With over 200,000 graves, Crown Hill Cemetery is one of the largest non-governmental cemeteries in the USA, extending to 225 hectares and including around 40 kilometres of roads. This attractively landscaped park at the highest point in Indianapolis is the ideal place to take a contemplative break from the relentless beat of the city.
Stop off at the Crown Hill Funeral Home, Cemetery and Heritage Foundation for a map showing the location of some of the most notable features of the cemetery, including burial sites of special interest, mausoleums, striking gothic buildings and artworks. The map can also be downloaded in advance from the foundation’s website.
In addition to its historical importance, the cemetery is also famous for its wildlife, with a plethora of indigenous flora and fauna to spot en route. Keep your eyes peeled for skittish white-tailed deer emerging from the dense undergrowth, coyotes and raccoons scurrying across your path, and red-tailed hawks hovering on the horizon.
The highest point in the cemetery is reached by climbing to the tomb of poet James Whitcomb Riley which offers impressive panoramas of the city skyline. Take your camera for some unforgettable shots.
Most Saturdays between June and October, you can join a guided walk around the cemetery, lasting anything up to two hours. The subject matter of the tours varies, so you can choose the one that most interests you, or come back another day to follow a different theme. The most popular itinerary is the Heritage Tour, which offers an overview of the most interesting graves and their eminent occupants, including US President Benjamin Harrison, gangster John Dillinger, and the inventor of Sudoku, Howard Garns.
On Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) the Confederate Mound, where over 1,600 prisoners of war are buried, is the scene of authentic re-enactments of Civil War battles. People come from far and wide to see history in action and absorb the special atmosphere of this unique setting.
Crown Hill Cemetery is around 8 kilometres north of the city centre. The cemetery is open every day and admission is free.
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