The Legacy of Spring Grove

At Spring Grove, we are proud to be one of the largest nonprofit cemeteries in the country.

Our staff members welcome thousands of visitors every year to explore our cemetery’s 450 developed acres along with our famous lawn plan. At the cemetery, you’ll find lakes, footbridges, and protected woodland areas.

Hundreds of trees from around the world and exotic plants provide shade for the many grave sites at Spring Grove. Our history dates to 1845, and we are proud of this legacy and what it means to the families we serve throughout Greater Cincinnati.

The Origins of Spring Grove

Spring Grove’s history begins with the cholera epidemic of the 1830s and 1840s when church cemeteries throughout Cincinnati were overrun and unkempt. In response to the state of these mismanaged cemeteries, the Cincinnati Horticultural Society started a cemetery association in 1844.

The goal was to create a rural cemetery accessible from the city yet remote enough to provide peace for families and those interred in the cemetery. Cemetery planners drew inspiration from cemeteries up and down the U.S. East Coast and from Europe.

The Lawn Plan at Spring Grove

The cemetery’s lawn plan was created in the 19th century and was originally designed to be in harmony with nature. It was considered radical at the time for its open-style cemetery lawn plan, although it soon became the plan many cemetery designs would follow. The cemetery at Spring Grove is a masterwork of landscape design, and horticulturists and visitors past and present arrive here each year to admire its unique layout and beautiful landscaping.

The Arboretum

Spring Grove officially became “Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum” in 1987 to account for its impressive collection of trees and plants. Since then, the Arboretum has become one of the most iconic urban landscapes in Greater Cincinnati. The Arboretum features native and non-indigenous flora, with a continuous goal being to inspire research, education, and outreach opportunities in the wider community.

Having served our community for over 150 years, we hope to continue to be here for Cincinnati families for many more years to come. Contact our staff for information about our Arboretum or to learn about our available service options. We are always ready to meet your family’s needs when it comes to honoring the life of a loved one.