
Linwood Cemetery
A historic cemetery offering panoramic views of Dubuque and the Mississippi River, with unique monuments and helpful staff for genealogy research.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Linwood Cemetery
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic cemetery offering panoramic views of Dubuque and the Mississippi River, with unique monuments and helpful staff for genealogy research.
"Offers fantastic views and helpful staff, a valuable site for genealogy research."

🗺️ Get a Cemetery Map
Crucial for finding family plots. Office staff are helpful in providing directions.
🚗 Winding Roads & Parking
The drive up is steep and roads are narrow. Park in pull-offs.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Views
Upper sections of the cemetery
Breathtaking vistas of Dubuque and the Mississippi River. A peaceful spot for reflection.

Unique Statues and Stones
Throughout the cemetery
Discover a variety of distinctive monuments and historical markers. A treasure trove for history buffs.

Memorial Day Flags
Throughout the cemetery
See American flags adorning graves, especially after Memorial Day, honoring veterans.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Groundskeeping & Volunteer Efforts
Navigating Linwood Cemetery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Get a Cemetery Map
Crucial for finding family plots. Office staff are helpful in providing directions.
🚗 Winding Roads & Parking
The drive up is steep and roads are narrow. Park in pull-offs.
🤝 Offer to Volunteer
If you notice areas needing attention, consider joining volunteer efforts.
📸 Capture the Views
The cemetery offers stunning overlooks of the Mississippi River.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Get a Cemetery Map
Crucial for finding family plots. Office staff are helpful in providing directions.
🚗 Winding Roads & Parking
The drive up is steep and roads are narrow. Park in pull-offs.
🤝 Offer to Volunteer
If you notice areas needing attention, consider joining volunteer efforts.
📸 Capture the Views
The cemetery offers stunning overlooks of the Mississippi River.
🧐 Genealogy Research
Many find Linwood Cemetery a valuable site for family history research.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Linwood Cemetery is appreciated for its stunning river views and unique historical markers, with staff often noted for their helpfulness in locating plots. While some visitors point to groundskeeping challenges, many acknowledge the dedication of the staff given the cemetery's large size and accept volunteer efforts. It's a significant site for genealogy research and offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.
"My brother is buried at Linwood. I visit now and again to set a flag. He was proud of his service in the Air Force and I pointed out to him that he is buried next to an Air Force veteran from WWII.
I don't understand the complaints of some people. It is a beautiful cemetery (although those who call it centrally located are mistaken). However, those who work hard to care for our loved ones should ignore the one-star complaints about a few weeds.
I was visiting on Memorial Day and did not hear any machinery...and if someone had been working on their day off...well, thank you."
Kathleen Tierney
"It's beautiful cemetery! I know they went through some hard times but people got to realize they have four people doing the grounds and it's 139 acres! I think they do a pretty good job for what they can. I myself got four generations of family buried there and I myself bought lots for me and my wife.
On a side note the cemetery does accept volunteers if you think it looks that bad. Thanks in advance"
Ken Hines
"It is a very large and nice cemetery situated above Dubuque, providing fantastic views of downtown & the Mississippi river. The road leading to it is uphill and winding. I didn't really find any parking as I drove through the grounds, just a few little pull offs to the side of the road. Grounds were kept well. Peaceful. Lots of American flags were flying when we visited, right after Memorial Day.
If you deem this review helpful, please give it a like. Thank you."
Egg Queen Wanabee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Linwood Cemetery is located above Dubuque, accessible via a winding, uphill road. Be prepared for narrow passages and limited parking, often requiring you to use side-of-the-road pull-offs.
While offering great views, some visitors note that Linwood Cemetery is not centrally located and requires a dedicated trip.
The roads are winding and can be steep. Drive cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. A map from the office is highly recommended for efficient navigation.
Parking is limited and typically consists of small pull-offs along the roads within the cemetery grounds.
GPS should guide you to the general vicinity, but be prepared for the specific winding road conditions as you approach and enter the cemetery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Linwood Cemetery is a public cemetery, and there is no admission fee to enter and visit.
Cemeteries are generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check with the office or local listings for specific hours if you plan a visit outside of typical daylight times.
