FAQ's

Our business office is located in the north-central portion of the cemetery, within the mausoleum complex. Our office and mausoleum are open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. - noon on Saturday.  Other times may be available upon request.

Whether you need assistance finding a gravesite, would like to purchase a flower arrangement or need any other assistance, please don't hesitate to stop by or call us at 785-272-1122.

We often have questions about the kinds of decorations that may be placed at gravesites. In order to allow us to maintain the cemetery in a manner that both honors the lives memorialized on the grounds, and preserves the safety of visitors and staff, we have certain policies in place about the kinds of decorations that are permitted at Mount Hope.

We also have two all-cemetery clean up days in spring and fall at which time all items are removed, to prepare for the mowing season and the winter weather. Please see our full Decorations Policy for the details.

Many people find walking or jogging along the cemetery roads to be an enjoyable, safe and peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors, and we carefully maintain our roads throughout the year.

We welcome all visitors from dawn to dusk. Dogs are welcome as well, providing that they are always leashed. 

The Mount Hope Funeral Chapel is a beautiful place to hold a funeral or memorial ceremony. Built in 1975, the chapel includes seating for 150 guests. The stunning stained glass windows create a reverent atmosphere for remembrance and contemplation. 

A service can be held in the chapel no matter where in the cemetery the burial or inurnment will take place. Please contact our staff for scheduling and availability.

The Mount Hope Singing Tower is a famous feature in one of the most popular sections of the cemetery. The Singing Tower was the first tower ever planned for a cemetery in the United States. First played in 1931, it has become more popular with each generation of listeners. 

The Tower is played each Memorial Day and on request at each service. In 1996, new carillons were installed which play on the hour for certain occasions.

Mount Hope was established in 1906 by Albe and Kate Whiting as a beautiful final resting place for Topekans. Early pioneers in central Kansas in the 1850’s, the Whitings moved to Topeka in 1877 to provide better schooling for their four daughters. 

They envisioned acres of peaceful, landscaped grounds in the heart of the city and brought this vision to life with the assistance of famed landscape architect E.F.A. Reinisch, who designed many Topeka parks including the Gage Park Rose Garden.

The mausoleum was built over the course of 75 years, and visitors will notice distinct differences between various portions of the mausoleum. The Historic Abbey section of the mausoleum was built in 1927, as Topeka’s first community mausoleum. 

The Mount Hope Abbey addition was built in 1961, with ten different colors of marble throughout. At the time, it was the largest mausoleum in Kansas. Subsequent additions of the Chapel Garden Mausoleum in 1975 and Whiting Abbey in 2001 completed the structure of the mausoleum complex as we know it today. Since 2011, cremation options within the mausoleum have been expanded with the addition of niche cabinets within the Courtyard and throughout the complex.