Forest City Cemetery is in South Portland, Maine.
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Forest City Cemetery

3.1
·9 reviews·South Portland, United States

A historic cemetery offering a quiet space for reflection, though often marked by overgrown grounds and a sense of nature reclaiming its space.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Greener, potentially less overgrown

CrowdLow
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Forest City Cemetery is in South Portland, Maine.

Forest City Cemetery

Best Time

Spring mornings

Greener, potentially less overgrown

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic cemetery offering a quiet space for reflection, though often marked by overgrown grounds and a sense of nature reclaiming its space. Reddit

3.1
(9 reviews)

"The cemetery is often described as unkempt, with tall grass and weeds, but offers a quiet space for reflection. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Sturdy Shoes

Grounds can be uneven and overgrown. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Cleaning Supplies

If visiting a specific plot, consider bringing tools to tidy up. :broom:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Overgrown Grounds

Overgrown Grounds

Experience the unique, wild beauty of a cemetery where nature is reclaiming its space. A stark reminder of time's passage.

Reddit
Family Plots

Family Plots

Visit the final resting places of ancestors and loved ones. A poignant opportunity for reflection and remembrance.

Reddit
Notable Gravesites

Notable Gravesites

Discover the resting places of individuals who shaped history or local lore.

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Planning Your Visit

Cemetery Condition Concerns

Visitors frequently report issues with cemetery maintenance, including overgrown grass and weeds. Be prepared for unkempt grounds, and consider bringing tools if you plan to tidy a specific plot. Reddit

Respectful Visitation

This is a place of remembrance. While exploring, be mindful of the solemn nature of the grounds and the grief of others visiting loved ones. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Greener, potentially less overgrown
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather for reflection
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

✨ Post-Undas at Forest Lake 📍 Forest Lake Memorial Parks 🗺️ Ma-a, Davao City, Philippines 🇵🇭 🗓️ November 2023 #cemetery #allsaintsday #allsoulsday #departedlovedones #foreverinourhearts
itsmeczarot
1 likes • 162 views

Wear Sturdy Shoes

Grounds can be uneven and overgrown. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Cleaning Supplies

If visiting a specific plot, consider bringing tools to tidy up. :broom:

Visiting the grave of legendary writer and director John Hughes at Lake Forest Cemetery in Lake Forest, Illinois. #johnhughes #breakfastclub #famousgraves #cemetery
freyzelproductions
498 likes • 10.3K views
FOREST LAWN CEMETERY RV CLEANUP: Several RVs and other vehicles have been towed outside of Forest Lawn in an effort led by several county and city programs, including InsideSafe. A spokeswoman with @supervisorkathrynbarger says more than 50 vehicles have lined the street outside the cemetery for years with people living in them. The surrounding community has filed complaints about foul smells an...
kris_adler_news
12.2K likes • 588.4K views

Check for Events

Special holidays like Memorial Day can see many visitors. :calendar:

Respectful Photography

Capture the atmosphere, but be mindful of ongoing services or private moments. :camerawithflash:

Forest park cemetery caloocan city
makulitostv
0 likes • 9 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Sturdy Shoes

Grounds can be uneven and overgrown. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Cleaning Supplies

If visiting a specific plot, consider bringing tools to tidy up. :broom:

Check for Events

Special holidays like Memorial Day can see many visitors. :calendar:

Respectful Photography

Capture the atmosphere, but be mindful of ongoing services or private moments. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

3.1
(9 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Reviews for Forest City Cemetery are mixed, with a recurring theme of significant maintenance issues, including overgrown vegetation and general unkemptness. While some visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere for reflection and the opportunity to visit family plots, the lack of upkeep is a major point of disappointment for many. Reddit

"Absolutely DISGUSTING! This cemetery isn’t maintained at all! I went out to visit family a few weeks ago and the entire cemetery was overrun with tall grass and weeds. I went back today (Memorial Day) and even on a holiday like today when tons of people visit a cemetery, the entire place looks exactly as it did a few weeks ago. It might be hard to see in the photos but the grass and weeds are all about 8” tall, in EVERY area of the cemetery. This isn’t a case of just certain sections not having been mowed yet. The ENTIRE cemetery looks like this. I literally saw one old woman using her own personal weed whacker to clean up a family member’s plot. She said it’s what she come to expect at that cemetery. The shrubs are all so overgrown that they are hiding headstones. Trash all around. And this isn’t a case of the weather preventing them from mowing. It’s been rainy, but we’ve also had at least a couple sunny days every week. Lack of staff isn’t an excuse either. They can easily hire high school students and put them on a riding mower.

Tomorrow, I’m changing my estate planning so that my family and I are buried at another cemetery. One that actually has enough respect for those buried there, to keep the grounds maintained."

Todd West

"My daughter is buried in a row of all infant burials. There has been a cement angel(heavy) on her grave for 57 years for the last 40 or so years we have taken it off in the winter and I have cleaned and repainted it before putting it back in the spring.My husband trims and uses our weedwacker to keep it looking nice. We went to water Monday and found it had been tipped over and was broken in half.I want to believe that it was an accident not a malicious act but either way it is still heartbreaking.

."

Melonee McGovern

"They buried me in the worst possible coffin, (metal lined and extremely uncomfortable) my neck is perpetually scrunched and the cemetery staff didn’t even close the lid properly so whenever the occasional grave robber comes along and walks over my grave, a bit of dirt crumbles down onto my face, right where the lip of the lid is. One time a mouse found it’s way into my coffin through the lid that was left ajar. I’ll just say it made a nice morning (or was it evening…? I can never tell down here) snack. One star for the terrible serve but I’ll make it two because it’s nice to have a little peace and quiet down here all by myself. (They forgot to remove my phone from my back pocket which is why I’m able to write this thorough review)."

Raquelle Harris

What People Like

Quiet atmosphere
Visiting family plots
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Overgrown grounds
Lack of maintenance
Unkempt plots

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Forest City Cemetery is typically accessible by car. Check local mapping services for the most direct route from your location. Parking availability can vary, especially on busy days. Reddit

Public transport options may be limited. It's advisable to check with local transit authorities for routes that may service the area near Forest City Cemetery. Reddit

Specific driving directions will depend on your starting point. Use GPS navigation and input 'Forest City Cemetery' to get real-time directions. Reddit

Parking is generally available, but can be limited during peak visitation times like holidays. Be prepared for potential overflow parking or to walk a bit further. Reddit

Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can typically drop you off at the cemetery entrance. Confirm with your driver about pick-up locations. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Forest City Cemetery is typically free to enter for visitors. There are no admission tickets required for general visitation. Reddit

Cemetery hours can vary. It's best to check the official website or contact them directly for the most current operating hours. Reddit

While generally open to visitors, it's important to adhere to the posted operating hours to ensure access. Reddit

No advance booking is usually required for general visits. However, if you are planning a group tour or event, it's recommended to contact the cemetery management. Reddit

Standard cemetery etiquette applies. Visitors are expected to be respectful of the grounds and other visitors. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

Reviews indicate that maintenance can be an issue, with frequent reports of overgrown grass and weeds. Some visitors have noted a lack of upkeep. Reddit

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended due to potentially uneven terrain and overgrown areas. Dress respectfully for the setting. :athletic_shoe:

Photography is generally permitted, but it's important to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and any ongoing services. Instagram

Restroom availability can vary. It's advisable to check with the cemetery management or be prepared to use facilities elsewhere if needed. Reddit

The atmosphere can be serene and reflective, though some visitors note the impact of the unkempt grounds on the overall ambiance. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining options will depend on the specific location of Forest City Cemetery. Nearby towns or cities are likely to have restaurants and cafes. Reddit

