Structure at the cemetery
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Forest Hill Cemetery

4.5
·24 reviews·Madison, United States

A vast, historic cemetery renowned for its stunning funerary art, unique memorials, and serene landscape.

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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Structure at the cemetery

Forest Hill Cemetery

Best Time

Spring and Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast, historic cemetery renowned for its stunning funerary art, unique memorials, and serene landscape.

4.5
(24 reviews)

"A living museum of art and history, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into countless stories."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

The cemetery is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the unique memorials. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Artistry

Bring your camera! The sculptures and headstones are incredibly detailed and photogenic. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 24 reviews

Type

Cemetery

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gracie Sherwood Allen Memorial

Gracie Sherwood Allen Memorial

Girl in the Glass

A poignant marble statue of a young girl, symbolizing a life cut short. A truly unique and touching memorial.

The Boy in the Boat

The Boy in the Boat

Louis Ernest Mieusset's Grave

An incredibly moving sculpture of a young boy in a boat, a breathtaking piece of funerary art that captivates visitors.

Confederate Rest

Confederate Rest

Madison, Wisconsin location

The final resting place for 140 Confederate soldiers, a somber reminder of history, though the memorial itself has been removed.

Eston Hemings Jefferson's Grave

Eston Hemings Jefferson's Grave

Madison, Wisconsin location

The burial site of Thomas Jefferson's son with Sally Hemings, offering a significant historical connection.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the History and Art

Forest Hill Cemetery is a living museum, blending natural beauty with significant historical monuments and sculptures. Plan for a leisurely stroll to appreciate the artistry and stories etched in stone. Many visitors recommend dedicating at least two hours to explore its vast grounds and unique memorials.TikTok

Respectful Exploration is Key

As a place of rest, Forest Hill Cemetery requires a respectful demeanor. While it's a popular spot for photography and quiet contemplation, remember it's an active cemetery. Stick to designated paths and avoid disturbing any gravesites.TikTok

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
Sunday afternoons
Why
Popular for leisurely walks
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Gracie Sherwood Allen in Forest Hills Cemetery 🥀 #foresthillscemetery #graciesherwoodallen #girlintheglass #taphophile #gravetok #cemeterywandering #cemeterywalks #cemeterystories #cemeterytravels #cemeterytravel #uniquegraves #ghoulplease
@ghoulplease_
259.7K likes • 2.8M views

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

The cemetery is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the unique memorials. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Artistry

Bring your camera! The sculptures and headstones are incredibly detailed and photogenic. :camerawithflash:

Resting Benches at Forest Hills Cemetery🥀 Forest Hills Cemetery is one of the most beautiful cemeteries. 🖤 #uniquegraves #foresthillscemetery #cemeterywalks #cemeterywandering #ghoulplease #cemeteryexploring #massachusettscemetery #cemeterystroll #cemeterytiktok #bostongraves #uniquecemeteries
@ghoulplease_
82.2K likes • 1.4M views
This cemetery in Boston is a MUST see! Send this to your friend who is OBBSESSED with cemeteries 🖤 📍Forest Hill Cemetery, Boston MA . . . . #urbanlegend #graveyardshift #haunted #weirdhistory #graveyardphotography #spookytravel #canada #hauntedcanada #tombstone #halloweeen365 #graveyard_fanatics #interestinggraves #cemetery_nation #taphophiles #grave #graveyard #boston
laceydecay
0 likes • 701.4K views

🕰️ Allow Ample Time

Don't rush your visit. Many visitors spend 2+ hours exploring the grounds and appreciating the history. :clock1:

🤫 Be Respectful

Remember this is a place of rest. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout your visit. 🙏

Come to Forest Hill Cemetery with me • 📍Utica, NY • • • • • #UticaNY #Utica #315 #darktourist #darktourism #spooky #creepy #gothic #goth #haunted #weird #strange #cny #foresthillscemetery #notjamicaplains #sorry #dark #odd
kkowskii
352 likes • 11.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

The cemetery is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the unique memorials. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Artistry

Bring your camera! The sculptures and headstones are incredibly detailed and photogenic. :camerawithflash:

🕰️ Allow Ample Time

Don't rush your visit. Many visitors spend 2+ hours exploring the grounds and appreciating the history. :clock1:

🤫 Be Respectful

Remember this is a place of rest. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout your visit. 🙏

🗺️ Grab a Map

The cemetery is large and can be a bit confusing to navigate. A map can help you find specific notable graves. :world_map:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(24 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Forest Hill Cemetery for its immense historical significance, stunning funerary art, and beautifully maintained grounds, describing it as a peaceful and contemplative place. While some mention the vastness can be overwhelming, the overall sentiment is one of awe and appreciation for its unique blend of history, art, and natural beauty.

