Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders

Memorial · Cherokee Triangle

Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders

Memorial · Cherokee Triangle

2

701 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204

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Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by Matt Blitz (Matt Blitz )
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by Matt Blitz (Matt Blitz )
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by Schweg (Atlas Obscura User)
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by Matt Blitz (Matt Blitz )
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by JamieTrie (Atlas Obscura User)
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by Taterchips (Atlas Obscura User)
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by paigeelizabeth3660 (Atlas Obscura User)
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null
Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders by null

Highlights

Cave Hill Cemetery  

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701 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204 Get directions

cavehillcemetery.com

Information

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701 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204 Get directions

+1 502 451 5630
cavehillcemetery.com

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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@atlasobscura

"Located in Kentucky’s Cave Hill Cemetery, the grave of Colonel Harland Sanders, one of the most recognizable mascots in the entire world, honors the chicken man with a bust sculpted by his very own daughter.  After working as a streetcar conductor, fireman, insurance salesman, and filling station operator, Harland Sanders was nearly destitute and living off a government pension when he finally decided to become a restaurateur at 62. After devising the concept of franchise restaurants, Sanders opened a small restaurant in Salt Lake City, Utah that would serve his “secret recipe” fried chicken that he had developed during his time serving it to travelers who passed through his filling stations. With his signature black glasses, slick white goatee, and long bow tie, the elderly entrepreneur soon became the face of his new business as he traveled the country selling his recipe to eateries like a door-to-door salesman. His franchise plan exploded thanks to his aggressive sales strategy and grandfatherly charm. Within years, his Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants were in every state across the country, and Sanders became a household name. By the time of his death from leukemia in 1980 at the age of 90, KFC was one of the most famous brands in the world, with over 6,000 franchises in 48 countries. The Colonel was buried in Kentucky as one of its favorite sons. His grave was marked by a bust that was created by his daughter Margaret. He was dressed in his iconic white suit and string bow tie, looking like his marketing representation even in death." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

7 Graves Devoted to Food Pioneers
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@atlasobscura

"Located in Kentucky’s Cave Hill Cemetery, the grave of Colonel Harland Sanders, one of the most recognizable mascots in the entire world, honors the chicken man with a bust sculpted by his very own daughter. After working as a streetcar conductor, fireman, insurance salesman, and filling station operator, Harland Sanders was nearly destitute and living off a government pension when he finally decided to become a restaurateur at 62. After devising the concept of franchise restaurants, Sanders opened a small restaurant in Salt Lake City, Utah that would serve his “secret recipe” fried chicken that he had developed during his time serving it to travelers who passed through his filling stations. With his signature black glasses, slick white goatee, and long bow tie, the elderly entrepreneur soon became the face of his new business as he traveled the country selling his recipe to eateries like a door-to-door salesman. His franchise plan exploded thanks to his aggressive sales strategy and grandfatherly charm. Within years, his Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants were in every state across the country, and Sanders became a household name. By the time of his death from leukemia in 1980 at the age of 90, KFC was one of the most famous brands in the world, with over 6,000 franchises in 48 countries. The Colonel was buried in Kentucky as one of its favorite sons. His grave was marked by a bust that was created by his daughter Margaret. He was dressed in his iconic white suit and string bow tie, looking like his marketing representation even in death. Know Before You Go From the Grinstead Drive cemetery entrance, turn right and follow the yellow line on the road. The grave is on the right side of the road where the yellow line ends. Bring some ketchup packets to place on the grave, as this has become a customary way to honor the colonel at his grave site." - dtjd594, n nicknew21, S SemiruralYeti, EricGrundhauser, Sawyerma, Raven Traveler, p personperson, b bradihooker, c claylking, S Schweg, hrnick, JamieTrie, j jlord7, PushingUpDaisies, paigeelizabeth3660, Taterchips, r refmansbn, d dtjd594, T Tate

Colonel Sanders' Grave – Louisville, Kentucky - Gastro Obscura
View Postcard for Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders

randee strahle

Google
Cave Hill Cemetery and Arbortorium is so beautiful and well maintained. A wonderful way to spend the day learning about local history and seeing all the beautiful trees, plants, and flowers. I could have spent days here.

