Saint Johns Cemetery
Rate this placeNearby: Big Bend Lake Messiah Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Saint Johns Cemetery is a historic burial ground located in the state of Illinois.
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Summary
Situated in the town of Collinsville, this cemetery offers visitors a unique experience with its rich history and picturesque setting. There are several compelling reasons to visit Saint Johns Cemetery, including its historical significance, notable points of interest, interesting facts about the area, and the best time of year to visit.
One of the primary reasons to visit Saint Johns Cemetery is its historical significance. Established in the mid-1800s, the cemetery has served as the final resting place for many notable figures throughout Illinois history. Visitors can experience the profound sense of history as they walk among the gravestones and pay homage to those who have shaped the region.
The cemetery boasts several points of interest that are worth exploring. One of the standout features is the striking Gothic Revival-style chapel, which was constructed in 1903 and still stands today. The chapel's unique architecture and intricate details make it a must-see attraction within the cemetery grounds. Additionally, there are numerous ornate and well-preserved gravestones that showcase the artistry of the time and reflect the lives and stories of those buried there.
Interesting facts about the area add to the appeal of Saint Johns Cemetery. The cemetery is known for its association with the infamous Stagger Lee, a figure from American folklore whose grave can be found within the grounds. Stagger Lee's story has been immortalized in various songs and plays, further adding to the intrigue surrounding the cemetery. Additionally, Saint Johns Cemetery is considered a site of paranormal activity, attracting those interested in the supernatural and ghost hunting.
The best time of year to visit Saint Johns Cemetery is during the spring and autumn seasons. During these times, the weather is mild, and the cemetery's natural beauty is at its peak. Spring offers breathtaking displays of blooming flowers and budding trees, while autumn provides vibrant colors as the leaves change, creating a picturesque backdrop for visitors.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to cross-reference information about Saint Johns Cemetery from multiple independent sources, such as local historical societies, official cemetery websites, and verified travel guides. These sources can provide a comprehensive and reliable overview of the cemetery's attractions and facts, allowing visitors to plan a fulfilling and accurate visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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