A Spring Visit to Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum

What is spring in St. Louis without daffodils? (Narcissus) The cheery flowers that don’t seem like such a big deal displayed in a vase or lining our walkways. However, when planted by the thousands well, that’s a sight to see. And where’s one of the best places to view thousands of daffodils in St. Louis? We have Interstate 55 heading south from the city, with its banks of daffodils on each side. We have Missouri Botanical Garden and its glorious Heckman and Samuels Bulb Gardens. Shaw Nature Reserve also has a nice display, but the biggest, bestest show in St. Louis is now Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. Yes, I said ‘Cemetery’, and if you haven’t checked out this outstanding botanical gem in North St. Louis, now is the time.

Bellefontaine offers free guided walks (which I highly recommend) with the knowledgeable horticulture staff. If the weather is unfavorable, take a relaxing drive on the 14 miles of winding, pastoral roads through the stunning 314 acres. (You can’t do that at Mobot!)

Grab a map at the front gate if you go, then check out Wildwood Valley and the new Columbarium near the SW corner. The sizeable natural water feature winds through bulb, native, and ornamental plantings.

Don’t miss ‘Daffodil Hill’ near the NE corner of the cemetery. With over 20,000 bulbs, it’s one incredible sight. (And a lot safer to take Easter photos of your kids here instead of the shoulder of HWY 55!)

Bellefontaine Cemetery is a certified level II Arboretum with state champion trees and unique species planted among the ‘Who’s Who’ of St. Louis and local history tombs and monuments. (Busch, Clark, and Lemp are just a few!) Bellefontaine is stunning any time of year but shines brightest during spring and fall.