Katlyn B

Google
Visiting Colonel Sanders' grave is a surprisingly emotional and reflective experience, offering a poignant moment to connect with the legacy of a man who profoundly impacted American culture and the global food industry. Situated in the serene Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky, the gravesite of Harland Sanders is both a tribute to his accomplishments and a place for personal reflection. As you approach the grave, the beautifully maintained surroundings and the solemn atmosphere create a space for contemplation. The gravesite is marked by a modest yet dignified tombstone, reflecting Sanders’ down-to-earth personality despite his larger-than-life public image. Nearby, the iconic bust of Colonel Sanders, in his trademark white suit and black string tie, serves as a reminder of his enduring presence in popular culture. Standing at the grave, it's hard not to be moved by the story of a man who faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout his life, only to achieve monumental success later in his years. Reflecting on Sanders' journey from a struggling entrepreneur to the founder of one of the world’s most recognizable brands can evoke a deep sense of admiration and empathy. It's a reminder of the relentless human spirit and the power of perseverance. For some, the tears that come while visiting Colonel Sanders' grave are tears of inspiration, driven by the realization that success can come at any stage of life with hard work and determination. For others, the emotion is tied to personal memories and the comfort that KFC's familiar flavors have brought to their lives. The experience can stir up feelings of nostalgia, gratitude, and respect for the man who turned a simple recipe into a global culinary phenomenon. The act of crying at Colonel Sanders' grave is a testament to the profound impact he had on individuals and communities worldwide. It's a place where visitors can pay their respects, not just to a successful businessman, but to a person who symbolizes hope and resilience. The quiet moment of connection at his gravesite allows for a powerful, personal experience that honors the man behind the iconic image and his incredible journey.

Bad Kernel

Google
A beautifully maintained resting spot for Kentucky's most famous resident located in one of the most peaceful and serene places in Louisville. There is no fee to visit btw Google...

Darci Armstrong

Google
The cemetary is GORGEOUS. So beautiful, peaceful, serene.

Donald Mosley

Google
We popped in to see Ali’s grave and were surprised by Col Sanders as well! Drove right up, nicely done and put a smile on my face for seeing it!

Natalie Nicole

Google
A nice spot to stop and visit if you’re in the area.

Jennie Almanzar

Google
It was amazing to go see this spot. Beautiful sculptures. The only this was the little loud insects but other than that, get ready to get lost. Its huge but worth the view.

Greg Savernik

Google
It was a very interesting place to visit. To know a little bit more about the man behind this iconic brand is amazing. I would recommend seeing this gravesite to pay respects to the Col. and to remember the history of the KFC brand.

Sarah W.

Yelp
I discover something new each time I take a meandering walk here. New Year's Day walk and what do I see? :D One of the Barney Bright sculptures on site, near the Grinstead Road entrance. Someone has a wonderful sense of humor, i.e. irreverent. Cheers to 2025!

Matthew U.

Yelp
One of the things that a lot of people tell you to do in Louisville is to visit the cemeteries. Mostly for notable people buried within the lots, but what they forget to say is that it can be a beautiful and relaxing walk. With that in mind, I headed towards this place in hope of being able to find it easily. I did find it, but not very easily. I initially parked on the street in front of what I though was the correct entrance/cemetery, only to discover that I was in fact not in the right area. I got back in my vehicle and drove to the right address (don't follow the directions your GPS says). I finally found the entrance and drove in. What is great about this cemetery is that there are colored lines on the road that will take you to notable graves, if you follow them, you will be able to figure out where you need to go. The cemetery does have a map online and it will let you know which colored line takes you where. What is not so great about visiting here is the other people that have the same thought as you to do so. I visited a notable grave and was attempting to turn around to go to another notable grave and I was being closely followed by another person from out of state that had no idea what they were doing. I had to pull off the very narrow road to let them go around me. It is beautiful, and relaxing to be here. They have a pond in here where loved ones are allowed to spread the ashes of loved ones, but there is also a place to have them stored as well.

Lauren H.

Yelp
Beautiful in the snow! Decided to drive the cemetery since it was so chilly! Still loved the views. It was so sweet to go through around 10 in the morning on a Sunday. We only encountered maybe 3 other people. My last visit was around 9 in the morning on a weekday and it was empty except for us. I'll keep this in mind for the next visit.

PatrickJ T.

Yelp
Fantastic cemetery! Not often that we visit a cemetery where we do not have any relatives or friends buried at. So what brought us here? I found out that both Muhammad Ali and Colonel Harlan Sanders are buried here at this cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky. The grounds are immaculately well maintained. Simply beautiful cemetery. We found the gravesite of Colonel Harlan Sanders first. No one else was there at the time so my Wife and I were able to pay our respects to Mr. KFC in peace. We then found Muhammad Ali's grave site with no problems as well and paid our respect to one of the greatest boxers in history. If you find yourself in Louisville, Kentucky...I highly recommend stopping by Cave Hill Cemetery. It truly is a lovely destination to visit in this wonderful city.

Karen L.

Yelp
Visit a cemetery that you have no relatives? Yes, this one. The headstones are all different and fabulous. The grounds are kept immaculately. Now, you will get lost so make sure you stop and pick up a map. I found the scattering garden to be peaceful and what a wonderful idea. Not only do you scatter the ashes in the lawn but their name is inscribed so they are not forgotten. Birds sitting on the headstone, geese walking the grounds and deer wandering around.... perfect scene. This place is so large I suggest you give yourself a good two hours to see everything if slowing driving by vehicle. Enjoy

Andrea U.

