Mount Hope Cemetery
A historic garden cemetery in Rochester, NY, offering stunning landscapes, notable graves, and a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Daffodils in bloom, fewer crowds
Mount Hope Cemetery
Best Time
Daffodils in bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic garden cemetery in Rochester, NY, offering stunning landscapes, notable graves, and a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and exploration.
"This is a beautiful cemetery with fantastic landscape of trees and graves. Many famous historical figures."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and find famous graves. :athletic_shoe:
Grab a Cemetery Map
Essential for navigating the 196 acres and locating specific monuments. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Susan B. Anthony's Resting Place
Near the main entrance
Pay respects to the iconic suffragist. Visitors often leave 'I Voted' stickers as a tribute.
The Daffodil Project
Glacier-formed kettle near Indian Trail Ave
Thousands of vibrant daffodils bloom in spring, creating a stunning natural display.
+1
Frederick Douglass Monument
Prominent location within the cemetery
Honor the influential abolitionist and orator. A significant historical landmark.
Gothic Architecture & Mausoleums
Throughout the cemetery
Explore intricate Victorian-era monuments and elaborate mausoleums, a photographer's dream.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and find famous graves. :athletic_shoe:
Grab a Cemetery Map
Essential for navigating the 196 acres and locating specific monuments. :world_map:
Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of ongoing services and private memorials. :camerawithflash:
Consider a Guided Tour
Learn fascinating history and stories from knowledgeable guides. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and find famous graves. :athletic_shoe:
Grab a Cemetery Map
Essential for navigating the 196 acres and locating specific monuments. :world_map:
Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of ongoing services and private memorials. :camerawithflash:
Consider a Guided Tour
Learn fascinating history and stories from knowledgeable guides. :walking:
Check for Events
The Friends of Mount Hope often host themed tours and events. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
While Mount Hope Cemetery is praised for its historical significance, beautiful landscapes, and the efforts of organizations like Friends of Mount Hope, some visitors note a decline in upkeep and landscaping, with instances of vandalism impacting the grounds. Despite these concerns, many still find it a peaceful and historically rich place to explore.
"What has happened to this beautiful cemetary? The upkeep and landscaping are awful. Tall grass between and around headstones, I counted easily 25 knocked over or broken stones just to the left of the entrance! It looks like an abandoned spooky movie set. This used to so well maintained and historic part of Rochester. What a disappointment when visiting Rochester! Please take the vandalism seriously, these are people's family members!"
Amelia Louisa
"A godsend during Covid as I used to live nearby and spent most afternoons strolling around the cemetery. It really is a magnificent place! You can easily gather the history of Rochester from Mount Hope Cemetery if you play attention."
Ro
"This is a beautiful cemetery with fantastic landscape of trees and graves. Many famous historical figures. I could wander around in here for hours, that's for sure! So peaceful!"
Theresa St. John
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Hope Cemetery is located in Rochester, NY. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the cemetery.
Yes, there is parking available within the cemetery grounds. It's a large site, so be prepared to drive at a low speed to reach different sections.
Depending on your starting point in Rochester, walking might be an option. However, the cemetery is extensive, so be prepared for a significant amount of walking if you choose to do so.
The address for Mount Hope Cemetery is 1100 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620.
Yes, Mount Hope Cemetery is a well-known landmark in Rochester, NY, and is generally easy to find using GPS or by following signs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mount Hope Cemetery is generally free to enter and explore. However, some special guided tours may have a fee.
The cemetery is typically open daily for visitors to walk through and enjoy nature. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current information.
No, general admission to Mount Hope Cemetery does not require booking tickets. However, if you plan to join a specific guided tour, booking in advance is often recommended.
As an active cemetery, visitors are asked to be respectful of ongoing services and private memorials. Stick to designated paths and avoid disturbing any monuments.
Typically, cemeteries have set operating hours and are not open to the public after dark. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the graves of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, the beautiful Daffodil Project in spring, and the intricate Victorian monuments. The cemetery's natural landscape is also a major draw.
Absolutely! The cemetery offers stunning Gothic architecture, elaborate headstones, beautiful natural landscapes, and seasonal blooms like daffodils, making it a photographer's paradise.
Yes, there are paved paths throughout much of the cemetery, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
While it's a peaceful place, it's an active cemetery. Picnics are generally not encouraged to maintain the solemn atmosphere. Focus on quiet reflection and exploration.
While some visitors might find the atmosphere eerie, especially around Halloween, there are no widespread reports of paranormal activity. It's more known for its historical significance and beauty.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Spring for the daffodils and fall for the foliage are particularly picturesque.
While generally permitted, be mindful of ongoing services and private memorials. Avoid intrusive photography that might disturb mourners.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the intricate details of headstones, the grand mausoleums, the natural landscapes, and seasonal displays like the daffodils.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the cemetery administration or Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery to confirm their guidelines for photography equipment.
The areas around the graves of famous figures, the Victorian monuments, and the natural features like ponds and bridges are popular for photos. The Daffodil Project area is stunning in spring.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider turning your visit into a scavenger hunt, looking for unique headstone designs or famous names. Remember to emphasize the importance of respectful behavior in an active cemetery setting.📸 Photographers
The natural landscape, especially during fall foliage or the spring daffodil bloom, adds another layer of photographic appeal. Early morning or late afternoon light will enhance your shots. Remember to be mindful of any restrictions on equipment like tripods and always prioritize respectful photography. 🚶♀️ History Buffs & Genealogy Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History: Notable Interments
Beyond these iconic figures, the cemetery holds the stories of countless individuals who contributed to Rochester's development and beyond. Exploring the diverse range of monuments and mausoleums offers a glimpse into the lives and times of past generations, from elaborate Victorian designs to simpler, heartfelt tributes.
For those interested in a deeper dive, consider taking a guided tour offered by the Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery. These tours are often themed and led by knowledgeable guides who bring the history of the cemetery and its inhabitants to life, providing context and fascinating anecdotes that you might miss on your own.
Seasonal Beauty: The Daffodil Project and Fall Foliage
+1 This event draws many visitors who come to marvel at the natural artistry and capture stunning photographs. As autumn arrives, the cemetery becomes a canvas of warm hues. The mature trees that dot the landscape erupt in a riot of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a picturesque backdrop for a peaceful stroll.
The crisp air and the rustling leaves add to the serene atmosphere, making it an ideal time for reflection and enjoying the changing seasons. Even in other seasons, the cemetery's landscaping and natural features, including ponds and bridges, offer a tranquil escape. The combination of historical monuments and natural scenery makes Mount Hope Cemetery a year-round destination for those seeking beauty and a connection to nature.
Exploring Mount Hope: Tips for Visitors
For those who want to delve deeper into the cemetery's rich history, consider joining a guided tour. The Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery offer various themed tours that provide insightful commentary on the notable figures and historical events associated with the grounds.
While Mount Hope Cemetery is a place of historical significance and natural beauty, it is also an active cemetery. Visitors are reminded to be respectful of ongoing services, private memorials, and the solemn nature of the site. Stick to designated paths and avoid disturbing any monuments or plantings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit