You can always find uniqueness in a city’s history, and a visit to the Crown Hill Cemetery, which has been in use as a burial ground since 1864, will time and again add a little bit more to your understanding of history.

Exploring the Cemetery 

You can explore the cemetery anytime on your own by just walking through it – printable maps are available online to guide you.  You can also join one of the regular public tours that happen during the warmer months of the year.  Or for a small price, you can schedule a private tour, any time of year, that is centered around one of almost 30 different themes – women, politicians, Civil War soldiers, and many others.  Thousands of people have been laid to rest at Crown Hill, and the guides at Crown Hill all have their expertise and time slots available for you to pick from.  Many of the tours are walking tours, some are driving tours, and all take one to two hours.  And, during certain times of the year, such as Halloween, the cemetery organizes special Halloween historical tours with clever names such as “Tombstones and Trees.” These tours are often fun for both children and adults, and provide a great way to learn about history in an exciting–and spooky–way. 

Resting Place for Notable Persons

Crown Hill Cemetery is the resting place for more than 190,000 people, and is also the resting place of many men and women who were recognized by the state, nationally, or even internationally for their feats and achievements during their lives. For example, the cemetery is the burial site of Lyman S. Ayres, who founded the first L.S. Ayres department stores back in 1874. Additionally, the Civil War general Edward R.S. Canby is buried here, as is the notorious bank robber John Dillinger, and Charles Fairbanks, a former U.S. Senator.

Hours of Operation

Crown Hill Cemetery opens at 8:00 am. During the colder months of the year the cemetery closes at 6:00pm, and during the warmer months it is open until 8:00pm.  The cemetery is closed on some holidays. While visiting a cemetery is often an experience that can bring sadness, a visit to Crown Hill Cemetery offer an opportunity to learn about history while also take in the natural wonders provided by the cemetery’s 360-degree panoramic view of the city’s skyline. For a visit to a beautiful, peaceful, and historically significant place, a trip to Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis should definitely be on your to-do list.