Yelp
Beautiful cemetery with people buried from the early 1800s. Meticulously landscaped & maintained with fountains, ducks & lakes. There were trails along the lake & sections marked that were confusing. We followed the white line to the office which was closed but we picked up a map in front. The map was very confusing, this is a very large cemetery & lettering was very small. There were no bathrooms, we were given directions to a portable potty which was pretty gross. We followed the green line to Muhammad Ali's grave site. Besides Ali we passed a very large & old National cemetery, Lewis & Clark, KFC, the kindergarten teacher who wrote the "happy birthday song", famous Kentuckians & civil war figures graves. This cemetery would be wonderful to bike ride through but it's not permitted.

Joseph G.

Yelp
Cave hill cemetery is a historic and legendary cemetery located in Louisville Kentucky at the tail end or beginning of (depending which way you want to see it) the popular highlands neighborhood. Home to the graves of legendary people such as col sanders of kfc fame, Mohamed Ali and George Rogers Clark. Also features other locals who have made a large impact on our community. Even the graves of the non celebrities here are very beautiful and artistic. Down creative and breathtaking tombstones at this beautiful landscaped grounds. A few lakes/ponds are on the grounds as well. It can be a little difficult to navigate as it is massive and mainly made of circles that have different letters and numbers. I did find out that if you stay on the road that is the white line it takes toy to other areas. Eventually the white line turns yellow and that signifies you are in the area where col sanders grave is. He is at the end of the yellow line. About 100 yards past col sanders to the right is the grave of the frito lay magician. Which is a popular site and grave to check out. About half way through the main road you will see a green line in a road. If you pull off and follow that to the one way road then that takes you to Muhammad Ali grave site. Overall very cool and beautiful place to check out. Popular with locals and tourists because of the huge names buried here. You can either drive or walk the grounds. I personally prefer driving because it is massive.

Tee M.

Yelp
I am embarrassed at how long it took me to visit Cave Hill Cemetery since moving to Louisville. It is hard to believe that this gorgeous (300 + acres) is literally in the center of downtown Louisville. After driving through the gates the city is left behind and there is a feeling of being miles from a city. I don't know that I have ever experienced such a tranquil and serene place to spend an afternoon walking. Exquisite trees, bushes and flowers made the experience much like visiting an arboretum or botanical gardens as well as a cemetery. A very nice grounds keeper told us that there are over 60 varieties of trees alone! The sumac trees were blooming during our visit and the blooms were beautiful. Many flowers were in bloom too, including rose bushes, peony roses, iris and more. As with most who visit, we followed the green line and yellow lines to see the graves of Muhammad Ali and Colonel Sanders. They were as each beautiful in their own way. It was amazing to see the age of some of the tombstones and how well they have aged. Never have I see such a variety of tombstones and monuments. We enjoyed the lake and spent time watching the ducks and swans. The Twin Lakes Scattering Garden was a beautiful place to sit and reflect. Those interested in history could likely spend weeks here as the cemetery is rich with both Louisville and general history. There was a military section for those who enjoy military history. The cemetery is active and there was a burial taking place. It would take many visits to experience the cemetery in its entirety. The Mister and I walked almost 4 miles, and had our legs and feet been willing, would have walked more! Without a doubt, I will be frequenting the cemetery to wind down and exercise at the same time!

Greg J.

Yelp
We visited here to see George Rogers Clarks' grave (which turned out to be underwhelming). We didn't realize that Muhammad Ali and Colonel Sanders were also buried here or that it contained a civil war era military cemetery. We ended up spending about an hour driving around and looking at some truly unusual grave markers. If you are into history or just unusual things this is a must see. We stopped at the little building just inside the gate and the gentleman there gave us a map and told us about some of the things we could visit. He was very helpful.

Richard F.

Yelp
One of the most beautiful places in the city. Cave hill is very well known here as well as around the country. Today was a sad day for the family as a family member was buried here today. It is located in an area with some very unusual Head Stones. There is also a beautiful Dogwood tree that will set the location off very well. Rest In Peace.

Bruce K.

Yelp
Adjacent to the Eastern Cemetery that is in disrepair (but still worth a visit) https://www.yelp.com/biz/eastern-cemetery-louisville?hrid=vzFofOPskQy-dNPzDUWohg, Cave Hill is the five stars cemetery. Smooth roads, trimmed grass, headstones that are cared for and beautiful, this is a lovely cemetery that is in the tradition of European "garden-style" cemeteries like Père Lachaise https://www.yelp.com/biz/cimetière-du-père-lachaise-paris-5?hrid=0swvuhnp976JYaYlYxznxg and Kensall Green. Rolling hills, old trees and just a beautiful burying ground. Chartered on 1848, it is nearly 300 acres and is a National Cemetery with both Confederate and Union soldiers buried here. Famous interments included the sisters who composed the "Happy Birthday" song, boxer Muhammad Ali and KFC founder Colonel Harland Sanders. [Review 13491 overall, 810 of 2020.]

