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Crown Hill Cemetery

4.4

·233 reviews·Indianapolis, United States

Explore Indianapolis's vast historic cemetery, a landmark featuring notable graves, stunning architecture, and panoramic city views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

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Crown Hill Cemetery

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Indianapolis's vast historic cemetery, a landmark featuring notable graves, stunning architecture, and panoramic city views.

4.4

(233 reviews)

"A well-maintained cemetery with impressive history and stories of those buried here."

TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

The cemetery is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.

Bring a Map or Use GPS :world_map:

It's easy to get lost. Use Google Maps or a cemetery map to find specific graves.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 233 reviews

Type

Funeral Home

Address

700 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA

Website

crownhill.org

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gothic Chapel

Central area

A stunning limestone chapel designed in 1875, offering incredible photo opportunities and a glimpse into historical architecture.

Heroes of Public Safety Memorial

Near the entrance

A poignant tribute honoring fallen police officers and firefighters, a significant site for reflection and remembrance.

City Skyline Views

Near James Whitcomb Riley's grave

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Indianapolis skyline from the cemetery's highest points.

Castle Mausoleum

Various sections

Discover unique and elaborate mausoleums, including one strikingly designed like a medieval castle.

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Planning Your Visit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Crown Hill Cemetery is vast, covering over 550 acres. Exploring its rolling hills and numerous monuments requires significant walking. Comfortable footwear is essential for a pleasant and extensive visit.

Plan Your Visit Time

While open daily, consider visiting during daylight hours for the best experience and safety. The cemetery's historical significance and scenic views are best appreciated with ample light.

Best Times

When

Spring & Fall mornings

Why

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Crowd

Low

When

Weekday afternoons

Why

Quieter exploration time

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Metoknow utofindout @Laurel Hill Cemetery is one of the best, most death positive spaces I have visited. Hope this answers everyone’s questions! #cemeterytok #gravetok #historicgraves #historiccemetery #disrespectful #graveyards #laurelhillcemetery #laurelhill #cemeterywandering #taphophile

@mybloodygalentine

15.3K likes • 273.6K views

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

The cemetery is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.

Bring a Map or Use GPS :world_map:

It's easy to get lost. Use Google Maps or a cemetery map to find specific graves.

Here is a unique castle mausoleum at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. #cemetery #mausoleum

freyzelproductions

1K likes • 24K views

Tag a history buff to go with you. 📖 🌳 Did you know Indianapolis is home to many notable figures laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery? The cemetery has the highest of elevation in the city, often referred to as “The Crown” and offers stunning skyline views of the city. 🌳 Crown Hill is open and accessible to the public to hike, bike, or drive throughout the grounds. The cemetery is the third lar...

realtor.ryan

2.2K likes • 66.3K views

Respectful Exploration 🙏

Remember this is a place of rest. Be mindful and respectful of the grounds and those interred.

Capture the Architecture :camera_with_flash:

Many mausoleums and monuments are architecturally stunning. Perfect for photography enthusiasts.

decided to make a pit stop at crown hill on my way through indiana in november, but hadn’t looked up anything about the cemetery before going. to my suprise, as i was walking through, i found this beauty- and it’s been on my mind everyday since. designed in 1875 by german architect, Diedrich A. Bolen, this limestone chapel was originally a storage vault for those waiting to be burried. the chape...

olivia._.yocum

0 likes • 841 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

The cemetery is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.

Bring a Map or Use GPS :world_map:

It's easy to get lost. Use Google Maps or a cemetery map to find specific graves.

Respectful Exploration 🙏

Remember this is a place of rest. Be mindful and respectful of the grounds and those interred.

Capture the Architecture :camera_with_flash:

Many mausoleums and monuments are architecturally stunning. Perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Check for Events 📅

Crown Hill sometimes hosts historical tours or special events.

What Travellers Say

4.4

(233 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Crown Hill Cemetery for its historical significance, impressive architecture, and beautiful, expansive grounds. Many highlight the unique mausoleums and the poignant Heroes of Public Safety Memorial. While generally well-maintained, some areas could use minor attention. The cemetery offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning city views, making it a popular spot for exploration and reflection.

