Graceland Cemetery Symbolism & Architecture Tour

Graceland Cemetery is one of Chicago’s most intriguing tourist spots. A true arboretum, a sculpture garden, a wildlife sanctuary, and a home for Chicago’s departed residents - there is much to be said about this stunning place. Let Mandy Crypt lead you through the headstones and mausoleums for some Chicago's famous and infamous folks, buried under the majestic trees and haunting sculptures of Graceland Cemetery. While learning the stories of the eternal residents, you'll also decode some of the secret language of symbols used in many monuments and memorials around the country, not just here in Chicago.

Highlights include: the Pullman grave, the Schoenhofer tomb, the Palmer tomb, and the Getty tomb.

Please dress appropriately for the weather, remember to hydrate and wear your walking shoes, and hit the bathrooms before you come! Lastly, please be prompt as we will only wait a few minutes after start time to begin out tour.

See you out there!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The tour will meet just at the West Gate Entrance of the cemetery on Clark St at the Greenwood Gate - 4264 N. Clark St - which is down the block from the main entrance on Irving and Clark. Bus stops on the CTA #22 Clark line are nearby the West Gate Entrance. Rideshares (Uber, Lyft, etc) typically will drop off at the main entrance but the west gate is an easy walk from there.

To reach the West Gate Entrance from the Main Entrance, follow the path along the brick wall heading away from the visitor center until you come to the gate.

Please contact the tour operator with any questions you may have.

The West Gate is located between Irving Ave and Montrose Ave and there is public parking on the residential streets surrounding the cemetery, though it is permit parking only after 5pm and on days when Cubs games are scheduled. There is extremely limited parking in the cemetery's parking lot. I would advise utilizing the CTA public transit or ride shares when possible.

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

Renovations are complete on the main entrance on Clark and Irving and the visitor center so visiting bathroom facilities before tour time is advised. There are bathrooms on site inside the visitor center at the main gate.

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