"Huge cemetery with a lot of history. Wonderful for a Sunday drive our walk... If you like to walk through cemeteries."

Nichole Young Clarke

"We just had a funeral there and the people were lovely, the cemetery was nicely maintained, and it was so peaceful there."

Erin Sweeney

"Very glad that they took down the confederate memorial. This is a peaceful cemetery. I always felt ashamed to live near a monument celebrating the confederacy and all of its evil. The soldiers interred can be remembered as people, but absolutely not for the ideology behind the state for which they fought.

This is a wonderful place to walk through and is very beautifully maintained."

Bessenyei Izsák

What People Like

Beautifully maintained grounds
Stunning funerary art
Rich historical significance

What People Dislike

Vastness can be overwhelming

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Forest Hill Cemetery is accessible by car and public transportation. If driving, parking is available on-site. For public transit, check local bus routes that service the cemetery's vicinity. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from nearby neighborhoods.TikTok

There are multiple Forest Hill Cemeteries. The one frequently featured on social media for its unique memorials and historical significance is located in Boston, Massachusetts. However, there are also locations in Utica, NY, and Madison, WI, among others.Instagram+2

Yes, there is a Forest Hill Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri. It has unfortunately been in the news for unfortunate incidents, but it remains a historic site.Instagram

Yes, Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin, is notable for containing the graves of Confederate soldiers and Eston Hemings Jefferson, son of Thomas Jefferson.Instagram+1

Many visitors enjoy a leisurely walk or a Sunday drive through the cemetery to take in the scenery and historical markers. Comfortable shoes are a must due to the expansive grounds.TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Forest Hill Cemetery is generally free to enter and explore. It functions as a public park and historical site, welcoming visitors to wander its grounds during operating hours.TikTok

Operating hours can vary slightly by location and season. It's best to check the specific Forest Hill Cemetery's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date hours of operation.

Photography is permitted and encouraged at Forest Hill Cemetery, as it's considered an outdoor art museum. However, always be respectful of ongoing services and private memorials.Instagram

While not always formally advertised, some local historians or paranormal groups may offer specialized tours. It's worth checking local event listings or community forums for any available guided experiences.Instagram

The main paths are generally well-maintained, but some older sections may have uneven terrain. It's advisable to contact the cemetery directly for specific accessibility information if needed.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Notable graves include the poignant 'Girl in the Glass' memorial for Gracie Sherwood Allen, the touching 'Boy in the Boat' for Louis Ernest Mieusset, and historical figures like Eston Hemings Jefferson. The Confederate Rest section is also a significant historical marker.TikTokInstagram+2

Forest Hill Cemetery is renowned for its stunning funerary art, historical significance, and beautiful landscape design. It's often described as an outdoor sculpture garden and a living museum.TikTokInstagram+1

Like many historic cemeteries, Forest Hill Cemetery has its share of ghost stories and paranormal claims. Some visitors report eerie feelings or encounters, adding to its mystique.Instagram

Expect a wide range of memorials, from grand mausoleums and elaborate statues to unique, artistic sculptures. The 'Girl in the Glass' and 'Boy in the Boat' are particularly memorable examples.TikTok+1

Forest Hill Cemetery is a very large, sprawling burial ground. Visitors often spend hours exploring its vast acreage, so comfortable footwear is essential.TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The unique and artistic memorials, like the 'Girl in the Glass' and 'Boy in the Boat,' are prime photography subjects. The overall landscape, with its mature trees and winding paths, also offers beautiful shots.TikTokInstagram+1

Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, avoid intrusive photography during services or private ceremonies. Drone photography may be restricted, so check cemetery regulations.

Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and a beautiful atmosphere for cemetery photography. Overcast days can also provide soft, even lighting for detailed shots of sculptures.

Elvis Presley was initially buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis before being moved to Graceland. While his original burial site might be a point of historical interest, the primary focus for photography would be on the unique memorials within the cemetery itself.Instagram

To capture inscriptions clearly, try photographing gravestones at an angle to catch the light and reveal the etched details. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on polished stone.

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