Jim F.

Yelp
Cave Hill Cemetery is about as beautiful and serene as a cemetery can be. While our sons were in town for Father's Day weekend we decided to visit Cave Hill (we're those people who love to visit cemeteries) to visit some of the luminaries that are resting there, and to take in the beauty of such a storied cemetery. Driving in the main entrance you first travel down a long, tree-lined street. For those that have never visited before (like us) there is a kiosk with some informative pamphlets and a map. We knew who we wanted to visit, so the map helped us find our way. Cave Hill is a sprawling cemetery with criss-crossing roads and amazing scenery. The roads wind up hills and down valleys, all while paying silent respect and dignity to departed who rest here. Our first destination was to Muhammad Ali, his a very dignified, stately memorial. And surprisingly understated. Freshly planted flowers accompany the walkway up to his resting place. Our second destination was, of course, Colonel Harlan Sanders, and his grave site was pretty much as I expected. A bit of grandeur and nicely maintained. The Cemetery makes it easy to find these two locations simply by following the green (Ali) or yellow (Sanders) lines on the pavement. Otherwise just driving or walking around this cemetery is a beautiful experience. The varieties of the grave markers is amazing, ranging from a simple granite slab on the ground to grandiose sculptures and intricate headstones, all which reflect and pay respect to those resting there. My wife and I plan to return again, given more time, to take in the quiet beauty of this magnificent resting place.

Shannon K.

Yelp
Would recommend go there & enjoy walking to see the famous people like Muhammad Ali, Colonel Harland Sanders & others! The quality & value there is clean cut and throughly enjoy view of Fall season while walking.

Cara R.

Yelp
I'm not a fan of cemeteries as the world is today. They aren't making anymore land and there are to many people on this earth. I think they exist because people can't handle the idea of their lack of existence mostly. My opinions aside this one is absolutely beautiful and full of some of the most unique headstones new and old that I have ever seen. Some might think visiting a cemetery on a vacation trip when you don't know anyone buried there is weird but I say do it! I could have spent all day there. Also as other reviews have said Muhammad Ali, & Colonel Sanders are buried there along with to many soldiers just follow the colored lines on the ground.

Dani C.

Yelp
Colonel Sanders was born in 1890. He would work a crazy # of jobs including joining the U.S. Army (he was actually made an honorary colonel by the State of Kentucky in 1935 NOT the military), streetcar conductor, a railroad fireman, an insurance salesman, a secretary, a tire salesman, a ferry operator, a lawyer (he actually got into a fist fight with a client during a court case), and even a midwife. Eventually, Colonel Sanders ran a gas station in Corbin, Kentucky where he would cook pan fried chicken. In 1939, he developed a method of cooking chicken via pressure cooker for speed and flavor. Away from the kitchen, Sanders was notorious for his sexual proclivities, his strong use of curse words, and his temper (stayed in fights, shot and killed a competitor). After the closure of his restaurant, Colonel Sanders, traveled across the US, visiting potential franchisee restaurants. He offered them his chicken recipe in return for $.04 on every chicken sold. This process was slow & expensive; however, it worked. By 1964, he had franchised over 600 outlets. Although, at that time there weren't actually any Kentucky Fried Chicken locations, only restaurants that sold their chicken. At the age of 74, Colonel Sanders owned a thriving company which he ended up selling for $2 million and a yearly salary of $40,000. On December 16, 1980, Sanders died of leukemia at the age of 90. His body was ordered to lay in state at the Kentucky State Capitol. He was buried in Louisville, KY. Random Fact: In 1985, a victorious Japanese baseball team threw a statue of the Colonel into a river to celebrate. They haven't won a championship since. People say they are still suffering from "The Curse of the Colonel."

Hunter S.

Yelp
This serves the community as much more than a cemetery. It's more like a nature preserve and public active lifestyle space. Tons of birds and geese and pretty ponds and fountains. In the mornings there are deer and other critters. The cemetery is very walkable with tons of paths and greenery (though huge and probably only conquerable in sections). It's also very drivable if you want to cover more ground and see more of the property. Colonel Sanders is buried here, as is Muhammad Ali and a few other well known historical figures. A variety of graves, from the decadent to the simple. Some new, some old. I would recommend checking out this cemetery. Very pretty, very accessible, lots to offer.

Kyle S.

Yelp
Cave Hill is more than just a cemetery. It is both the final resting place for some of the biggest names in Louisville, but it is also an expansive park with winding roads and paths that are beautifully landscaped and maintained. Despite being in the middle of the city, the acreage quiets much of the sound and allows for quiet walks and contemplation. It is also somewhat of a tourist destination with maps readily available to find the graves of local and national celebrities. With its wide expanse, I will likely have to make another trip as I was only able to see a small portion of the grounds in the 2 hours.

Jeremy J.

