Walking tour: 414 Day

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

• Park at Forest Home Cemetery near the office and/or chapel inside the Lincoln Avenue gate.
  
• Meet under the canopy outside Halls of History (next to the main office and across from the chapel). Please arrive about 10 minutes before your tour.
  
• This 1.5-mile walking tour moves at a brisk pace over uneven cemetery roads and grounds. Please wear comfortable footwear and watch your step! Our tour guides have a lot to share and are on a tight timeline, so please try to stick together.
  
• If you choose to go to the Holler House ater the tour, you will have to move your car because gates close at 7pm.
  
• This tour will run rain or shine and will only be canceled in the event of a dangerous weather event. Tickets are non-refundable.
  
• If you enjoy your tour, please take a moment to review us on Google reviews 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, Shakesepeare 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.

Host or Publisher Forest Home Historic Preservation Assoc.