Oklahoma may be best known for its wide-open plains and Wild West history, but it also hides some of the state’s most unusual, fascinating, and downright quirky gravesites. From famous outlaws to talking horses, each resting place tells a story — some somber, some macabre, and some downright whimsical. Whether you’re a history buff, a pop-culture fan, or just enjoy road-tripping to unusual destinations, these eight gravesites are worth a stop.
1. Mr. Ed’s Grave – Tahlequah
Even talking horses need a final resting place. Mr. Ed, the equine star of the classic 1960s TV show, is buried in Tahlequah. Fans can snap a photo and pay homage to the only horse to ever speak his mind on screen.
Fun Fact: Mr. Ed’s real name was Bamboo Harvester, and he starred in the show from 1961 to 1966.
Access: Just North of Tahlequah. Gravesite is on private property but the owner’s are understanding. More info on Mr. Ed’s gravesite.
Nearby: Tahlequah is the heart of Cherokee Nation, so plan a stop to explore local museums and cultural sites.
2. Showmen’s Rest – Mount Olivet Cemetery, Hugo
Hugo, Oklahoma, earned the nickname “Circus City” because dozens of traveling circuses wintered there. Showmen’s Rest, a special section of Mount Olivet Cemetery, honors the circus performers who passed away while in town. The tombstones feature elephants, tents, acrobats, and other circus imagery, making it one of the most visually striking cemeteries in the state.
Other Notable Graves at Mount Olivet: Legendary bull riders Lane Frost and Freckles Brown.
Access: Public cemetery. Open dawn to dusk.
3. Geronimo’s Grave – Apache Prisoner of War Cemetery, Fort Sill (Near Lawton)
The legendary Apache leader Geronimo spent his final years at Fort Sill and is buried in the Apache Prisoner of War Cemetery. His monument carries an air of solemnity and intrigue, offering visitors a glimpse into Native American history and the complex stories of westward expansion.
Nearby: The Fort Sill museum provides context on the military history and Native American presence in the region.
Access: Fort Sill is an active military base. You’ll need to check in at the visitor center to show a valid ID and obtain a pass.
4. Final Resting Place of Elmer McCurdy – Summit View Cemetery, Guthrie
Elmer McCurdy, an outlaw from the early 20th century, met a strange fate. After he was killed in a robbery, his embalmed body toured carnivals and sideshows for decades before finally being laid to rest at Summit View Cemetery. They actually poured concrete over his casket so he could rest undisturbed.
Creepy fact: With no one to claim him, a mortician kept his embalmed body and charged curious visitors 5 cents to see him.
Access: Public Cemetery; located on North Pine.
Additional Highlights at Summit View:
- Boot Hill: An entire section that is home to other outlaws, including Bill Doolin and Charlie Pierce.
- Other Historic Graves: Early Guthrie pioneers are also buried here, offering a layered glimpse into frontier life.
5. Belle Starr’s Gravesite – Near Eufaula Lake
Known as the “Bandit Queen,” Belle Starr’s grave lies near her old homestead in Younger’s Bend by Eufaula Lake. She was infamous for her outlaw lifestyle and association with the James-Younger gang. Despite being a notorious outlaw who wreaked havoc, she somehow became a romanticized symbol of the Wild West. She was murdered in 1889 and it remains an unsolved mystery.
Nearby: Eufaula Lake offers plenty of recreational opportunities, making it easy to pair history with outdoor fun.
Access: Requires a short hike to Younger’s Bend on a poorly marked trail. How to find Younger’s Bend.
6. