Indy Fall Guide: Crown Hill Cemetery Tours

Hi, Friends!

It’s October now and it’s still 80 degrees in Indianapolis and I am still sweating in my blazer. I’m moving on with the fall cheer, though, and I’m sharing another fun local activity. Many of you may already be familiar with Crown Hill Cemetery, the largest cemetery in Indiana AND the final resting place of many famous people such as James Whitcomb Riley, John Dillinger, and Benjamin Harrison. It’s a beautiful park-like setting with relaxing statues, trails, memorials, and live deer. And it’s also the place for award-winning public tours!

Fall is the ideal time for long walks among crisp leaves and Crown Hill provides the perfect spot to do just that. There’s really nothing like finding a quiet place to enjoy nature while contemplating your own mortality. Husband and I visit the cemetery often as a place to learn about Indianapolis history and to dream about what we want our futures to look like (and there are also quite a few Pokemon to be found…😉). I have been on TWO formal tours at Crown Hill now, one was a walking tour and another was a driving tour. They offer historical tours all year round, but they add a few Halloween themed ones in October, such as the “Skeletons in the Closet” sunset walking tour ($5) or the “Tombstones and Trees” guided walking tour (also $5). Their classic “Heritage” tour is offered many times throughout the year and provides a history lesson on many of the famous people buried there.

You can look up the whole schedule here. Husband JUST took a tour with his Mensa group last weekend and learned so many new things that were not included on my last tour because the cemetery is SO big and there are SO many interesting stories about the people and the beautiful setting. Also, random side note, but the “The Crown” of Crown Hill is actually the highest point in the whole city where you get a gorgeous view of all of Indianapolis.

So, now you know. More fun fall things.

Enjoy!