Cedar Hill Cemetery
A sprawling, historic arboretum and resting place, Cedar Hill Cemetery offers serene landscapes and impressive monuments, a testament to Connecticut's...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Vibrant foliage & pleasant temps
Cedar Hill Cemetery
Best Time
Vibrant foliage & pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling, historic arboretum and resting place, Cedar Hill Cemetery offers serene landscapes and impressive monuments, a testament to Connecticut's rich past.
"Large beautiful and serene Cemetery. Manicured grounds and peaceful."
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
Stop at the gate for a map to navigate the 270 acres and find specific graves easily. :world_map:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Katharine Hepburn's Final Resting Place
Cedar Hill Cemetery
Visit the grave of the legendary actress Katharine Hepburn, a poignant stop for film buffs and admirers.
Yung Wing's Monument
Cedar Hill Cemetery
Discover the grave of Yung Wing, a pioneer of Chinese students studying abroad and a significant figure in US-China cultural exchange.
The Anesthesia Monument
Cedar Hill Cemetery
Marvel at the monument dedicated to the tragic story behind modern anesthesia, a testament to medical history.
Rural Cemetery Movement Example
Cedar Hill Cemetery
Experience a prime example of the 19th-century rural cemetery movement, blending landscape design with memorial art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History and Serenity
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
Stop at the gate for a map to navigate the 270 acres and find specific graves easily. :world_map:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Beauty
The monuments and landscapes are incredibly photogenic, especially during fall foliage. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is generally available, but can be limited during peak times or events. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
Stop at the gate for a map to navigate the 270 acres and find specific graves easily. :world_map:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Beauty
The monuments and landscapes are incredibly photogenic, especially during fall foliage. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is generally available, but can be limited during peak times or events. :car:
🤫 Be Respectful
Remember this is a place of remembrance. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of others. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cedar Hill Cemetery for its immense beauty, serene atmosphere, and meticulously maintained grounds, making it a peaceful place for reflection and exploration. However, some reviews highlight significant issues with administrative responsiveness and a lack of support when addressing burial discrepancies, leading to frustration for grieving families.
"Another of Connecticut’s beautiful and historic cemeteries, not far from the center of downtown Hartford. Cedar Hill is large and you are advised to stop just inside the gate to get a map of the grounds, even with the map it can be a bit tricky to find the area you may be looking for. After a few visits, the layout will become familiar. Scores of large historic monuments, some with family names you’ll recognize from all over Connecticut. I took time out to clean the markers for each member of Katherine Hepburn’s family, but left her marker untouched because of the little things visitors had placed there — coins, sea shells, and other trinkets."
Dan Lynch
"Large beautiful and serene Cemetery. Manicured grounds and peaceful."
Clarisse Matisyn
"So many things wrong at this place, one is burial in different location than what was described and physically shown, lack of any interest in trying to correct….years….letters…calls….no help…on their part, totally ignoring your requests…your already grieving no energy to fight. Pretty place yes…but if you have an issue with anything do not expect them to help you correct…they just wait it out till you’re dead. I have found this out after several grievances on different issues….all same story on their part…ignore…let me ask….I’ll get back to you….get cremated instead…save your loved ones more sadness"
Vicky Vicky
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cedar Hill Cemetery is located in Hartford, CT. It's accessible by car, and parking is generally available on-site. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the area.
Yes, it's located not far from downtown Hartford. However, due to its large size, it's recommended to get a map upon arrival to navigate effectively.
Many visitors enjoy walking through the grounds to appreciate the monuments and landscapes. Cycling is also an option for covering more ground.
Absolutely! Driving is a common way to visit, and there is parking available within the cemetery grounds.
While not always advertised, sometimes local historical societies or groups offer guided tours. It's best to check their official website or local event listings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cedar Hill Cemetery is generally free to enter and explore, making it an accessible historical site for everyone.
The cemetery is typically open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current operating hours before your visit.
No, tickets are not required for general entry. You can visit anytime during their operating hours.
Typically, cemeteries close at dusk or a specific time in the evening. Visiting after dark is generally not permitted for safety and respect reasons.
Photography is usually allowed for personal use, but commercial photography or filming may require permission. Always be respectful of the grounds and other visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Notable graves include those of actress Katharine Hepburn, pioneer Yung Wing, and the monument dedicated to the history of anesthesia.
Yes, Cedar Hill Cemetery is renowned for its serene atmosphere, beautiful landscapes, and manicured grounds, making it ideal for a peaceful stroll.
You'll find a wide array of impressive monuments, from grand mausoleums to intricate sculptures, reflecting the lives of prominent individuals.
The grounds are extensive and can be hilly. While some areas are accessible, it's best to inquire about specific accessibility routes if needed.
Established in 1864, it's a significant example of the rural cemetery movement, designed as an arboretum and a place of historical reflection.
📸 📸 Photography
The main mausoleum, the grand monuments, and the scenic landscapes with seasonal foliage offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries to ensure the peace and quiet of the grounds. It's best to check their specific policy.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the monuments and scenery.
Yes, personal photography of graves is generally permitted, but always be respectful and avoid disturbing any memorial items.
Many photographers focus on the historical monuments, the intricate details of headstones, and the natural beauty of the arboretum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Taphophiles
📸 Photographers
The cemetery's status as an arboretum means that the seasonal foliage offers stunning backdrops, particularly in the fall. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History: Notable Figures
Another significant figure is Yung Wing, a true pioneer who was the first Chinese student to study in the United States and founded the Chinese Children's Study Abroad Program. His presence here highlights the cemetery's role in commemorating individuals who fostered international exchange and progress. Beyond these well-known figures, the cemetery is home to numerous other prominent citizens, Civil War soldiers, and influential figures from Connecticut's history. Exploring the grounds is like walking through the pages of local and national history, with each monument telling a unique story. The Anesthesia Monument stands as a particularly striking testament to scientific advancement and its often tragic human cost.
The Rural Cemetery Movement and Landscape Design
Cedar Hill, with its 270 acres of landscaped woodlands, rolling hills, and serene waterways, embodies this ideal. It was conceived not just as a burial ground but as an arboretum and a place of natural beauty, intended to offer solace and inspiration to visitors.The design emphasizes picturesque landscaping, with winding paths, mature trees, and carefully placed monuments that complement the natural environment. This approach aimed to create a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing space, encouraging reflection on life and mortality. The integration of art, architecture, and nature makes Cedar Hill a significant example of landscape architecture and a testament to the era's evolving attitudes towards death and remembrance.
Navigating and Experiencing Cedar Hill
Many visitors come to Cedar Hill for its photographic opportunities. The grand monuments, intricate details on headstones, and the beautiful natural scenery, especially during the fall foliage season, provide stunning backdrops.
+1 Remember that while it's a popular spot for exploration and photography, it remains a place of final rest. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a respectful demeanor, keeping noise levels down and being mindful of any ongoing services or other visitors seeking quiet contemplation. 
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