SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28, 2025
Choose your Date & Time
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Bluff City Cemetery Walk - By the numbers
Years
Characters & Vignettes
Attendees each year
History
The annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk in Elgin has been a tradition since 1987. It is organized by volunteers and staff of the Elgin History Museum. The event attracts hundreds of people to enjoy an outdoor theatrical performance and the beauty of the Bluff City Cemetery grounds. The event also seeks to educate people about Elgin’s unique history and the importance of preserving cemeteries.
How do I buy Tickets?
Choose the date and time you would like to attend. Once you purchase a ticket, you will receive an email confirmation that includes the sale information and your tickets. Your name will be added to the will call list at the gate, but please bring along a copy of the confirmation email (digital or printed) just in case question arise. The Bluff City Cemetery Walk is a rain or shine event. No refunds will be given unless the entire event is canceled.
How do I reserve a seat on the tram?
Please purchase your tickets first, then call the Museum (847) 742-4248 to be placed on the Tram list. There are only 15-17 tram seats for each performance and it’s first come, first served.
Sponsorship
Last year over 600 people attended the Cemetery Walk. Your sponsorship of the event will show your commitment to the preservation and sharing of Elgin’s heritage. The event is heavily promoted locally and in the surrounding suburbs. Sponsors will be featured the day of the event, on the Museum’s website and social channels leading up to the event, and receive free tickets! View the full benefits and sponsor levels.
What to expect at the Bluff City Cemetery Walk?
Visitors will be welcomed to the historic Bluff City Cemetery that has provided the final resting place for area residents since 1889. Once you arrive, you will be assigned a group number and a guide that will lead your group on a 70 minute tour that showcases gravesites of seven former residents. At the gravesite, an actor in period costume will bring the person to life! Hear their story and the impact they had on the history of Elgin. The group will rotate to the next site on the walk to meet another past Elgin resident until all sites have been visited. The entire walk is about 3/4 mile with some hills, and there are chairs available at each performance site.
Four Performances–Including a Virtual Option
Because of the incredible positive feedback received about the evening time slot, Saturday’s performances will be starting at 3pm and 5:30pm. Sunday performances will start at 11am and 1:30pm. Tickets are timed entry tickets rather than open all-day tickets, so choose the best show time for you. There will be NO TICKETS AVAILABLE at the door. Ticket price is $20.00 for members / $25.00 for guests.
If you have any further questions about the walk, please call the Elgin History Museum at (847) 742-4248 or email museum@elginhistory.org.
Virtual Version Now Available!
If you weren’t able to attend the Bluff City Cemetery Walk in person, you can purchase a ticket to the virtual version! Enjoy hearing from the characters in a professional video that was filmed one week before the walk. Once you purchase a ticket, you will be sent a private link to view the video on our YouTube channel. You can watch on your phone, computer or TV.
History
The annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk in Elgin has been a tradition since 1987. It is organized by volunteers and staff of the Elgin History Museum. The event attracts hundreds of people to enjoy an outdoor theatrical performance and the beauty of the Bluff City Cemetery grounds. The event also seeks to educate people about Elgin’s unique history and the importance of preserving cemeteries.
Bluff City Cemetery Walk
By the numbers
Years
Characters & Vignettes
Attendees each year
Cemetery Walk Characters 2025
Charles H. Burnidge
Served as Elgin Township Road Commissioner.
Alice "Byrd" Potter
In 1908, she made history as the first woman to drive from Chicago to New York without a male chaperone.
Frank “Tootie” Wood
A passionate auto enthusiast who founded the Elgin Automobile Club and helped bring road racing to Elgin.
Leo J. McGrath
Started out owning a gas station and eventually founded Elgin’s iconic McGrath car dealerships.
David A. McBride
Became one of Elgin’s most influential figures and its first car dealer which became Northern Illinois’ largest.
Theodore J. “TJ” Schmitz
Became president of the Elgin Motor Club and championed road safety.
Clarence W. “C.W.” Helm
Opened Elgin’s first airport and flight school, flew the first airmail, and later conducted dangerous weather flights for the U.S. Weather Bureau.
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Virtual Cemetery Walk
The virtual version of the Bluff City Cemetery Walk will debut on October 9, 2023. The link to the video will be sent out October 9, and the recording will be available for a month. You will be able to access the video on our YouTube channel, and watch it on your device of choice.
Can I volunteer for the event?
YES! The Cemetery Walk is run solely by volunteers! There are many opportunities such as
- Guides that lead groups around the cemetery
- Set up and take down crews
- Greeters and ticket takers
- Hospitality
Please contact Rudy Galfi for more information.
Sponsorship
Last year over 600 people attended the Cemetery Walk. Your sponsorship of the event will show your commitment to the preservation and sharing of Elgin’s heritage. The event is heavily promoted locally and in the surrounding suburbs. Sponsors will be featured the day of the event, on the Museum’s website and social channels leading up to the event, and receive free tickets! View the full benefits and sponsor levels. Confirm your sponsorship by September 1, 2023.
Parking Details
Parking is available on Bluff City Boulevard on both sides of the street as marked in the image below. There are 4 accessible parking spots on either side of the Gate near the administration building. There will be Police Explorers at the gate to help with parking and direct traffic.
If you have any further questions about the walk, please call the Elgin History Museum at (847) 742-4248 or email cemeterywalk@elginhistory.org.