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

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis

10/10 Excellent

"Clean room and staff was great. "

Aloft St. Louis Cortex

10/10 Excellent

"Our stay at Aloft St. Louis was truly outstanding! Traveling with two small kids can be challenging, but the friendly, responsive, and pleasant staff made everything easy and enjoyable. From check-in to checkout, every interaction felt welcoming and thoughtful. A special mention goes to the grounds manager — attentive, timely, and genuinely kind. He went out of his way to ensure everything was just right, making our visit feel like a true home away from home. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and will definitely return. Highly recommend Aloft St. Louis for families or anyone looking for comfort paired with exceptional hospitality!"

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.

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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 484 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 Angad Arts Hotel St. Louis, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and The West End.

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

Expedia has 484 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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Top 10 Hotels Near Bellefontaine Cemetery

Super 8 by Wyndham St. Louis North

Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park

Moonrise Hotel

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Union Station

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott St. Louis Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis Downtown/Convention Center

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention Center

Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown

Angad Arts Hotel St. Louis, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch

Grand Center Inn

Element St. Louis Midtown

Magnolia Hotel St. Louis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis

AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Forest Park

Hampton Inn St. Louis-Downtown (At the Gateway Arch)

Aloft St. Louis Cortex

21C Museum Hotel St Louis

Hotels close to Bellefontaine Cemetery with a pool

Four Seasons Hotel St Louis

Top guest rated hotels close to Bellefontaine Cemetery

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Union Station

Top Bellefontaine Cemetery Hotel Reviews

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis

Hotels near other Bellefontaine Cemetery attractions

O'Fallon Park

Julia Davis Branch Library

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