Yelp
I drove here the other day looking at all the sceneryAnd attempt to find a relative that is buried here. We were unsuccessful of trying to find a relative which was unfortunate but this cemetery is above and beyond the other cemeteries that I have seen here. Yes so many fancy statues and just beautiful gravestones and just everything it's sad and depressing when you think of it's all about the dead and they're there but it's very fascinating to see the structures that are built their

Jenni H.

Yelp
This amazing place is tranquil and spectacular at the same time. We live 2 hours away and just this location alone is worth a trip to Louisville. Besides the obvious; Mohammed Ali and the Colonel, there are so many unique memorial stones here. I could hours here. I just learned that they do free tours- I'm 100% going back for that. HIGHLY recommend.

Joe B.

Yelp
This is not only a very historic cemetery it's actually one the most beautiful. And yes, it's an arboretum, too. It's especially lovely in the spring and fall. Not to be missed. It's also a National Cemetery where numerous Civil War dead are laid to rest. They also have a number of walking tours from time to time that are interesting and informative. And true to its name there is a cave.

Kathy V.

Yelp
Reviewing a cemetery? You can do ANYTHING on Yelp! Take note: this is an active site for the final resting place of some. You may see a burial or a service taking place. Be quiet and be respectful in those instances. But really, Cave Hill is more than just a cemetery. It is also a tourist draw, and just drop dead (get it?!) gorgeous! #sorrynotsorry Cave Hill has a long history and you will see some really old, interesting and ornate graves and mausoleums from so many times and eras. It is a feast for the eyes! It takes up an enormous amount of space in the middle of Louisville and even after several visits, I haven't made it through it all to see all of the points of interest. As a visitor, when you enter the main gate you can grab a map of the grounds with information on where to find resting sites of noteworthy/well-known...*ahem*....tenants. People important to US and KY history, as well as more recent figures. If you follow the green line on the ground, you will find Muhammad Ali, and if you follow the yellow line you will be taken to Colonel Harland Sanders. There is a military section, and if you are familiar with the city some recognizable names. In an older, less regularly visited section of the grounds, I have seen some apiaries/beehives. These seem to be helpful to the space, which is perfectly landscaped and well-kept, with beautiful flowers and greenery alongside ponds and waterscapes. I really....can't adequately express how beautiful and peaceful Cave Hill Cemetery is. If you are looking for something outdoors, but not strenuous to do...touristy, but slightly off the beaten path...just some peace and quiet in our busy lives....Cave Hill is certainly worth some of your time. Pay a respectful visit, and enjoy the loveliness.

Lorie L.

Yelp
Visiting Cave Hill Cemetery has been a part of my childhood and adulthood. It's a beautiful spot full of history and I hope to take a historical tour soon. The lake, full of ducks and fish, is a popular destination for visitors. We always take a couple of bread loaves with us - but beware, the ducks are plentiful and come very close. Around the lake are buckeye trees and several buckeyes fall on the ground. Throughout Cave Hill are benches to sit and relax, visit and reflect. The grounds are massive and with each visit you'll spot something you haven't before. Some well known community figures have been buried here (Colonel Sanders, Muhammad Ali, the magician). In addition to plots, mausoleums and areas to place ashes are available. My parents also purchased a tree and had it dedicated to the family. My parents bought their plots 30 years ago when a new area opened. It was a bare field but it's now full of beautiful headstones, bushes and trees. I encourage everyone to visit part of Louisville's history and tradition.

Kelsey P.

Yelp
I walked through Cave Hill for the first time over the weekend. The weather was perfect and Cave Hill is absolutely beautiful during this time of the year, with trees and flowers beginning to bloom. There are some notable people buried in Cave Hill, like Muhammad Ali and Colonel Sanders. As you walk or drive through this cemetery, remember that beloved family members and friends are laid to rest here - it is important to be respectful of this and not be loud or bump loudly to the music in the car. If you want to do that, go down the block to Cherokee Park. I am looking forward to going back and walking to new places here at Cave Hill. I walked for about two hours but there is still so much I haven't seen yet. On the day I went, there weren't a lot of people at Cave Hill, which was nice. It's so important during this pandemic to keep our distance from each other. Honestly, Cherokee Park is getting a little too crowded for me, so I was happy to find a place without many people to take a stroll. Stay safe, everyone! We will get through this together, apart.

Phil B.

Yelp
Beautiful huge cemetery. Final resting place of Harlin Sanders ( founder of KFC ) not the reason we went. Very park like, lots of wild life, trees and flowers. I believe they had posted no picnics which is ridiculous. Cemeteries like this were gathering places for picnics in the Victorian age. I realize some people can be pigs and leave trash behind ( possibly the main reason behind the rule ). Beautiful massive obolisks and monuments. Lake was full of ducks and geese. They provide maps if you are lucky enough to get one. The first box we came across was empty , second one had a few. If you like to walk cemeteries Cave Hill will not disappoint. If you can find it there is a coffee table book that had been printed about Cave Hill.