Yes, many visitors come to Linwood Cemetery for genealogy research. The office can provide maps to help locate family plots.
No booking is required for general visits. However, if you are planning a specific event or need assistance with plot location, contacting the office in advance is recommended.
While generally open, it's always best to be respectful of the solemn nature of the location and adhere to any posted signage or guidelines.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitor opinions vary. Some report excellent upkeep, while others mention challenges with weeds. The staff is noted as being hardworking given the size of the cemetery.
The cemetery offers fantastic views of downtown Dubuque and the Mississippi River, especially from its elevated position.
Yes, visitors are often impressed by the amount of unique statues and historical tombstones found throughout the grounds.
Despite varying opinions on groundskeeping, many find the cemetery to be a peaceful and reflective environment.
Yes, especially around Memorial Day, many graves are adorned with American flags, honoring veterans.
🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining
No, Linwood Cemetery does not have any dining facilities. Visitors should plan to eat before or after their visit.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally not customary to have picnics in cemeteries. It's best to be respectful of the environment.
Dubuque offers various dining options. You'll find a range of restaurants in the downtown area, a short drive from the cemetery.
Visitors can typically bring water and small snacks, but it's important to dispose of any waste properly and be mindful of the cemetery's solemn nature.
Dubuque has a diverse culinary scene, offering everything from casual diners to more upscale restaurants, with options for various tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's important to be respectful of the grounds and any ongoing services.
The scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River and the unique historical gravestones offer excellent photographic opportunities.
While not explicitly stated, avoid using professional lighting or intrusive equipment that might disturb visitors or services.
Yes, photographing gravestones for personal research is a common practice. Ensure you have permission if you are not directly related to the deceased.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for photography, especially for landscape shots of the views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the winding roads and limited parking, which might require extra attention with younger children. Bringing water and snacks is advisable, but ensure all trash is disposed of properly. The cemetery office can provide maps, which can be a fun way to 'explore' and find different sections, turning the visit into a mild adventure while maintaining a solemn tone.
🔍 Genealogy Enthusiasts
When planning your visit, gather as much information as possible about your ancestors before arriving. This includes full names, birth and death dates, and any known plot numbers. Even with this data, the size of the cemetery means a map is essential. The unique historical markers and statues can also offer clues and context to your family's past.
🚶♀️ Solo Visitors & Reflective Travelers
While the cemetery is large, the winding roads and limited parking mean you can find quiet corners. The unique statues and historical gravestones add an element of discovery to your reflective walk. Be mindful of the groundskeeping, and if you feel inclined, consider the opportunity to volunteer to help maintain this peaceful space.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Genealogy and Family History at Linwood
When visiting for genealogy, it's advisable to have as much information as possible beforehand, such as full names, approximate dates of death, and any known plot numbers. Even with this information, the sheer size of Linwood Cemetery (139 acres) can make finding specific graves challenging without a map. The unique statues and historical markers also add layers of interest for those exploring family history, offering glimpses into the lives and times of past generations.
For those who find the groundskeeping less than ideal, the cemetery does accept volunteers. This can be a way for families with deep roots in the area to contribute to the upkeep of their ancestors' final resting places while also connecting with the history of the cemetery.
The Landscape and Views of Linwood Cemetery
While the grounds are extensive, covering 139 acres, the upkeep can be a point of discussion among visitors. Some reviews highlight areas that could benefit from more attention, particularly regarding weed control. However, many also acknowledge the dedication of the groundskeeping staff, who work hard to maintain such a large area. The presence of American flags, especially around Memorial Day, adds a patriotic and poignant element to the landscape, honoring the veterans buried within.
Navigating the cemetery requires a bit of care due to the hilly terrain and narrow roads. Parking is typically limited to pull-offs. Despite these minor challenges, the overall atmosphere is described as peaceful, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking scenic beauty and a tranquil environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit