Maple Hill Cemetery
Explore Huntsville's oldest cemetery, a historic landmark filled with notable figures, unique monuments, and chilling legends.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Annual Cemetery Stroll event
Maple Hill Cemetery
Best Time
Annual Cemetery Stroll event

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Huntsville's oldest cemetery, a historic landmark filled with notable figures, unique monuments, and chilling legends.
"A quiet place to visit my parent's gravestones. Also, the cemetery is clean and set up to walk around pay respect to the deceased."
👻 Respect the Spirits
Be mindful and respectful when visiting the Dead Children's Playground and cemetery.
🚶♀️ Explore with Curiosity
Take your time to wander and discover the many historical figures and unique monuments.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dead Children's Playground
Adjacent to Maple Hill Cemetery
A playground steeped in legend, where visitors report ghostly activity and eerie sounds. Dare to explore this haunted spot.
Historic Gravestone Recipes
Maple Hill Cemetery
Discover unique gravestones featuring memorialized recipes, a touching tribute to loved ones and their culinary legacies.

Rocket Team Memorial
Maple Hill Cemetery
Pay respects to the German rocket team, including Wernher von Braun, who found their final resting place here.

Cemetery Stroll Event
Maple Hill Cemetery
Experience history come alive with costumed characters sharing stories of Huntsville's notable figures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Eerie: The Dead Children's Playground
A Living History Lesson
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👻 Respect the Spirits
Be mindful and respectful when visiting the Dead Children's Playground and cemetery.
🚶♀️ Explore with Curiosity
Take your time to wander and discover the many historical figures and unique monuments.
📅 Check Event Dates
Don't miss the annual Cemetery Stroll for an immersive historical experience.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera to document the beautiful architecture and poignant stories.
Tips
from all over the internet
👻 Respect the Spirits
Be mindful and respectful when visiting the Dead Children's Playground and cemetery.
🚶♀️ Explore with Curiosity
Take your time to wander and discover the many historical figures and unique monuments.
📅 Check Event Dates
Don't miss the annual Cemetery Stroll for an immersive historical experience.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera to document the beautiful architecture and poignant stories.
🚗 Parking Considerations
Parking can be limited, especially during events. Arrive early if possible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Maple Hill Cemetery for its rich history, beautiful grounds, and the engaging annual Cemetery Stroll. Many appreciate the care taken by staff and the opportunity to learn about Huntsville's notable figures. Some are drawn by the eerie legends surrounding the Dead Children's Playground.
"A quiet place to visit my parent's gravestones. Also, the cemetery is clean and set up to walk around pay respect to the deceased. The grave yard for the Unknown Confederate soldiers who died for a lost cause is a place to visit. Another sight is the tombstone that a tree grew around."
sean fairbanks
"My family is there. The love and actual pride that the people who work and care for Maple Hill take in their job truly shows. Please check online 4 times of events that they have including the cemetery stroll."
K Mc
"This is Huntsville's historic cemetery. Once a year there is a walk through with nearly 100 sights of citizens in period costumes telling stories of their times - politicians, Civil War soldiers, World War soldiers, a Madam, people of historically African-American significance, a movie star (Talulah Bankhead), etc., also traditional period music. There is simply too much to take in! But it is well worth a day trip (or even over night) to see. And the cemetery itself is positively beautiful."
Thelonious Jazzman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maple Hill Cemetery is located in the Five Points area of downtown Huntsville, Alabama. It's easily accessible by car. If using GPS, input 'Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville, AL'. Parking can be limited, especially during events, so arriving early is recommended.
While public transportation options might exist to get you to the general downtown Huntsville area, direct public transit to the cemetery itself may be limited. It's generally best to drive or use a rideshare service.
The Dead Children's Playground is situated directly adjacent to Maple Hill Cemetery. It's often described as being 'within' or 'next to' the cemetery grounds.
The cemetery is centrally located in Huntsville. Major roads like Governor's Drive and Gallatin Street provide good access to the surrounding area.
While the cemetery is large, many visitors find it helpful to use online grave locator tools or maps if they are searching for a specific individual.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to Maple Hill Cemetery is free. You can visit and explore the grounds at your leisure.
Maple Hill Cemetery is typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local listings or contact the cemetery office for specific hours, especially around holidays or for special events.
The Dead Children's Playground is a public space and does not have an entrance fee. Access is generally free, though visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the area.
Yes, Maple Hill Cemetery hosts an annual 'Cemetery Stroll' event, usually in October, where costumed characters share historical stories. Donations are encouraged for this event.
