Rosehill Cemetery - A cemetery filled with lots of tombstones and trees
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Rosehill Cemetery

4.5
·173 reviews·Chicago, United States

A historic Chicago cemetery, resting place of notable figures, offering a serene escape with grand mausoleums and mature trees.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Rosehill Cemetery - A cemetery filled with lots of tombstones and trees

Rosehill Cemetery

Best Time

Spring and Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Chicago cemetery, resting place of notable figures, offering a serene escape with grand mausoleums and mature trees.

4.5
(173 reviews)

"A spectacular and grand cemetery with many large mausoleums and well-maintained grounds."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore this expansive cemetery. :athletic_shoe:

Respectful Decorations

If decorating a loved one's grave, be mindful of cemetery rules and the natural beauty. :flower:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Frances Pearce Stone's Glass Box

Frances Pearce Stone's Glass Box

Specific grave site

A unique and poignant entombed grave of a mother and infant, encased in glass. A truly striking sight.

Instagram
Lulu Fellows' Grave

Lulu Fellows' Grave

Specific grave site

The resting place of a promising young student, marked by a touching memorial.

Instagram
Firefighters Memorial

Firefighters Memorial

Near the entrance

A significant memorial erected in 1864, honoring fallen firefighters.

Instagram
Oscar Mayer's Mausoleum

Oscar Mayer's Mausoleum

Specific grave site

Visit the final resting place of the founder of the iconic Oscar Mayer Weiner company.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Exploration

Rosehill Cemetery is a place of remembrance. While exploring its beauty, remember to be respectful of the grounds and the individuals laid to rest here. Stick to designated paths and avoid disturbing any markers or decorations. TikTok

Navigating the Grounds

This is a vast cemetery, so wear comfortable shoes for walking. Consider a map or using your phone's GPS to locate specific points of interest. Some areas might have limited accessibility, so plan your route accordingly. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring and Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter atmosphere for reflection
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
More activity, but can be busy
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cool kids follow cemetery rules! 💀 #laurelhillcemetery #philly #cemeteryexploring #deathtok #taphophile #arboretum #garden #cemetery #deathpositive
@laurelhillcemetery
122.6K likes • 559.3K views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore this expansive cemetery. :athletic_shoe:

Respectful Decorations

If decorating a loved one's grave, be mindful of cemetery rules and the natural beauty. :flower:

Pt. 3 of cemetery decorating🪄 Meet you in the electric sky 🌌 ⭐️🧚🏼‍♀️🦋🎲🪩 #LLB #cemeterydecorations #ravetok #rosehillscemetery
@kaayyduh
7.3K likes • 32.3K views
Lots of people asking about this grave!✨ Location: Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago, IL - built in 1859. Frances M. Pearce Stone June 29, 1835 – March 12, 1854 and Frances A. Pearce Stone July 16, 1853 – May 6, 1854 Frances Pearce and her infant daughter, Frances Pearce Stone, entombed within a glass box. In 1852, Mr. Stone (then 41) married 17 year old Frances M. Pearce. One year later, Mrs. Ston...
purrfectpineapples
846 likes • 15.8K views

Photography Etiquette

Capture the beauty respectfully. Avoid intrusive photos of grieving visitors. :camerawithflash:

Check for Events

Rosehill sometimes hosts events or has guided tours. Check their website! :calendar:

After visiting my uncle at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago yesterday, my family and I stopped at the grave of Lulu Fellows. Lulu died of typhoid fever on November 23, 1883 at just 16 years old. She was a gifted student and a rising public speaker—full of promise and potential. Her parents, heartbroken by the loss, laid her to rest the next day and commissioned a statue in her likeness by sculptor And...
witchywoman.11
714 likes • 12K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore this expansive cemetery. :athletic_shoe:

Respectful Decorations

If decorating a loved one's grave, be mindful of cemetery rules and the natural beauty. :flower:

Photography Etiquette

Capture the beauty respectfully. Avoid intrusive photos of grieving visitors. :camerawithflash:

Check for Events

Rosehill sometimes hosts events or has guided tours. Check their website! :calendar:

Bike Policy

While signs may indicate no cycling, some visitors have reported success. Check current rules before riding. :bicycle:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(173 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Rosehill Cemetery is praised for its grandeur, historical significance, and well-maintained grounds, offering a peaceful and beautiful environment for reflection and exploration. However, some visitors have expressed disappointment with the maintenance of specific gravesites and the cemetery's expansive layout, which can feel overwhelming. Reddit

"I am deeply disappointed with the services at Rosehill Cemetery. For three years, I repeatedly requested that they properly maintain the grass on my husband’s graveside. Despite my efforts, the area remains barren and covered only with dirt. For the high cost I paid for their funeral services, I expected far better care and follow-through.

