Things to Do at Hope Cemetery

Complete Guide to Hope Cemetery in Montpelier

About Hope Cemetery

Hope Cemetery offers visitors unique cultural experiences with admission around $8. The gift shop closes 30 minutes before the main facility, so plan accordingly. The gentle air circulation creates a comfortable atmosphere while thoughtfully designed pathways guide visitors through key exhibits throughout your visit. The facility serves as an important cultural hub for the local community, hosting events and educational programs throughout the year.

What to See & Do

The Granite Race Car

A life-sized NASCAR replica carved entirely from granite - it's surprisingly detailed and has become the cemetery's most photographed monument

Folk Art Monuments

An impressive collection of handcrafted memorials including carved trees, animals, and personal symbols that tell individual stories

The Soccer Ball Memorial

A perfectly spherical granite soccer ball that's both simple and striking - the kind of memorial that makes you pause and think

Historic Graves

Burial sites of Vermont politicians, Civil War veterans, and local figures that give you a sense of the area's history

Scenic Views

The cemetery sits on rolling hills with decent views of Montpelier and the surrounding Vermont countryside

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open dawn to dusk year-round, though winter access might be limited by snow conditions

Tickets & Pricing

Free admission - it's a public cemetery with no entrance fees

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall for the best weather and easiest walking conditions, though the monuments are striking against snow

Suggested Duration

Plan for 1-2 hours if you want to explore thoroughly and appreciate the various monuments

Getting There

Hope Cemetery sits on Elm Street in Montpelier, just minutes from downtown. You can't miss it. The cemetery is well-marked with parking available on the grounds, making access straightforward for visitors arriving by car. Take Exit 8 from Interstate 89 toward Montpelier, follow signs to the city center, then head up Elm Street. The walk from downtown works too. The uphill trek gives you a good sense of how the city spreads across the landscape.

Things to Do Nearby

Vermont State House
The beautiful gold-domed capitol building offers free tours and sits right in the heart of Montpelier

Hubbard Park
A lovely municipal park with hiking trails and a stone tower that provides panoramic views of the area

Vermont History Museum
A solid collection that tells Vermont's story, located in downtown Montpelier

Capitol Grounds
Well-maintained grounds around the State House that are pleasant for walking and people-watching

Downtown Montpelier
A compact, walkable downtown with local shops, cafes, and restaurants that capture small-city Vermont charm

Tips & Advice

Bring a camera - the monuments are genuinely photogenic and you'll want to document some of the more unusual pieces

Wear comfortable walking shoes since you'll be navigating cemetery paths and potentially uneven terrain

Visit during weekdays if possible - it tends to be quieter and you can appreciate the atmosphere more fully

Be respectful of active burial sites and funeral services - remember this is still a functioning cemetery serving the community