Information regarding plots for sale at Maple Hill Cemetery can typically be obtained by contacting the cemetery administration directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Maple Hill Cemetery is rich with history, featuring the graves of former governors, Civil War soldiers, Wernher von Braun's rocket team, and unique monuments like gravestone recipes and a tree-engulfed tombstone.
The playground is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of children who died during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. Visitors report hearing laughter and seeing swings move on their own.
Absolutely! The cemetery is clean and set up for walking, allowing visitors to explore and pay their respects. It's a beautiful place for a stroll.
While not always formally advertised, the annual Cemetery Stroll offers a guided experience with historical reenactments. Independent exploration is also highly encouraged.
You'll find a variety of monuments, from grand mausoleums to simple headstones, including unique ones like gravestone recipes and a tombstone with a tree growing around it.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed in Maple Hill Cemetery. It's a popular spot for photographers interested in historical sites and unique monuments.
Consider capturing the intricate details of the headstones, the historical architecture, the unique gravestone recipes, and the atmospheric Dead Children's Playground.
While photography is permitted, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the cemetery and any ongoing ceremonies or visits. Be mindful of privacy if photographing other visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, atmospheric shots. Overcast days can also lend a moody feel, especially for capturing the cemetery's more eerie aspects.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the cemetery administration or local authorities regarding any regulations on drone operation before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the stories of figures like Wernher von Braun or the historical context of the Civil War to make the visit more relatable for younger audiences. The unique gravestone recipes can also spark interesting conversations about family and memories. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes and water, as exploring the grounds can involve a good amount of walking.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
While the cemetery itself is a place of historical significance, the playground adds a layer of chilling folklore. Bring recording equipment if you're interested in EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) or simply come with an open mind to experience the unique atmosphere. Remember to be respectful of the cemetery grounds and any ongoing visits by others.
🏛️ History Buffs
Take your time to explore the diverse monuments, from grand mausoleums to the unique gravestone recipes, each telling a story. The cemetery's layout and the sheer number of historically significant individuals buried here make it an invaluable resource for understanding the region's past. Consider researching some of the notable figures beforehand to enhance your exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Dead Children's Playground
While the stories are captivating, it's important to approach the playground with respect. The area is a reminder of past tragedies, and many visitors come to reflect rather than to seek out paranormal activity. The juxtaposition of a children's play area with a cemetery creates a uniquely unsettling ambiance that draws curious visitors from near and far.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Dead Children's Playground offers a unique and memorable experience. It’s a place where local folklore intertwines with a somber history, creating a captivating, albeit spooky, destination.
A Walk Through History: Notable Burials
A particularly notable section is dedicated to the German rocket team, led by Wernher von Braun, who were instrumental in Huntsville's development as the 'Rocket City.' Their presence here underscores the city's significant role in space exploration history. Beyond political and scientific figures, the cemetery also commemorates individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those of historically African-American significance and even a movie star, Talulah Bankhead.
The annual Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll is a highlight, transforming the grounds into a living history lesson. Over 60 costumed characters portray notable citizens, sharing their life stories and historical context. This event provides an engaging and educational way to connect with the past, making Maple Hill Cemetery a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Unique Monuments and Memorials
Another fascinating sight is a tombstone that has been partially engulfed by a growing tree, creating a striking visual of nature reclaiming man-made structures over time. The cemetery also features the 'Zinkie' graves, which are distinct from other markers and hold a special interest for cemetery explorers. These unique memorials add layers of intrigue and discovery to any visit, making Maple Hill Cemetery a place of both solemn reflection and unexpected wonder.
These distinctive memorials, alongside the historical significance of its inhabitants, contribute to Maple Hill Cemetery's reputation as a place of deep historical and cultural interest. They offer a unique perspective on how lives are remembered and celebrated, making a visit both educational and emotionally resonant.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit