About the Area
Bellefontaine Cemetery is the oldest historic urban cemetery west of the Mississippi. Bellefontaine Arboretum, located inside the cemetery, is an accredited Level III Arboretum, which was the first in Missouri to achieve this distinction, and it retains nearly 10,000 trees with more than 600 species and varieties. It is, without question, one of the most beautiful and historic locations along the St. Louis Birding Trail. More importantly, the area welcomes birders to drive and walk through the tall, stately trees and along the lakes and stream while you look around nooks and crannies where birds like to hide and nest. Please read and observe the cemetery’s etiquette during your visit. Bellefontaine keeps an active bird list and asks that you report your sightings at the eBird link.
The main entrance off of West Florissant Avenue provides visitors with restrooms, drinking fountains, and driving maps of the area. The cemetery’s website states that Bellefontaine Cemetery was designed to be a community classroom. Bellefontaine is a beautiful area to walk and bird. If you drive, take your time and keep the window down as you tour these historic grounds. Be aware that at any moment you might hear or see ducks, geese, grebes, wading birds, raptors, swallows, woodpeckers, vireos, warblers, sparrows, and many more birds. As good a location as Bellefontaine Cemetery is, it is only getting better as they work to improve habitat for birds and wildlife.
The Lewis and Clark expedition headed west from St. Louis in 1803 and returned in 1806. William Clark is buried here. His grave and monument are a testament to his achievements, the history of westward exploration, and the large role that St. Louis played in that history.
The cemetery is located between Interstate 70 and Riverview Boulevard, on the east side of West Florissant Avenue.
Hours: Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day of the year, including weekends and holidays. Gates are locked at 5 p.m. The cemetery office is open for inquiries daily until 4:30 p.m.
As you exit the grounds, take a right on West Florissant Avenue and drive to the next corner to find Calvary Cemetery, another historic cemetery serving St. Louis. Calvary has some old fields and a prairie restoration area that is worth a visit. A wide variety of birds can be found in these old fields. Both cemeteries are great spots for any birder, any time of year.
The area surrounding Bellefontaine is, of course, downtown St. Louis. Birding aside, nearby attractions include the Missouri Botanical Garden, the St. Louis Zoo, and the famous Gateway Arch. There are numerous options for accommodations and fine dining as well.