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Linwood Cemetery

3.6
·21 reviews·Dubuque, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
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View of Glenwood Springs from trail

Linwood Cemetery

Best Time

Spring and Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

3.6
(21 reviews)

"Offers fantastic views and helpful staff, a valuable site for genealogy research."

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TIP

🗺️ 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Views

Panoramic Views

Upper sections of the cemetery

Breathtaking vistas of Dubuque and the Mississippi River. A peaceful spot for reflection.

Unique Statues and Stones

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

Memorial Day Flags

Throughout the cemetery

See American flags adorning graves, especially after Memorial Day, honoring veterans.

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Planning Your Visit

Groundskeeping & Volunteer Efforts

While some visitors note groundskeeping challenges, many praise the dedicated staff. Consider volunteering if you feel strongly about upkeep. The cemetery is large, so patience is key when navigating.

Navigating Linwood Cemetery

The winding, uphill road can be tricky. Parking is limited to pull-offs. A map from the office is highly recommended for locating specific plots, especially for genealogy research.

Best Times

When
Spring and Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Low
When
After Memorial Day
Why
See the flags honoring veterans
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🗺️ Get a Cemetery Map

Crucial for finding family plots. Office staff are helpful in providing directions. Reddit

🚗 Winding Roads & Parking

The drive up is steep and roads are narrow. Park in pull-offs. Reddit

🤝 Offer to Volunteer

If you notice areas needing attention, consider joining volunteer efforts. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The cemetery offers stunning overlooks of the Mississippi River. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Get a Cemetery Map

Crucial for finding family plots. Office staff are helpful in providing directions. Reddit

🚗 Winding Roads & Parking

The drive up is steep and roads are narrow. Park in pull-offs. Reddit

🤝 Offer to Volunteer

If you notice areas needing attention, consider joining volunteer efforts. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The cemetery offers stunning overlooks of the Mississippi River. Reddit

🧐 Genealogy Research

Many find Linwood Cemetery a valuable site for family history research. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.6
(21 reviews)

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

Beautiful river views
Helpful office staff
Unique historical markers

What People Dislike

Inconsistent groundskeeping
Limited parking

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. Reddit

While offering great views, some visitors note that Linwood Cemetery is not centrally located and requires a dedicated trip. Reddit

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. Reddit

Parking is limited and typically consists of small pull-offs along the roads within the cemetery grounds. Reddit

GPS should guide you to the general vicinity, but be prepared for the specific winding road conditions as you approach and enter the cemetery. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Linwood Cemetery is a public cemetery, and there is no admission fee to enter and visit. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, many visitors come to Linwood Cemetery for genealogy research. The office can provide maps to help locate family plots. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

The cemetery offers fantastic views of downtown Dubuque and the Mississippi River, especially from its elevated position. Reddit

Yes, visitors are often impressed by the amount of unique statues and historical tombstones found throughout the grounds. Reddit

Despite varying opinions on groundskeeping, many find the cemetery to be a peaceful and reflective environment. Reddit

Yes, especially around Memorial Day, many graves are adorned with American flags, honoring veterans. Reddit

🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining

No, Linwood Cemetery does not have any dining facilities. Visitors should plan to eat before or after their visit. Reddit

While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally not customary to have picnics in cemeteries. It's best to be respectful of the environment. Reddit

Dubuque offers various dining options. You'll find a range of restaurants in the downtown area, a short drive from the cemetery. Reddit

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. Reddit

Dubuque has a diverse culinary scene, offering everything from casual diners to more upscale restaurants, with options for various tastes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's important to be respectful of the grounds and any ongoing services. Reddit

The scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River and the unique historical gravestones offer excellent photographic opportunities. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, avoid using professional lighting or intrusive equipment that might disturb visitors or services. Reddit

Yes, photographing gravestones for personal research is a common practice. Ensure you have permission if you are not directly related to the deceased. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for photography, especially for landscape shots of the views. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Linwood Cemetery with children can be a unique educational experience. While it's a place of remembrance, the large grounds and unique statues can capture a child's imagination. Encourage them to look for interesting shapes on the gravestones or enjoy the expansive views of the river. It's a good opportunity to teach about history and respect for those who have passed. Remember to keep the visit respectful and discuss the importance of quiet behavior. Reddit

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. Reddit

🔍 Genealogy Enthusiasts

Linwood Cemetery is a goldmine for genealogy researchers. The cemetery's extensive history and the presence of many long-standing family plots make it a key location for tracing family lines in the Dubuque area. The office staff are often praised for their helpfulness in providing maps and guiding visitors to specific family plots, which can significantly streamline the research process. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Visitors & Reflective Travelers

For those seeking a quiet place for reflection, Linwood Cemetery offers a serene environment with beautiful views. The elevated location provides a sense of peace and perspective, overlooking the Mississippi River. It's an ideal spot to contemplate, remember loved ones, or simply enjoy a moment of solitude amidst nature. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Genealogy and Family History at Linwood

Linwood Cemetery is a significant site for those researching their family trees, particularly in the Dubuque area. Many visitors come specifically to locate the graves of ancestors and gather information for their genealogical research. The cemetery office plays a crucial role here, with staff willing to assist in mapping out family plots and providing details about the interred. This level of assistance is highly valued by those undertaking the often-complex task of tracing their lineage. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Landscape and Views of Linwood Cemetery

Perched above Dubuque, Linwood Cemetery offers more than just a place of remembrance; it provides stunning panoramic views of the city and the majestic Mississippi River. The elevated position makes it a unique spot for quiet contemplation, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the region. The winding road leading up to the cemetery adds to the sense of arrival, hinting at the expansive vistas that await. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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