It is heartbreaking to visit a loved one’s resting place and see it neglected in this way. Families place their trust in cemeteries to provide not only a dignified burial but also ongoing maintenance of the grounds. Rosehill has failed to deliver on this most basic responsibility.

I would strongly caution others to consider this before choosing Rosehill Cemetery."

Grace Zhou

"Came here on a road trip and visited Gloria Swanson father as well as Oscar Ferdinand Mayer who was the founder of the Oscar Mayer Weiner company"

RandomAndysChannel2

"This is a spectacular and grand cemetery with many large mausoleums, grave stones, etc. It is a vast cemetery with large mature trees sprawled amongst the well maintained grounds. Famous graves include Oscar Mayer, Bobbie Franks (young boy murdered in 1924 by Leopold & Loeb titled the 'Trial of the Century' ), Ignaz Schwinn (bicycle manufacturer), Richard Sears, and Aaron Montgomery Ward."

The WWII Professor

What People Like

Spectacular and grand cemetery
Well-maintained grounds
Rich history and notable graves

What People Dislike

Inconsistent grave maintenance
Vast and potentially overwhelming size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Rosehill Cemetery is located in the northeast section of Lincoln Square, Chicago. It's accessible by public transportation, with several bus routes stopping nearby. Driving is also an option, though parking can be limited during peak times. Instagram

Yes, there is parking available within the cemetery grounds. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends or during special events. Arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Absolutely! Several CTA bus routes serve the area around Rosehill Cemetery. Check the CTA website for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. Instagram

The main paths are generally well-maintained, but some areas can be uneven. It's advisable to check with the cemetery directly for specific accessibility information for certain sections. Reddit

Rosehill Cemetery has multiple entrances. The western entrance and Ravenswood entrance are commonly used. It's best to check a map for the entrance closest to your desired destination within the cemetery. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Rosehill Cemetery is generally free to enter for visitors who wish to explore and pay respects. However, some sources mention 'ridiculous entry fees' which might refer to specific services or private tours. Reddit

The cemetery is typically open daily from dawn until dusk. It's always a good idea to verify the exact hours on their official website before your visit, as they can vary. Instagram

Rosehill Cemetery closes at dusk. Visiting after dark is generally not permitted and can be unsafe. Instagram

No, general admission to Rosehill Cemetery does not require advance booking. It's a public space for visitation and reflection. Reddit

While not always advertised, guided tours or historical walks may be offered periodically. It's best to check the Rosehill Cemetery website or local Chicago tourism sites for any scheduled events. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the unique glass-encased grave of Frances Pearce Stone, the memorial for Lulu Fellows, the Firefighters Memorial, and the mausoleums of notable figures like Oscar Mayer. InstagramReddit+2

Yes, Rosehill Cemetery offers stunning photographic opportunities with its grand mausoleums, diverse headstones, mature trees, and peaceful atmosphere. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are rules regarding decorations to maintain the cemetery's aesthetic and safety. It's best to check with cemetery management for specific guidelines. TikTok

Typically, cemeteries allow service animals. For pets, it's best to check Rosehill Cemetery's specific pet policy, as many prefer them to be left at home to ensure respect for the grounds. TikTok

Rosehill Cemetery is known for its mature trees and green spaces, which attract various wildlife, including deer. It's a peaceful environment for nature observation. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no food or dining facilities within Rosehill Cemetery itself. Visitors should plan to eat before or after their visit. Reddit

The surrounding neighborhoods of Lincoln Square and Edgewater offer a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to suit different tastes and budgets. Instagram

While the grounds are beautiful, picnics are generally not encouraged in cemeteries out of respect for the solemn nature of the site. It's best to confirm this with cemetery management. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The grand mausoleums, intricate headstones, the glass-encased grave, and the mature trees offer excellent photographic opportunities. The Firefighters Memorial is also a notable subject. Instagram+2

While photography is generally allowed, it should be done respectfully. Avoid intrusive shots of mourners or disturbing the peace. Professional photography or commercial shoots may require permission. TikTok

Tripod usage might be restricted to avoid damage to the grounds or to ensure visitor flow. It's advisable to check with cemetery administration if you plan to use one. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most beautiful and atmospheric conditions for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Rosehill Cemetery can be a surprisingly engaging place for families, offering a chance to learn about history in a unique setting. Encourage children to look for interesting shapes on headstones or spot the deer that roam the grounds. It’s a great opportunity to discuss history and remembrance in a calm environment. InstagramReddit

Key tips for families:
* Wear comfortable shoes: You'll likely do a lot of walking.
* Pack snacks and water: There are no concessions on-site.
* Focus on stories: Turn the visit into a scavenger hunt for specific historical figures or unique grave markers. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Photographers

For history enthusiasts, Rosehill Cemetery is a treasure trove. You can spend hours exploring the elaborate mausoleums and gravestones of Chicago's past leaders and influential figures. Bring a notebook to jot down interesting inscriptions or architectural details. InstagramReddit

Photographers will find endless inspiration here. The interplay of light and shadow among the mature trees, the intricate details of the monuments, and the overall serene atmosphere make for stunning shots. Early morning or late afternoon light is particularly recommended for capturing the cemetery's mood. InstagramReddit

🤔 Budget Travelers

Rosehill Cemetery is an excellent free attraction for budget travelers. It offers a rich historical and visual experience without any admission cost. You can easily spend several hours here absorbing the atmosphere and learning about Chicago's past. Reddit

Tips for budget travelers:
* Pack a picnic: Enjoy a meal on a bench outside the cemetery grounds.
* Utilize public transport: Save on parking fees by taking the bus. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History and Notable Residents

Rosehill Cemetery, established in 1859, is one of Chicago's oldest and most significant burial grounds. It serves as the final resting place for many notable Chicagoans, offering a tangible connection to the city's rich history. Visitors can find the graves of figures like Oscar Mayer (founder of the Oscar Mayer Weiner company), Ignaz Schwinn (bicycle manufacturer), and Richard Sears and Aaron Montgomery Ward (founders of major retail companies). The cemetery also holds the graves of victims from infamous events, such as Bobbie Franks, the young boy murdered in the 1924 Leopold and Loeb case, often referred to as the 'Trial of the Century'. Reddit

The architecture of the mausoleums and headstones themselves tells a story, showcasing various artistic styles and the wealth of prominent families. Walking through Rosehill is like taking a stroll through a historical archive, with each marker offering a potential glimpse into the past. The presence of mature trees and well-maintained grounds adds to the serene and contemplative atmosphere, making it a popular spot for history enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful walk. InstagramReddit

Unique Memorials and Stories

Beyond the famous names, Rosehill Cemetery is home to several unique and poignant memorials that capture the imagination. One such site is the glass-encased grave of Frances M. Pearce and her infant daughter, Frances A. Pearce Stone. This striking memorial, where mother and child are entombed within a glass box, is a testament to the deep grief and enduring love of the family. Instagram

Another notable grave is that of Lulu Fellows, a young student who died at just 16 years old. Her parents, heartbroken by her loss, commissioned a memorial that reflects her promise and potential as a gifted student and public speaker. These individual stories, preserved in stone and memory, add a deeply personal layer to the historical significance of Rosehill Cemetery, reminding visitors of the individual lives and legacies within its grounds. TikTokInstagram

Exploring Rosehill: Practicalities and Etiquette

Rosehill Cemetery is a sprawling landscape, and visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking. While the cemetery is a place of beauty and historical interest, it is also a sacred site. Visitors are asked to be respectful of the grounds, avoid disturbing any markers or decorations, and stick to designated paths. TikTokReddit

For those interested in cycling through the cemetery, it's important to note that while signs may indicate restrictions, the policy has been a point of discussion. It's advisable to check the most current rules with cemetery management before planning a bike tour. Photography is generally permitted, but should be conducted with sensitivity, avoiding intrusive shots of mourners or disruptive behavior. TikTokReddit

As a place of remembrance, Rosehill Cemetery does not offer dining facilities. Visitors should plan to eat before or after their visit. The surrounding neighborhoods of Lincoln Square and Edgewater provide numerous dining options. InstagramReddit

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