Cemeteries

Honoring Our Community’s Heritage

The City of Elkhart is home to three historic cemeteries, Rice Cemetery, Gracelawn Cemetery, and Prairie Street Cemetery, each reflecting the city’s growth, values, and dedication to preserving the stories of those who shaped our community. Together, these sacred spaces offer peace, reflection, and a tangible connection to Elkhart’s rich history.

🕊️ Rice Cemetery

Location: View on Google Maps
Address: 400 James Street, Elkhart, IN 46516

History & Overview:
Established in 1862, Rice Cemetery is Elkhart’s largest and most active burial ground. Originally founded on land donated by the Rice family, the cemetery has expanded over the decades to encompass more than 65 acres of rolling landscape, mature trees, and winding drives.
Many of Elkhart’s most notable citizens, including veterans from the Civil War through modern conflicts, are interred here. The cemetery features the historic Rice Mausoleum, dedicated in the early 1900s, as well as sections devoted to military service members and families who helped build Elkhart’s legacy.

Today, Rice Cemetery continues to serve families with compassion and care, maintaining a balance between preservation and modern service offerings such as cremation, crypt interment, and bronze memorial sales.

🌳 Gracelawn Cemetery

Location: View on Google Maps
Address: 920 Middlebury St, Elkhart, IN 46516

History & Overview:
Gracelawn Cemetery was established in the early 1900s to accommodate the city’s northward expansion. Smaller and more intimate than Rice Cemetery, Gracelawn embodies the charm of a neighborhood resting place, surrounded by stately oaks and carefully maintained lawns.
It serves as the resting place for generations of local families, public servants, and veterans. The cemetery’s tranquil setting and orderly design reflect Elkhart’s dedication to honoring its residents with dignity and care.

Gracelawn continues to be maintained by the City of Elkhart’s Cemetery Department, ensuring respectful upkeep and access for those who visit loved ones.

🌾 Prairie Street Cemetery

Location: View on Google Maps
Address: 401 W. Hively Ave, Elkhart, IN 46517

History & Overview:
Prairie Street Cemetery is Elkhart’s oldest burial ground, with records dating back to the mid-1800s. It is the final resting place for many of the area’s early settlers, civic founders, and war veterans, serving as a living link to the city’s earliest days.
Once maintained by local churches and families, Prairie Street eventually came under city care to preserve its historic integrity. The cemetery features simple headstones, ornate 19th-century markers, and mature trees that provide a timeless sense of reverence.

Preservation efforts continue to maintain its historical significance and ensure the grounds remain a dignified space for remembrance and reflection.