414 Day: Walking Tour

You don’t get more Milwaukee than a tour at the city’s oldest cemetery followed by some beers at the bar with the nation’s oldest bowling alley! 

Celebrate Milwaukee Day on April 14 (4-14) with this Forest Home Cemetery tour given by the Holler House’s Tom Haefke, local historian who has a special take on Milwaukee history – and some surprises!  

After the tour, toast Milwaukee history with Tom back at the Holler House, Forest Home’s South Side neighbor for 116 years.  

Important information

• This is a 1.5-mile walking tour; please dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. Our tour guides have a lot to share and are on a tight timeline, so please try to stick together.
  

• This tour will run rain or shine and will only be canceled in the event of a dangerous weather event. Tickets are non-refundable.
  

• Please arrive about 10 minutes before your tour. Meet at Halls of History (the building next to the main office inside the Lincoln Avenue entrance).
  

• Check in with your guide. You do not need to bring your paper ticket.
  

• Parking is free and available throughout the cemetery on Sundays. Please park on the side of the road in a way that doesn’t prevent cars from passing.
  

• If you enjoy your tour, please take a moment afterward to review us on Google or TripAdvisor.
  

Proceeds from all tours and events help preserve and enhance the historical and natural elements of the cemetery.

About your tour guide

Son-in-law of the Holler House’s legendary owner and bartender Marcy Skowronski, Tom Haefke has been leading a very popular Forest Home tour every fall and we’re thrilled to have him lead our 414 Tour this year.

About Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum

Established in 1850, Forest Home Cemetery is Milwaukee’s oldest-operating cemetery, open to people of all faiths, races and backgrounds since its inception. Forest Home Cemetery is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is the finest example of a Victorian-era rural garden cemetery in the Upper Midwest

Milwaukee’s largest green space with more 2,600 trees on nearly 200 acres, Forest Home is the city’s first accredited arboretum and is open daily to the public from dawn to dusk. Leashed dogs, jogging, strollers and bicycles are welcome.

Each year, we host public and private historical and nature-based tours, field trips and teen programs, plus our signature community events: Memorial Day, Doors Open, Dia de los Muertos 5K and Festival, Shakespeare Festival and Spirits of the Silent City after-dark historical tours.

We have many volunteer opportunities for adults and youth looking for service hours! Email [email protected] to find out more.

Sign up for our newsletter on our website (foresthomecemetery.com) and follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss any of our tours and events!

If you enjoy our beautiful space, stay longer! Stop in the office Monday-Friday 8 am–4:30 pm and Saturday 10 am–3:30 pm , or call a counselor (414) 645-2632 to find out about our many burial options.

Waiver

By purchasing ticket(s) and/or by attending a Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum (FH) tour or event, you affirm that you and your guests agree to the following terms and conditions.
I acknowledge, attest, agree and represent as follows:

• I understand that this is a walking tour. I represent that I am in good health, in proper physical condition and capable of walking at least a mile outdoors.
• I assume sole responsibility for my safety and release FH and its guides from all liability or damages resulting from my participation.
• I understand there are inherent risks of taking a walking tour. While the tours are not strenuous, potential risks may include, but are not limited to, uneven walking surfaces, potholes, stick or tree/plant debris on paths, wet or slippery ground, steps, narrow walkways, traffic movement, road crossings.
• I understand and agree that the tour guide reserves the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the tour if he or she feels the tour participant is incapable and/or if a tour member’s continued participation will jeopardize the individual or the group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.
• I release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue FH, its principals, affiliated entities, present and former employees, volunteers, guides, owners, managers, partners, contractors, insurers, shareholders, and directors (collectively “Released Entities”) from any and all claims, actions, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses for death, injury, loss or damage of property, in any way arising out of my participation in a FH tour or event, including, without limitation, any and all claims resulting from the negligence of the Released Entities.
• I indemnify and hold harmless the Released Entities from any loss, liability, damage or cost that they may incur for losses and damages which may be brought against me or against any of them by anyone claiming to be injured (including death) or whose property is damaged as a result of my actions arising from or during a FH tour or event.
• I agree to grant FH a royalty-free license to use my photographic, video, or digital likeness, in whole or in part, taken during a tour or event on the property, solely for promotional purposes.
• I authorize FH to provide me with medical assistance, transportation and emergency medical services as the result of injury or health condition. This consent does not impose a duty upon FH to provide such assistance, transportation or services. I have the right to refuse medical assistance.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Forest Home Historic Preservation Assoc.