Picnicking is generally not encouraged in cemeteries out of respect for the grounds. It's best to confirm with cemetery management. Reddit

It is highly unlikely that food vendors operate within the cemetery grounds. Reddit

Plan to dine before or after your visit at local eateries in the surrounding area. Reddit

Bringing water is usually acceptable, but it's best to avoid bringing full meals to maintain the respectful atmosphere of the cemetery. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The overgrown nature of the cemetery can create unique photographic opportunities, especially with older headstones and natural elements. InstagramReddit

While general photography is allowed, avoid intrusive shots during services or private moments. Respect the solemnity of the location. Instagram

Many visitors capture the atmospheric, sometimes haunting, beauty of the cemetery, focusing on headstones, statues, and the interplay of nature and decay. Instagram

Tripod usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with cemetery management, especially if you plan on extensive professional shoots. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and a more atmospheric feel for photography. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Genealogy Enthusiasts

Forest City Cemetery can be a goldmine for genealogy researchers. The older headstones, even if weathered, can provide crucial dates and family connections. Be prepared for the possibility of unkempt plots, which might make some inscriptions harder to read. Reddit Consider bringing a soft brush and water to gently clean headstones for better readability. Researching local historical records beforehand might help you identify specific family plots to look for. Reddit

Photographers

The cemetery's overgrown state can offer a unique, atmospheric backdrop for photography, blending nature with historical markers. Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic effects. Instagram Be mindful of the cemetery's solemn nature and avoid intrusive shots, especially if services are taking place. Instagram Always check for any specific photography policies the cemetery may have. :camerawithflash:

Those Seeking Quiet Reflection

Despite maintenance concerns, Forest City Cemetery can still offer a peaceful environment for quiet contemplation. The natural overgrowth can contribute to a sense of solitude. Reddit It's a place to reflect on life, loss, and legacy away from the hustle and bustle. Reddit Remember to be respectful of any ongoing services or other visitors. :pray:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Cemetery Maintenance

Forest City Cemetery, like many older burial grounds, faces challenges with consistent maintenance. Numerous visitor reviews highlight concerns about overgrown grass, weeds, and unkempt plots. This can significantly impact the visual appeal and ease of navigation. Some visitors have taken it upon themselves to maintain family plots, even resorting to personal weed whackers. Reddit

While this can be disheartening for those seeking pristine grounds, it also contributes to a unique, wilder aesthetic. For visitors planning a trip, it's wise to manage expectations regarding the grounds' condition. If visiting a specific family plot, consider bringing basic cleaning tools to tidy the area. Reddit

This situation underscores the importance of community involvement and the emotional connection people have to these spaces, even when official maintenance falls short. Reddit

The Atmosphere of Remembrance

Cemeteries are inherently places of reflection and remembrance. Forest City Cemetery offers a quiet space for visitors to connect with the past and honor loved ones. The presence of older headstones and the natural overgrowth can evoke a sense of history and the passage of time. Reddit

While some reviews focus on the maintenance issues, many visitors appreciate the serenity and the opportunity to pay respects. It's a place where personal memories intertwine with the broader narrative of those who came before. The quietude, even amidst the overgrowth, can be profound. Reddit

When visiting, approach the experience with a mindset of respect and contemplation. It's a chance to reflect on life, legacy, and the enduring connections we have with those who are no longer with us. Reddit

Discovering Notable Gravesites

Like many historic cemeteries, Forest City Cemetery may be the final resting place for individuals of local or historical significance. While specific notable figures might not be widely advertised, the act of exploring can lead to unexpected discoveries. Instagram+1

These gravesites can offer a glimpse into the past, telling stories of individuals who contributed to the community or left a mark on history. Researching local history or looking for distinctive monuments can enhance the experience of finding these unique plots. Instagram+1

For those interested in genealogy or local history, a visit can be a treasure hunt for the past, connecting with the lives and legacies of those interred within the cemetery grounds. Instagram+1

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