Maple Grove Cemetery

This is a really nice cemetery. Depending on where you need to get to, it’s nicer to walk through here than down Queens Blvd. There’s a meditation garden, a nice pond with turtles and fish in it, and other nice works of art in addition to «story stones» that have historical information on them scattered throughout. It also makes for a good biking workout because of all of the hills. It’s extremely pretty in the springtime when all of the trees and flowers are in bloom. If you like gardens, or you’re into historical things, you’ll definitely enjoy a visit to Maple Grove Cemetery.

It’s an old cementery, established in 1872.
They have a main building by an entrance tgat serves as office, chapel, with rooms to rent for after the service where you can have catering for your guests.
The staff is wonderful.
My family wanted to bury my uncle as close to my cousin as possible (22yrs apart). What are the chances?
I was able to get a plot 10 ft away!!!
That made us very happy amisdt all the pain of loosing a loved one at Christmas Time.
When I went back in Feb to order the plaque the grounds eere covered by snow and ice. I wanted to match bith tombs plaques. They went to the trouble to find my cousin’s engravings and I was able to order the same design.
I’m waiting now for the plaque to be placed.
One thing I was a little disturbed with during my uncle’s burial. It was close to lunch time. So they break at 12 – 1.
My uncle’s coffin wasn’t lowered to the ground while we were there. His coffin was left unattended above ground. I was very unconfortable with that. To make matters worse there was a man around the area I didn’t like him.
I expressed my concerns to a friend and he went back to uncle’s gravesite just in time to prevent that man approaching my uncle’s casket. His intentions were not good.
Feb 2015
A place for eternal rest

Visiting my family. Great grandmother, grandmother, aunt and uncle. Family first, regardless if they’re here or have gone home.

I have to agree that it does seem a bit odd to be writing a review for a cemetery but it really is such a nice place to walk around during the day. In addition to the indoor facilities they have, which can also house the urns of those who have passed, there are various kinds of sites for those peacefully resting outdoors.
While walking outside, you pass by a fountain, a labyrinth made of stones (see pictures), and different types of grave sites varying from the old style to the new. When passing by some of the graves that have been at the site for quite some time, you might see a sign that says «Story Path.» This essentially marks the start of a slew of markers that indicate where people were buried for a variety of reasons. Along the way, you will also see a large engraved boulder that explains a little bit of the history that goes along with each plot of land. It’s interesting to go through and read each one: here lay young children that passed because of an epidemic, a battle broke out with the fallen buried below, etc. (though written much more eloquently).
In short, I think it’s worth exploring if you have some time to walk around since the cemetery can be rather beautiful. In addition, it does a good job of allowing you to remember where you are if you decide to invest the time.

If you plan on visiting your loved ones that have passed away, then this is NOT the cemetery for you. My 16yr old daughter died 3 yrs ago and as soon as I go to her grave and leave flowers, stakes, plagues, anything, it is thrown away within an hour. It is not only done to me but to everyone. The answer I got from the cemetery was «most people do not usually come back that fast». I have had it with complaining to them about this. My daughters 3 yr anniversary just passed and many many people brought stuff to her grave, well I went back there tonight to find the grave totally bare and then looked around and found every grave bare. If you can not pay respect to those that have passed at a cemetary then why are we buying plots? Stay far far away from this place. I have already contacted a lawyer to have my daughter removed from the cemetery. I do not need more grief from already going through the worst thing a person can go through

All right, it’s a bit eerie to write a review for a cemetery, let alone to be a fan as the 4 stars indicate.
But hear me out, Maple Grove Cemetery is much more than just the final resting spot of various New Yorkers. (Well, it is but…)
It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It’s been open and serving the community since 1875.
It’s a lovely spot of rural space in the already verdant Kew Gardens.
And it’s a great location for a walking tour.
Specifically, «The Strange, Unusual and a touch of the Paranormal» walking tour, an event held this past Saturday by the resident historian of the cemetery. For $ 5 I was treated to tales of murder and intrigue in old New York (and not so old, with references to Son of Sam). This was an hour and a half tour, ranging from the old, Victorian section where graves were individual works of art to the more modern, drab, uniform area of square conformity. (Hey, the modern area’s lawn is easier to mow, or so I heard during the tour).
Our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and clearly enjoyed what he was doing.
Apparently other events occur throughout the year, such as other tours, musical performances, reading series and more.
Be sure to check out the mysterious ‘stonehenge’ formation of graves towards the back of the cemetery. Look for the large Masonic monument that resembles an Egyptian temple. Or the bizarre baby statues. And other things that go bump in the night. (or day).