Visiting John Dillinger’s Grave
Notorious gangster John Dillinger’s final resting place is Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana. The infamous burial site has become an offbeat travel destination for those looking to glimpse the legacy of one of America’s most notorious outlaws.
Crown Hill Cemetery is worth visiting, even beyond its connection to Dillinger. As the third-largest cemetery in the U.S., it’s a beautiful landscape filled with historic mausoleums. It’s also the highest natural point in Indianapolis, providing a scenic overlook of the city. Other notable figures buried here include former U.S. President Benjamin Harrison and poet James Whitcomb Riley.
The Man Behind the Legend
John Dillinger was a Depression-era bank robber who became a media sensation in the early 1930s. His daring heists, prison escapes, and clashes with the FBI turned him into a folk hero to some and a public enemy to others. His life ended in a hail of gunfire outside Chicago’s Biograph Theater in 1934, but his story still captivates the imagination.
Finding Dillinger’s Grave
John Dillinger’s grave is located in Section 44, Lot 94. We visited on an early summer afternoon. The cemetery is enormous, so it took us a second to find the grave, even though we knew where it was.
Once we parked nearby, it was easy to find. Many visitors leave coins, whiskey bottles, cigarettes, and even bullets as tributes. When we visited, there was also a small framed picture of him leaning against the stone. Dillinger’s tombstone has been replaced multiple times due to vandalism and theft attempts.
There’s an undeniable aura at Dillinger’s grave—part history, part legend. Some visitors report a sense of eeriness, while others simply appreciate the moment of standing where one of America’s most infamous criminals was laid to rest. Regardless of your perspective, the site offers a chance to reflect on the blurred line between fame and infamy.
After visiting Dillinger’s grave, make sure to take a drive up to “The Crown” for a great view of the city. If you are a presidential history fan, Benjamin Harrison’s Grave is also worth a stop.
Things to Know Before You Go
Location: Crown Hill Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN
Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM (hours may vary seasonally)
Admission: Free
Whether you’re a history lover or just looking for a unique stop in Indianapolis, John Dillinger’s grave is an interesting place to visit, with a mix of legend, crime history, and a touch of macabre.