Mrs L.

Yelp
If you're looking for history or morbidity, this place won't disappoint. The architecture, the well-maintained grounds, the history ... I left feeling a little bit different about cemeteries this day.

Amber G.

Yelp
Who would take a tour a cemetery? Never thought that would be me but I was told it was a beautiful place and looking for outside activities and having moved close to it, we went over Saturday to walk around. We got lost for a minute but ran into the burial site for Ali. Some of those tombstones out there were beautiful. The grounds are well maintained unless you go off the regular path. We went down to the pond by the scattering site and the dirt path had some tree branches down so we moved those and were able to relax for a minute at the pond. It seemed huge and was fairly busy with people driving around and walking. Good place to chill and relax so I guess a lot of people are interested in that.

Sahar R.

Yelp
This sounds ridiculous but we were on our honeymoon in a cemetery... Let me explain. So we were driving across the country and made a stop in Louisville. Since we had come straight from our wedding we had a minivan full of wedding bouquets from the bridal party that would not last much longer. So what better place to leave flowers and pay respects than here. So I was looking for the grave for the Greatest of All Time, Mr. Ali, but kinda got lost. So we pull up to a volunteer here in a van that has "just married" and "pug life" written all over it, and ask for directions. He noted the car decoration and then asked why the heck we were in a cemetery for our honeymoon. Then after hearing our story and deciding we were about just as weird as he was, he told his co worker he was taking a break hopped in his car and gave us a private tour of the whole cemetery by car. John was an amazing tour guide!! We visited Colonel Sanders, a magicians grave, the grave of a young girl with a statue of her with Jesus holding her swing set (Jesus was literally her swing and it was slightly weird). This cemetery is just gorgeous and keep in mind it is also an arboretum. They even host weddings here! Lastly, I got to leave a bouquet for Muhammad Ali and pay my respects and heard all the background on the day he was buried and how he came to pick that spot. Sure it was an odd place for a honeymoon spot but we ended up having a great time.

Jacqueline F.

Yelp
Beautiful cemetery. Well maintained grounds with awesome landscaping. Beautiful with still enough of a creepy factor to keep things interesting. Got to see Muhammad Ali's grave along with Colonel Sanders and thought that was really cool. Follow the yellow line for Sanders and follow the green line for Ali's. Both will take you straight to the graves. The hills, trees, ponds just make everything look so pretty and peaceful. Not sure what else to look for as far as rating a cemetery, so this is as far as I'll go.

Fox E.

Yelp
I wasn't going to write a review of this place but I decided to Cave and get it done. My Dad likes reading Cemetery reviews (don't ask) so Hill be happy to see this. Beautiful graveyard with a grand entrance. It caught me by surprise as I was exploring the city, and thus I ended up spending longer here than I expected to. Whether you are here to mourn your loved ones or just take a walk and reflect on life itself, this is a wonderful place to do so.

Lori M.

Yelp
Today we toured the Cemetery via golf cart. We booked this quite sometime ago, I almost forgot about it! We tried to confirm the reservation two days prior, and finally did get an email reminder. Gwen, our tour guide, was amazing. We were a full golf cart, seven adults plus Gwen. She was attentive in stopping the cart to share history, point out the many types of grave markers, trees, etc. etc. The tour last two hours, but we would have loved to continue on!! We did obtain a map to go back and find specific graves. Know that even with the map and guidance from the nice man in security, it's still confusing! Book your your now! You will not be disappointed! It's a beautiful place of rest.

Tank G.

Yelp
This grave yard is amazing as it is huge. I went there for the sole purpose of paying my respects to two of the cemeteries famous graves, Mohammed Ali and Col. Harland Sanders. Google maps takes you directly to those grave sites, other wise I would have never found them. Like I said, this place is huge. Col Sanders grave site is marked with a large structure with a bust of the Col. Ali's grave site is a bite more simple. and has a tombstone with Ali and a foot stone with a quote enscribed in it. It is directly across from Twin Lakes Scattering Gardens. There was a Muslim gentleman praying at the grave while I was there. The cemetery is well maintained and the staff there is very friendly. It is impressive that they are able to take care of such a vast area, 296 acres in all. As you would expect, there is no admission fee, but please be respectfully while visiting because it is still a cemetery and many people have been laid to rest there. There are some very impressive tombstones there and some grave that date back to the 1800s. Lots of history here and other notable Kentucky people are buried here.

Nathan P.

Yelp
My wife and I went here last Saturday and had an excellent, rewarding experience. We came purely to walk around by ourselves, but then a nice groundsman I think his name was Thomas) offered to show us around for an hour! He was extremely knowledgeable about the historical figures buried there and the history of the graveyard itself. I personally found it interesting how the story of Louisville itself can basically be told through the important people buried there. Try to go when it's sunny out, but in any case, the cemetery is absolutely gorgeous and peaceful. Highly recommended!

Alison R.

