Forest Hill Cemetery: A Walk Through Local History

Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 1:00 p.m.
Forest Hill Cemetery

Join the South Wood County Historical Museum for a guided walking tour of Forest Hill Cemetery and discover the stories of some of the people who helped shape our community.

During this special tour, we’ll explore the history of Forest Hill Cemetery itself while visiting the graves of a selection of historically significant South Wood County residents. Along the way, we’ll learn more about their lives, accomplishments, and connections to the communities of Grand Rapids and Wisconsin Rapids.

A Brief History of Forest Hill Cemetery

Forest Hill Cemetery dates back to the 19th century. Joseph Wood originally owned the land and sold burial lots, as did his son, Franklin. In 1875, Joseph Wood donated the cemetery grounds to the City of Grand Rapids, now Wisconsin Rapids. Forest Hill Cemetery was formally incorporated on April 5, 1912.

Over the years, the cemetery has continued to grow and change alongside the community. Today, Forest Hill includes traditional burial lots as well as mausoleum crypts and columbarium niches, reflecting changing traditions in how our communities remember and honor those who have passed.

Our tour will highlight selected stories from this history, giving participants an opportunity to look beyond the dates and names on cemetery markers and learn about the people and stories connected to them.

Tour Information

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Forest Hill Cemetery
Cost: Free; donations appreciated
Reservations: Required
Capacity: 20 participants per tour

The tour is conducted entirely outdoors and involves walking on cemetery grounds. Please wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes.

Additional 11:00 a.m. Tour: If there is sufficient interest, the museum may offer a second tour at 11:00 a.m. the same day. If you would prefer the 11:00 a.m. tour, please mention this when making your reservation.

Reserve Your Spot

Space is limited to 20 participants per tour, and reservations are required.

To reserve your place, call the South Wood County Historical Museum at 715-423-1580. Please let us know whether you would like the scheduled 1:00 p.m. tour or would prefer the potential 11:00 a.m. tour.

We hope you’ll join us for an afternoon of local history and discover some of the stories that rest within Forest Hill Cemetery.