Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville is a 300-acre Victorian-era cemetery located in the heart of the Highlands. If you're picturing endless rows of gravestones and plastic flower vases, think again. This cemetery is as much a landmark and event destination as it is a final resting place for some of Kentucky's most famous, and most historic, sons and daughters.
Parking and public transportation at Cave Hill Cemetery
There is ample, free parking inside the cemetery, but visitors are not allowed to park on the grass. Certain vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, motor homes, and buses are not allowed within the park gates. There is public transportation available on the TARC with Route 23 being the route for Cave Hill Cemetery along Bardstown Road.
Best and worst times to go to Cave Hill Cemetery
The cemetery is not a public park and does have operating hours from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. each day. The best times to go are during the summer and spring months when the cave operates a tour that focuses on the horticultural highlights and floral grave displays, which are quite not the average grave display. Cave Hill Cemetery is rarely busy, except for scheduled tours or school field trips so a call ahead might make for a more pleasant visit.
Admission to Cave Hill Cemetery
General admission to the cemetery is free. Visitors are allowed to stroll around and there is an app for a walking tour. However, the Cemetery does offer several tour packages with costs ranging from $15-35 which will give visitors more information and insight about the history of the cemetery, its inhabitants, the flora and fauna in the cemetery, as well as a twilight and a tram tour. Seasonal tours and talks are also offered at different times throughout the year, so be sure to check the calendar.
Must see/do at Cave Hill Cemetery
If you're into rubbing elbows with the famous, be sure to check out the graves of these inhabitants: Adventurer George Rogers Clark, Kentucky Derby founder Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., Kentucky Fried Chicken Founder Colonel Harland Sanders, and sisters Mildred and Patty Hill, who wrote "Happy Birthday to You."
Other places to visit near Cave Hill Cemetery
Cave Hill Cemetery is located on busy, eclectic Bardstown Road. A short walk away is the city's best restaurants, bars, and shopping. It's easy to walk and spend a whole day and evening in this unique part of Louisville.
Insider's tip for visitors to Cave Hill Cemetery
Cave Hill Cemetery is home to some of the oldest graves in the city and the Veteran's section has graves dating back to the Civil War. Be sure to bring a camera and a picnic lunch as the grounds are beautiful. Also, check the calendar for special author and speaking events of local interest.
Author's bio: CC Thomas is freelance writer and Kentucky native who loves to travel. Follow the adventures at www.iknowfuntravel.blogspot.com.
Golden Gate National Cemetery is a congressionally authorized cemetery for military veterans and their families that rests on the same 161 acres of land on which it was built in 1941. A number of notable veterans are buried here, including Admiral Chester Nimitz and the 24 black sailors who died while loading ammunition on the Liberty ships in the 1944 Port Chicago explosion. More than a dozen Medal of Honor recipients are also buried at the cemetery.
