Calvary Cemetery Walking Tour

Since 1857, Calvary Cemetery has been Milwaukee's oldest, surviving Catholic Cemetery and is the final resting place for some of Wisconsin's most interesting people. Its rolling hills and charming pathways encourage visitors to enjoy the peaceful oasis inside the hustle and bustle of the city. Large, old trees give shade to the eternal residents who come from all walks of life; from business families to lawyers and senators, to Civil War soldiers, to members of the clergy, this vast cemetery has much to admire.

Come join Mandy Crypt as she walks you through a few sections of the cemetery to recount the lives of the people who rest here. You'll learn a little history, a little about architecture, and even some funerary symbolism in this 90 minute tour!

Highlights include: the Ziegler "candy makers" family plot, the McMahon pyramid tomb, the Cudahy family tomb, Milwaukee's first mayor Solomon Juneau, and more!

Important Information!!!

The tour will meet and begin at the main entry gate on Bluemound Road. Please be prompt so that the fun can begin once everyone has arrived. The gate is pictured below.

Please take note of the weather and dress appropriately with good walking shoes, umbrellas, water, etc. The majority of the tour is ADA compliant but the last stop on the tour will be up on a hill and therefore optional for those who do not wish to walk it. Additionally, While most of our stops will be on paved pathways, there is some rough terrain so please watch your footing. The tour operator is not responsible for any injuries incurred while on tour, tours are walked at own risk.

Tours will run rain or shine unless there is severe weather where it is unsafe to be outside (such as lightning storms). In the event of cancellation, refunds will be issued and the tour rescheduled.

Bathroom access is unreliable. Portable toilets are often onsite but are not guaranteed. It is highly suggested that bathrooms be visited before the tour begins. The gas station nearby requires a purchase before allowing the use of their bathrooms.

Please note: there is limited parking inside the cemetery as there is no parking lot. Visitors are allowed to park inside the cemetery on the sides of the pathways so long as they are not blocking traffic or harming the grass and plots. It is highly suggested to park on the street on General Mitchell Drive by Mitchell Boulevard Park which is right next to the cemetery in order to leave space for those with mobility/accessibility needs inside the cemetery.

Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, etc.) can be easily accessed on Bluemound Rd. for both drop off and pick up.

There is also public transportation in form of the MTCS on the Wisconsin Ave Rapid Transit Bus to the Hawley & Bluemound Road BRT Station and then walking the short distance to the cemetery's main gate where the tour will begin.

Please contact the operator with any and all questions. See you out there!

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