The Hauntingly Beautiful Cemeteries of Nebraska: Ten Must-Visit Resting Places
Ah, Nebraska—a land of sweeping plains, whispering winds, and the kind of skies that seem to stretch on forever. But beneath those golden horizons lies a hidden world, one shrouded in mystery, history, and perhaps a few lingering spirits. If you're the kind of soul who finds beauty in the silence of the grave, then follow me on a journey through the top ten cemeteries in Nebraska that you simply must visit. Whether you're a lover of history, an admirer of Gothic aesthetics, or someone who enjoys a good ghost story, these cemeteries promise to captivate your heart and chill your bones.
1. Wyuka Cemetery - Lincoln, NE
Location: 3600 O St, Lincoln, NE 68510
Why It's Special: Wyuka Cemetery, established in 1869, is Nebraska’s answer to the famous Victorian garden cemeteries. Its sprawling 140 acres are adorned with majestic oaks, weeping willows, and a tranquility that almost makes you forget you’re in the middle of the state’s bustling capital.
Notable Gravesites: Among its residents lies William Jennings Bryan, a three-time Democratic presidential candidate and one of America’s greatest orators. But don't miss out on the beautiful “Civil War circle” monuments—they are a striking piece of art that commands both reverence and awe.
Lore & Ghostly Tales: Wyuka is whispered to be home to several spirits who’ve never quite left. The most famous tale is of a woman in white who drifts among the tombstones at dusk. They say if you catch a glimpse of her, she’s a reminder of loves lost and promises unkept.
2. Prospect Hill Cemetery - Omaha, NE
Location: 3202 Parker St, Omaha, NE 68111
Why It's Special: Prospect Hill is Omaha's oldest cemetery, founded in 1858, and it holds the stories of the city’s earliest settlers. It’s not just a cemetery, but a walk through time, where you can trace the evolution of Omaha from a frontier outpost to a thriving metropolis.
Notable Gravesites: Look for the graves of influential pioneers such as Byron Reed, a notable land developer and philanthropist, and Augustus Kountze, a founding father of Omaha. Anna Wilson a pioneer madam and benefactor in Omaha, Nebraska, is also buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery. She’s known as Omaha’s first madam, often dubbed the “Queen of the Underworld”.
Lore & Ghostly Tales: Some say the spirits of those buried here are still watching over Omaha. Ghost hunters claim to have encountered shadowy figures and heard whispers in the dead of night. Whether they’re protectors or something else, well, that’s for you to decide.
3. Calvary Cemetery - Omaha, NE
Location: 7710 W Center Rd, Omaha, NE 68124
Why It's Special: For those who seek a more serene, almost meditative experience, Calvary Cemetery offers an otherworldly calm. The rolling hills and old trees seem to whisper prayers carried by the wind.
Notable Gravesites: This cemetery is the final resting place of several of Omaha's Catholic bishops and archbishops, a testament to its deep spiritual roots.
Lore & Ghostly Tales: The spirits here are said to be more benevolent. Visitors have reported a sense of peace, as if they were not alone but comforted by an unseen presence. The sounds of faint church bells are sometimes heard, even when the air is still.
4. Forest Lawn Memorial Park - Omaha, NE
Location: 7909 Mormon Bridge Rd, Omaha, NE 68152
Why It's Special: Forest Lawn is more than just a resting place—it’s an outdoor museum. With over 300 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, including a pond and numerous sculptures, it’s a place where art and nature converge.
Notable Gravesites: The mausoleum of Robert and Mildred Dodge is a must-see. This impressive structure is as much a work of art as it is a final resting place.
Lore & Ghostly Tales: Some visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures by the pond, perhaps lingering from the time when the cemetery served as a popular recreational area in the early 1900s.
5. Fairview Cemetery - Scottsbluff, NE
Location: 4109 5th Ave, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Why It's Special: Nestled against the backdrop of the Scotts Bluff National Monument, Fairview Cemetery offers breathtaking views. It’s a reminder of the stark and beautiful contrasts of life and death.
Notable Gravesites: Fairview is home to the grave of Hiram Scott, the namesake of Scottsbluff. His tragic story as a fur trader left to die by his companions adds a somber note to the landscape.
Lore & Ghostly Tales: The winds that sweep through this cemetery are said to carry the cries of those who met tragic ends on the Oregon Trail. On certain nights, you might hear them, if you listen closely.
6. Grand Island Cemetery - Grand Island, NE
Location: 3164 W Stolley Park Rd, Grand Island, NE 68801
Why It's Special: Grand Island Cemetery is a beautiful expanse of greenery, offering an oasis of calm in the heart of Nebraska. The rows of old tombstones tell stories of the pioneers who braved the untamed prairie.
Notable Gravesites: The cemetery is home to several notable pioneers, including Henry Fonda’s grandparents. For fans of classic cinema, it’s a must-visit.
Lore & Ghostly Tales: Some say that the spirits of those who died during the devastating tornado of 1980 still wander here, lost in the chaos that took their lives.
7. Kearney Cemetery - Kearney, NE
Location: 4400 I Avenue, Kearney, NE 68847
Why It's Special: Kearney Cemetery is known for its picturesque setting and the old, towering trees that stand sentinel over the graves. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine seamlessly.
Notable Gravesites: Look for the grave of Civil War veteran George W. Frank. His stately mausoleum is a sight to behold, a reminder of a bygone era of opulence.
Lore & Ghostly Tales: The most famous ghost here is said to be a young woman who was jilted by her lover. Her weeping can sometimes be heard on cold, lonely nights.
8. North Platte Cemetery - North Platte, NE
Location: 501 W Rodeo Rd Ave, North Platte, NE 69101
Why It's Special: North Platte Cemetery is a place of quiet reflection, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The old headstones, many weathered by time, tell the stories of the town’s early settlers.
Notable Gravesites: The cemetery is the final resting place of "Buffalo Bill" Cody’s parents, a link to one of the most famous figures in the American West.
Lore & Ghostly Tales: The spirits here are said to be restless. Visitors have reported hearing the distant sound of hooves, as if a phantom rider were passing through.
9. Tekamah Cemetery - Tekamah, NE
Location: N 19th St, Tekamah, NE 68061
Why It's Special: With a rich history dating back to the mid 1800s, many pioneer families are buried here.
Notable Gravesites: The graves here mostly belong to the early settlers of the area, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who carved out an existence on the Nebraska plains.
Lore & Ghostly Tales: Reports state ghostly figures wandering the grounds at night. Some visitors claim to hear whispers carried on the wind from the nearby Missouri River.
10. Tecumseh Cemetery - Tecumseh, NE
Location: 1560 Highway 136, Tecumseh, NE 68450
Why It's Special: Tecumseh Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Nebraska, dating back to the early 1800s. The worn tombstones and overgrown paths give it a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, perfect for those who appreciate history in its most raw and untouched form.
Notable Gravesites: The cemetery is home to many of the town's founders, whose stories are etched in the weathered stone.
Lore & Ghostly Tales: Locals speak of a spectral figure who wanders the cemetery at twilight, a lantern in hand, searching for something—or someone—lost to time.
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So there you have it, dear macabre traveler. These cemeteries in Nebraska are not just resting places for the departed, but also places where history, art, nature, and perhaps a few lingering spirits converge. Whether you seek to pay respects, find inspiration, or just enjoy the quiet beauty of these sacred grounds, each of these cemeteries offers a unique experience that lingers long after you’ve left. And who knows? You might just leave with a story or two to tell of your own.
