Go to the city’s highest point for great views of downtown skyline, history, architecture and local flora and fauna.

Crown Hill Cemetery contains more than 200,000 graves and is the third largest non-governmental cemetery in America. Its wonderful views as the highest point in Indianapolis, as well as the abundance of flora and fauna found within the beautifully landscaped grounds, have made it a favorite among locals. Pick up a map from the Crown Hill Funeral Home, Cemetery and Heritage Foundation, or download one from the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation website. Follow some of the cemetery’s 25 miles (40 kilometers) of winding roads throughout the 555 acres (225 hectares) to see beautiful gothic buildings, notable burial sites, mausoleums and artworks. As you make your way around, keep your eye out for the resident white-tailed deer more than 30 are known to live on the grounds. The area is also a haven for coyote, raccoon and red-tailed hawks. Climb the stairway to the highest point in the cemetery, also the location of the tomb of poet James Whitcomb Riley. From here, enjoy the 360-degree panoramic views of the Indianapolis skyline. Between June and October, free tours are run on almost every Saturday. These guided walks last from 90 minutes to two hours, and cover about a mile (1.6 kilometers). You’ll learn about everything from Civil War Women to the Flu Epidemic of 1918, depending on the theme of the tour. The most popular theme is the Heritage Tour, which includes highlights from the other tours and will guide you around some of the cemetery's most notable graves, including U.S. president Benjamin Harrison, John Dillinger, a notorious gangster, and Howard Garns, the inventor of Sudoku. There are also a few driving tours. If you visit on Memorial Day, head to the Confederate Mound. People come from all over the area, dressed in authentic period costumes, to take part in Civil War re-enactments at the site where 1,616 Confederate prisoners of war were buried. Crown Hill Cemetery is a five-mile (eight-kilometer) drive north of downtown Indianapolis. The grounds are open daily and entry is free.

Plan a trip to see Crown Hill Cemetery

Candlewood Suites Indianapolis Northwest, an IHG Hotel

Pike

Save 100% on your flight

per person

Aug 10 - Aug 17

Roundtrip flight included

New York (LGA) to Indianapolis (IND)

8/10 Very Good! (269 reviews)

Outstanding staff, very accommodating.

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2023

Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown

Downtown Indianapolis

Save 100% on your flight

per person

Aug 10 - Aug 17

Roundtrip flight included

New York (LGA) to Indianapolis (IND)

8.8/10 Excellent! (965 reviews)

Very nice hotel, great breakfast but outside area loud at night and self parking is extremely expensive!

Reviewed on May 16, 2023

Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown

Downtown Indianapolis

per person

Jul 14 - Jul 17

Roundtrip flight included

Las Vegas (LAS) to Indianapolis (IND)

No reviews

hotel and amenities were great. Attached secure parking garage, pool and fitness center, the restaurant offers outside dining and there is a nice rooftop bar. Room was nice, bed was comfortable and front desk was very friendly. Only downside was it is located on a loud street. There is a bridge about a block away that people with loud cars and motorcycles like to drive through and open up the throttle or rev their engines. This went on throughout the night, causing some disruption in sleep.

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2023

Reviews of Crown Hill Cemetery

4.5

Top Destination

5 - Excellent

19

4 - Good

13

3 - Okay

1

2 - Disappointing

0

1 - Terrible

0

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Oct 7, 2019

To orient oneself and find prominent graves go into the office and ask for a map. There is a road going under the main street that connects the two halves of the cemetery.

Popular places to visit

Indianapolis Museum of Art

4/5(8 reviews)

Spend a relaxing afternoon in this world-class treasure trove of paintings, sculpture and textiles.

Children's Museum of Indianapolis

4.5/5(481 reviews)

Dinosaurs and pirate ships, interactive exhibits, games and toys from a bygone age — it’s all at this children’s wonderland.

Mount Zion Baptist Church

You can learn about the history of Indianapolis with a visit to Mount Zion Baptist Church. Discover the area's fascinating museums and notable monuments.

Newfields

Explore the great outdoors at Newfields, a lovely green space in Indianapolis. Experience the area's entertainment choices or attend a sporting event.

Woodstock Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Indianapolis at Woodstock Golf Club. Experience the area's entertainment choices and lively festivals.

Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse

Learn about the local history of Indianapolis when you take a trip to Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.