"This is a well-maintained cemetery with just a few areas needing attention. What's truly impressive is the history and the stories of those buried here. Anyone born or raised in Indiana will find familiar names, and with a little research, you'll discover lesser-known legends who contributed not only to the state but to the entire nation. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and allow a few hours to explore. Don't miss the city views near James Whitcomb Riley's grave and have Google Maps (in walking mode) handy to help you navigate directly to your desired locations.

A few of the many that you don't want to miss:

James Whitcomb Riley 📖
President Benjamin Harrison 🇺🇸
Irsays 🏈 ( not far from a view Lucas Oil Stadium)
Lilly Family 💊
Race Legends 🏁🏎️🏁
John Dillenger 🔫
Crown Hill National Cemetery 💜🎖️🫡
Gothic Chapel⛪ great photo opportunities and public restrooms."

Becky B

"It's a very large cemetery, nice, peaceful, but there doesn't seem to be any rhythm or reason to the sections. But after driving around for a bit, we did locate the sections we needed. Paid our respects and carried on. This place has quite the history, such as Gatlin, Dillenger, and a former president, to name a few."

Brenda Burgess

"Y. Glazebrook’s team provided outstanding support to us during a very difficult time. Her proactive and compassionate guidance ensured that everything went smoothly, and we truly appreciated being kept informed throughout the entire process. A special thank you to Danielle for her kindness and assistance during both the private viewing and day of the services. Thank you Crown Hill Funeral Home for your exceptional care and support."

Kim Burress

What People Like

Historical significance

Impressive architecture

Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Some areas need attention

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Crown Hill Cemetery is located at 3400 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46208. It's accessible by car, and public transportation options are available via IndyGo bus routes. Parking is generally available within the cemetery grounds.

While the cemetery is vast, it's designed with roads for driving and walking paths. Using a map or GPS is highly recommended to find specific sections or notable graves.

Yes, Crown Hill Cemetery is open to the public for hiking, biking, and driving. It's a popular spot for exercise and enjoying the scenery.

The cemetery is typically open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, though hours can vary slightly by season. It's best to check their official website for the most current information.

Generally, there is no entrance fee to visit Crown Hill Cemetery for general exploration. However, specific tours or events might have associated costs.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, general admission to Crown Hill Cemetery is free. You can explore the grounds without purchasing tickets.

Crown Hill often offers guided tours focusing on history, notable figures, or specific architectural features. It's advisable to check their website for tour schedules and booking information.

Some mausoleums are accessible, while others are private. The Gothic Chapel is a notable structure that visitors can explore. +1

The cemetery has paved roads and some accessible paths, but the hilly terrain can present challenges. Visitors with mobility concerns should plan their route accordingly.

The cemetery has a large grid system. Using a map provided by the cemetery or a GPS app on your phone is the most effective way to locate specific burial sites.

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged, especially for capturing the unique architecture and historical monuments.

The Gothic Chapel, various elaborate mausoleums (like the castle-themed one), and the scenic city overlooks are prime photography locations. +1

While generally permitted, it's important to be respectful and avoid disturbing any services or visitors. Drone photography may have specific regulations.

A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial for interior shots of mausoleums. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grand architecture and landscapes.

Yes, you can photograph the headstones and monuments of notable figures like Benjamin Harrison, John Dillinger, and race legends.

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

You can see historical monuments, famous graves (presidents, gangsters, artists), unique mausoleums, the Gothic Chapel, and enjoy scenic city views.

To truly explore and appreciate the history and grounds, allocate at least 2-3 hours. You could easily spend half a day or more.

Yes, public restrooms are available, particularly near the Gothic Chapel, which is convenient for visitors.

The cemetery is home to a variety of beautiful trees, including many species cared for by arborists, making it a green oasis. +1

Despite its size and historical significance, many visitors find Crown Hill to be a very peaceful and serene environment for reflection.