their companions, making this a meaningful and engaging experience for everyone. Tour Details: Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Terrain: Mild with a mixture of hard and soft surfaces Attire: Please wear appropriate walking shoes and clothing for the weather. Arrival: Please arrive 15–20 minutes early for a prompt departure. Weather: This is a rain-or-shine event (except in the case of extreme lightning). Registration is limited and reservations are required.  REGISTER NOW!   MAKE A GIFT Tours are free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Horticulture Class – Irises 101Join Horticulturist Kaylyn Fleddermann for an introductory class on the remarkable diversity, color, and form found within the iris world. Participants will explore the Judy Watters Iris Collection—one of the largest plant collections on our grounds—to see these concepts in action and gain a deeper appreciation for the many varieties irises offer. You’ll learn how different iris groups grow, bloom, and perform in the landscape, as well as the key terminology and identification features that set them apart. The class also includes seasonal care guidance and hands-on practice with division techniques to help you keep plants healthy and vigorous.This class will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.It is free to attend with a suggested donation of $15 per person. Space is limited and registration is required.MAKE A GIFTDonations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750.Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Horticulture Class – Irises 101Join Horticulturist Kaylyn Fleddermann for an introductory class on the remarkable diversity, color, and form found within the iris world. Participants will explore the Judy Watters Iris Collection—one of the largest plant collections on our grounds—to see these concepts in action and gain a deeper appreciation for the many varieties irises offer. You’ll learn how different iris groups grow, bloom, and perform in the landscape, as well as the key terminology and identification features that set them apart. The class also includes seasonal care guidance and hands-on practice with division techniques to help you keep plants healthy and vigorous.This class will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.It is free to attend with a suggested donation of $15 per person. Space is limited and registration is required.MAKE A GIFTDonations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750.Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

New Event: Picnic at Bellefontaine Bring your blanket and lunch to Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. Enjoy your meal under the shade of a majestic Osage Orange tree in Wild Wood Valley Gardens in the company of Bellefontaine staff and volunteers. This program allows for light conversation and insight into the happenings at the Cemetery, helping you reconnect to days gone by. Signage will lead you from our main entrance at 4947 W. Florissant to parking overlooking Cypress Lake.   Registration Reservations are required. Please sign up today to reserve your spot. REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT This event is free; however donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Arboretum Tour – Wildwood Valley Gardens Walk Discover one of Bellefontaine’s most tranquil spaces on this guided walk-through Wildwood Valley, a true hidden gem nestled between lakes, curving paths, and grassy terraces. Designed to evoke the restorative serenity of nature, this expansive garden blends annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees into an ever-changing tapestry of color and texture. Join one of our Horticulturists to explore the winding pathways and garden “rooms” that make Wildwood Valley a botanical jewel on our grounds. With something always in bloom, this walking tour highlights the plants, design elements, and natural features that bring the valley to life throughout the year. This tour will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. It is free to attend with a suggested donation of $5.00. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please wear appropriate walking attire. Please arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before tour time for a prompt departure.  REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT Donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Cathleen's Caravan Tour Join us for a guided caravan tour! Drive along in your car and follow the caravan led by our Master Guide, Cathleen. We will travel to several distinct locations within the historic Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. At each stop, we will exit our vehicles for a brief walking tour as Cathleen brings history to life. Cathleen is back with an all-new route that explores the people and places that helped shape St. Louis and the nation. Beginning at the historic Hotchkiss Chapel, the tour travels to the resting places of notable military figures, a celebrated mausoleum, and the gravesite of William Clark, along with others instrumental in the city’s early development. Throughout the journey, you'll gain insight into leadership, legacy, and the lasting impact of those remembered at Bellefontaine. This caravan tour is a unique, accessible way to explore the grounds and learn about the individuals memorialized here. Sign up now for this free, educational experience! Tour Details: Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Terrain: Mild with a mixture of hard and soft surfaces Attire: Please wear appropriate walking shoes and clothing for the weather. Arrival: Please arrive 15–20 minutes early for a prompt departure. Weather: This is a rain-or-shine event (except in the case of extreme lightning). Registration is limited and reservations are required.  REGISTER NOW!   MAKE A GIFT Tours are free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org