The final resting place of some of Rochester’s most famous residents is also one of the city’s most beautiful parks, marked by a deep serenity and arresting vistas.
Mount Hope Cemetery may be widely known as a pilgrimage site for visitors interested in the lives of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, but locals appreciate it as a delightful park, full of opportunities for recreation and nature. Founded in the 19th century as one of the nation’s first Victorian-style cemeteries, it features graves from centuries of Rochester history. Walk along its shaded paths or enjoy a picnic on its lawns, reflecting on the history that the site represents.
Start at the cemetery’s office to sign up for a guided tour or pick up a map and information on how to find the cemetery’s most famous residents. Admire the 1912 chapel and follow paths winding through the glens and hills of the park. Start a scavenger hunt in search of famous names including Douglass and Nathaniel Rochester, the founder of the city. Susan B. Anthony’s tomb is often marked with “I voted” stickers affixed by proud residents.
Take time to simply enjoy the cemetery as a park, covered with beautiful plant life. Climb to the tops of the hills for views of the river, the university campus and occasionally the city center in the distance. Bring your binoculars to spot bird life, especially common in autumn, when the leaves fall and the trees can become dark with birds.
Appreciate the varied architecture of the tombs, from the majestic marble constructions on “Mausoleum Row” to the rigid Egyptian obelisks and Moorish gazebo. Simple stone headstones mark many of the graves.
South of downtown Rochester, Mount Hope Cemetery covers almost 200 acres (80 hectares) next to the University of Rochester’s central campus. Drive here in 15 minutes from Rochester’s main train station or take a bus in 25 minutes. Parking is available on nearby streets. The cemetery office is on the southern side of the park.
The cemetery is open to the public daily from early morning to evening, with hours dependent on the season. Tours are available on Sunday afternoons in the spring and summer. Monthly tours take place in the winter.