Yelp
So, I have been asked on many occasions "how can you live in Louisville and not have visited Cave Hill?". Well, today I did. We spent three hours driving and walking through the cemetary...one of the largest I have ever visited and the first thought that went through my mind was "this place must be absolutely beautiful in the spring ". Of course we did the "touristy" sites; Ali's gravesite, Colonel Harlan Sanders, Pappy Van Winkle...was left in awe viewing the over 5500 graves mostly from the Civil War but up to and including Vietnam and was struck by the number of graves of unknown soldiers. Visited a family maosoleum (not my family) that offered a view of a likeness of the Sisteen Chapel. I will go back in the spring....but an aside note, we can't keep burying everyone....consider cremation!

Rick T.

Yelp
Beautiful cemetery with unique head stones dating back to in or around the 1850's or maybe older. Showing you just how old the town of Louisville really is very old indeed.

Leslie W.

Yelp
It's a bit odd reviewing a cemetery, but I'm a frequent visitor to Cave Hill so I thought I'd give it a go. In addition to being the final resting place for my grandparents, Cave Hill is a beautiful and historic park-like setting. I've spent many afternoons wandering down by the pond or through the ornate buildings. The old section dates back to the mid 19th century. It's a national cemetery that contains hundreds, if not a thousand plus, of those who fought in our country's Civil War. The sheer number of small, white headstones is a powerful reminder of how many were lost in those four years. Cave Hill is also filled with the who's who of Louisville and KY politicians, business folk, and celebrities. For KFC fans, the Colonel rests here. If you are interested in local history or are looking for a serene place to walk or meditate, Cave Hill's one of the best spots in the Highlands/Phoenix Hill area.

Hady R.

Yelp
Never did I think that I would be reviewing a cemetary... but low and behold here I am. I did some research before visiting Louisville on top things to do. Imagine my surprise when a cemetary was at the top of the list?! I knew had to pay a visit. This Victorian era cemetery was designed with the intention of being a garden style cemetery and it was so peaceful being there. KFC founder Colonel Sanders is buried there as well as Mohammad Ali, and many more. We definitely had to stop and pay our respects to them. What was more interesting was that it's also a national cemetery. it is the final resting place to over 5,500 is soldiers, many who died in the civil war. It is very well maintained and the landscaping is beautiful. This is definitely a place you can come to and spend hours walking around, looking at all the elaborate graves. Definitely a strange place to visit for fun, but it ended up being one of my favorite spots in Louisville!

Danny S.

Yelp
What an awesome place to spend driving or walking around. It's one of the most beautiful cemeteries I've ever seen. On top of seeing the grave sites for Muhammad Ali and Colonel Harland Sanders the trees are incredible the roads are fun to drive on with the up and down and play Venus of them. The Tombstones are so diverse. Some old and beautiful and modern and many three-dimensional and made out of glass and stone and metals. I'm actually going to drive around this place one more time before I leave for home. Muhammad Ali is an area u which I believe he'll find to the right and Harland Sanders is at the end of the yellow line on the road

Erin K.

Yelp
Beautiful place to spend an hour or two. We went on a gorgeous fall day and drove through the cemetery (it is quite big - I recommend stopping at the visitor building to get a map), but you could walk it as well. In addition to the famous people buried here (Harland Sanders and Muhammad Ali), there are so many beautiful mausoleums, tombstones, and gardens.

Martin C.

Yelp
CLOSED due to snow and ice 12/25, may be closed after too please call to verify open before driving out

Dev S.

Yelp
Cassius Clay, Colonel Sanders and the two broads that wrote Happy Birthday to You. I challenge anyone to find a cemetery with four more influential people. Oh, and Paul Hornung. I mean, come on!

Shelby Z.

Yelp
I am not one to go through cemeteries casually, however, Cave Hill is a special one. It's a tourist spot...resting place to Colonial Sanders and Muhammad Ali. So why not stop in at least once? When you first come through the large gates, this cemetery is much, much bigger than it seems. Many different areas you can explore, beautiful scenery and headstones all over.... The only complaint I had was that their labeling with numbers and letters get extremely confusing, especially if you are trying to find certain areas. It can get overwhelming very easily, so GET A MAP!! A few other notable names in here you can find are Henry Watterson, J. Graham Brown..essentially many of the biggest names of Louisville. If you do find Colonial Sander's grave, make sure to bring your KFC bucket and fried chicken with you, as many people actually do that and I find it hilarious. Many headstones are dated wayyy back, and you'll even spot some big, beautiful mausoleums along the way. You will also spot many people around walking, which brings me to my point that this is an excellent place to get some fresh air and exercise (Although I don't think they allow running.) Tourist or not, you must visit the Cave Hill Cemetery and bask in its beauty.

Mary M.

