Bellefontaine Cemetery is a nonprofit, non-denominational cemetery and arboretum located in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1849 as a rural cemetery, Bellefontaine is home to a number of architecturally significant monuments and mausoleums such as the Louis Sullivan-designed Wainwright Tomb, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery contains 314 acres of land and over 87,000 graves, including those of William Clark, Adolphus Busch, Thomas Hart Benton, and William S. Burroughs. Many Union and Confederate soldiers from the American Civil War are buried at Bellefontaine, as well as numerous local and state politicians.

As of 2012 over 87,000 people have been buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery, and approximately 100 new burials take place each year. Bellefontaine remains a non-profit, non-denominational cemetery, and still holds over 100 acres of open, unused land. Some of this extra land has recently been converted into prairie and woodland. Bellefontaine contains over 14 miles of paved roads and, as an accredited arboretum, is home to over 180 species of trees and shrubs. A new lakeside garden and columbarium were completed in 2010, and other major landscaping projects are planned or in progress.

The cemetery contains the graves of many prominent pioneers to the West, as well as businessmen, politicians, and generals who remain significant figures in the history of St. Louis and the United States. The oldest graves in the cemetery are located on pioneer Edward Hempstead’s family lot and date as far back as 1816. Many of the wealthiest families at Bellefontaine are interred in ornate mausoleums which overlook the Mississippi River and draw from Classical, Romanesque, Gothic, and Egyptian architectural styles. Among the most notable mausoleums in the cemetery are: the Wainwright Tomb, designed for Charlotte Dickson Wainwright by the famed Chicago school architect Louis Sullivan in 1892; the Busch Mausoleum, designed for Adolphus Busch and Lilly Anheuser by Barnett, Haynes & Barnett in 1915; and the Brown Brothers Mausoleums, designed in 1910 by Isaac Taylor and in 1928 by Mauran, Russell and Crowell. There are also a number of large family plots in the cemetery, many of which are marked by tall obelisk monuments with elaborate bases. Guided tours of the cemetery’s main historical and architectural highlights are available and are open to the public. Alternatively, visitors can obtain self-guided tour brochures at the cemetery office.

The cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

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Top Bellefontaine Cemetery Hotel Reviews

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch

10/10 Excellent

"We didn’t eat breakfast. Room was clean and tidy. Not enough conditioner in the container to cleanse hair. Only complaint. "

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Bellefontaine Cemetery?

Bellefontaine Cemetery is located in a welcoming area of St. Louis known for its great live music scene. You'll find 479 hotels and other accommodations within a few miles for a convenient home base.

What's the best place to stay near Bellefontaine Cemetery?

Super 8 by Wyndham St. Louis North is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers free breakfast and free parking. It's located just a short 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Bellefontaine Cemetery. Other good options within 5 miles include Hampton Inn St. Louis-Downtown (At the Gateway Arch) and Angad Arts Hotel St. Louis, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

How many hotels will I be able to find close to Bellefontaine Cemetery?

Expedia has 479 hotels and other accommodations a few miles from Bellefontaine Cemetery.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Bellefontaine Cemetery, will I receive a refund?

Yes! You'll find that most hotel reservations are refundable provided that you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of check in. If your reservation is non-refundable, you may still be able to cancel and be given a refund within a 24-hour period of booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then use the "fully refundable" filter to get the best deals near Bellefontaine Cemetery.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Bellefontaine Cemetery?

For additional details about updating your stay near Bellefontaine Cemetery or cancelling it, click here.

What can I see and do near Bellefontaine Cemetery?

Study the collections at Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, City Museum, or St. Louis Science Center. While you're exploring, swing by St. Louis Union Station, Sheldon Concert Hall, and Washington Avenue Historic District to learn a bit about the area. You can check out the local talent at Powell Symphony Hall, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and Fox Theater.

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Our top choices for Bellefontaine Cemetery hotels

Super 8 by Wyndham St. Louis North

Grand Center Inn

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Union Station

Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch

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The Knight Center at Washington University

Live by Loews - St.Louis

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Forest Park

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott St. Louis Downtown

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Airport

Moonrise Hotel

AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End

Element St. Louis Midtown

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Brentwood

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis

Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis Downtown/Convention Center

21C Museum Hotel St Louis

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Brentwood