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

"Great hotel Right in front of Arch"

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch

10/10 Excellent

"Very well maintained property. Staff/team were all friendly and welcoming as well as efficient. Great location next to Arch. Had a low battery problem on the morning of departure and sought help at the front desk. Problem solved as maintenance met us in the garage with a portable jumper starter. What a value added service! Another big plus—nightly reception with great food and beverages. Would definitely stay here again as well as other Drury locations."

Keur Koura @The Ville

2/10 Terrible

"The neighborhood is sketchy and didn't feel safe. The house has NO showers. There appears to be water damage that was painted over and looked like mold growing. After looking at site, we locked the door and left. I called VRBO for support in getting out of contract, but no support was provided. I feel like the house is misrepresented on your website. Shame on VRBO for allowing this place to use your brand. "

Hotels near other Bellefontaine Cemetery attractions

O'Fallon Park

O'Fallon Park is just one of the places to see in St. Louis, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.

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Julia Davis Branch Library

You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Julia Davis Branch Library in St. Louis. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a baseball game.

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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 474 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 traveller 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 Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station and Guest Host Motel.

How many hotels should I expect to find near Bellefontaine Cemetery?

Expedia has 474 hotels and other accommodation options 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! Most hotel reservations are fully refundable if cancelled before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before check in. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, it may still be possible to cancel it and get a refund within 24 hours of booking. Add dates, click "Search", then use the filter option "fully refundable" to get the best options available near Bellefontaine Cemetery.

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 Fox Theater, Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center and The Muny Theater.

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Accommodation near Bellefontaine Cemetery

Super 8 by Wyndham St. Louis North

Super 8 by Wyndham St. Louis North

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Union Station

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Union Station

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott St. Louis Downtown

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott St. Louis Downtown

Angad Arts Hotel St. Louis, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Angad Arts Hotel St. Louis, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Magnolia Hotel St. Louis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Magnolia Hotel St. Louis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch

Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park

Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station

Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis Downtown/Convention Center

Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis Downtown/Convention Center

Grand Center Inn

Grand Center Inn

Element St. Louis Midtown

Element St. Louis Midtown

AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End

AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End

The West End

The West End

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Forest Park

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Forest Park

Aloft St. Louis Cortex

Aloft St. Louis Cortex

Hotel Indigo St Louis - Central West End by IHG

Hotel Indigo St Louis - Central West End by IHG

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention Center

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention Center

Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Airport

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Airport

DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park

DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park

Top Bellefontaine Cemetery Hotel Reviews

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch

Hotels near other Bellefontaine Cemetery attractions

O'Fallon Park

Julia Davis Branch Library

Frequently asked questions