About Bellefontaine:
A Unique St. Louis Treasure
Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum (BCA) is more than just a place of eternal rest; it is an extraordinary 314-acre non-profit, non-sectarian institution serving the St. Louis community since 1849. We are a living, active landscape dedicated to remembrance, historical preservation, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Often recognized as one of the best hidden gems in St. Louis, BCA offers a unique public space where visitors can find quiet contemplation, explore stunning architecture, learn history, and enjoy peaceful gardens and walking trails.
Our Mission and Vision
Bellefontaine operates with a dual purpose: honoring the past while preserving the landscape for the future.
Mission Statement
To serve the community as a non-profit, non-sectarian cemetery, providing caring and professional services for burial, cremation, and memorialization, while maintaining and preserving our grounds as a consecrated burial place and a National Historic Landmark.
Vision Statement
To be a premier destination that seamlessly blends historical preservation and exemplary cemetery services with the highest standards of horticulture and architecture, creating a vibrant, educational, and accessible sanctuary for all generations.
A Level III Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Beyond our historical significance, BCA is a blossoming botanical garden recognized as Missouri's first Level III Accredited Arboretum. Our 314 acres serve as a sanctuary for over 2,500 trees and diverse habitats, including woodlands, gardens, prairies, and wetlands.
This commitment to nature makes Bellefontaine a vital ecological resource in the St. Louis region. It provides habitat for a wide range of bird species and wildlife, making our grounds a favorite spot for nature walks and quiet reflection, regardless of the season.
Cemetery Services and Planning
As a non-profit cemetery, our foremost duty is to provide caring and professional service to those planning for themselves or a loved one. We offer a full range of services, including traditional burial, cremation, green burial options, and pre-planning consultation.
Preserving the Legacy:
The Friends of Bellefontaine
The Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery is a dedicated support organization focused on preserving this cultural treasure. Through your participation, you help us support our mission of historical preservation, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
Connect with the Friends:
Tours and Events: Join us for themed historical tours, bird walks, and educational events to experience the grounds.
Giving: Support our preservation and restoration efforts to ensure the beauty and history of Bellefontaine endures.
Volunteering: Contribute your time to assist with conservation projects and archival research.
Engage with History
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Don't miss out on upcoming events, historical research, and new biographical stories. Sign up for the Bellefontaine Cemetery newsletter to get the latest updates delivered directly to your inbox. Sign Up Here
Submit Stories & Research
Do you have a personal story, family research, or historical information to share about an individual interred at Bellefontaine? We welcome contributions to help us expand and enrich our historical archives. Email the Cemetery Chronicler
Request Genealogy Information
If you are researching your family history and need records or location information for a loved one buried at Bellefontaine, our team is here to help guide your search. Submit a Genealogy Inquiry