Yelp
Drove around today to see KFC and Ali's graves. This cemetery is absolutely gorgeous with all the magnificent headstones. Had to knock off one star and here's why. The painted lines need to be updated terribly!! Especially the green line to Ali because we passed it 3x and finally found it but it's terribly faded in spots. If you have a cemetery this grandiose please make sure the road lines are equally as good.

Melanie K.

Yelp
To soon to say its so peaceful? TL;DR Education and serenity through beautiful landscapes and great walking paths. You can only walk or drive through Cave Hill, no bikes are allowed. We did not realize you could park inside Cave Hill on the sides after the main entry, so we parked on Cherokee Road and walked in. I really wanted to go off the beaten path so I followed more of the man-made grassy paths through the cemetery versus the pavement. For our first visit we stayed close to the main entrance, but I could see were you could definitely get turned around. Cave Hill does offer maps and guided tours and in the future I maybe trying one of their guided tours so I'll post an update if I do. Considering the location of this cemetery on busy Bardstown road, once you are inside its extremely peaceful and quiet. There are plenty of trees and greenery to walk in the shade if you fear sunburns, which I do. Besides curiosity of looking up some well known Louisville names, we learned of other prominent Louisvillans by way of gorgeous fountains, epitaphs, and sculptures. Walking around for an hour went by so quickly and was such a wonderful experience.

Brittany S.

Yelp
I decided to mix up my work scene for a day by hopping in the car early in the morning and spending VDay working in the "'Ville." I had two touristy breaks on my agenda for the day: 1.) bourbon and 2.) swing by Colonel Sanders grave and meander through Cave Hill. I had read a couple different articles noting the gravesite as worth a visit for both the pretty southern style surroundings of the cemetery and the grave covered with KFC packets. Unfortunately, there were not any packets during my visits (wintertime), but the chirping birds, Magnolia trees and peaking daffodils made it totally worth the stop. Note: When finding the grave - enter through the Grinstead entrance and immediately turn right. Follow the yellow line till it ends at the grave. Easy as pie once you find the Grinstead entrance. The other end of the cemetery (which I accidentally stumbled upon) was a bit of an archaic madhouse with pathways that would drop off in muddy "valleys". My only complaint of the cemetery is that there is little signage both inside and outside the cemetery walls.

Jono B.

Yelp
Usually when I go to a cemetery it's not been to enjoy a tour. Maybe a picnic or a good conversation, but not this time!! Thomas Morgado gave us the best tour of the cemetery I could have ever imagined. Filled with historical facts, great conversation, and most of all, free laughter. Thomas was geeked out over all of the history which engaged each of us in some of the ups and downs of Louisville. Overall, would definitely recommend Thomas for a tour.

Melissa B.

Yelp
August 1, 2014, My hubby Tony and I, along with my daughter, Noel decided to visit the Cave Hill Cemetery..it was such a lovely cemetery. My daughter and I enjoy going the cemeteries and Tony goes along with us. He enjoys the lovely statues and artwork of the tombstones, but he mainly goes a long for the ride. I enjoy the artwork of the statues and the monuments. It has always been such a passion of mine. I remember when I was 15, I wrote a paper on the older cemeries and the tombstones. We found the gravestone of Col Sanders. I was please with the lay out of the cemetery and it was so well maintained. I would have to say that Cave Hill is easily up there with the most beautiful cemeteries that I have ever been to see personally. It is so easy to get lost in the cemetery and we spent several hours in the cemetery walking around enjoying the statues and the monuments. We didn't have a map so we just wandered around the cemetery enjoying the sights...but it wasn't a big deal without the map..we had a great time.. It is located downtown and it is in a bad part of town. It wasn't a bad part of town back then but with the time changes the neighborhoods have went down hill. This cemetery is on the National Register of Historical Places ..so it hard to believe a lovely place really exists like this in Louisville, but to also be FREE...it is a lovely lovely cemetery. I will definitely go back again and again... We enjoyed our visit and will definitely go there again!!!

Gabe K.

Yelp
Cool piece of history to visit. Muhammad Ali and Colonel Sanders are buried here. The memorials here are amazing works of art. Definitely worth your time to take a stroll through here.

Yuka W.

Yelp
I would not think going to a cemetery for sightseeing but one of my local friend recommended to go here. It's a beautiful place to visit even made me feel peaceful. I went there with my friend from out side of the state, I'm also not from this area so we both were curious how it'll be! You can drive through this huge cemetery we went to Colonel Sanders and Muhammad Ali's graves. While we were driving around we saw deer it was more like national park!

Jay M.

Yelp
It was our first time visiting any cemetery and, with a little amusement, it was great. It's a beautiful place with thousands of graves - some of them of famous personalities like Muhammad Ali. Quite an art involved when it comes to graves and you realize it when you visit this place. Very peaceful - for obvious reasons - and you get to see the messages and memories people leave behind when they are buried under the ground. It is quite interesting to read them. We went to see Muhammad Ali's grave - great experience. There is parking inside the cemetery near the office but, if for few minutes, you can stop by anywhere and then carry on.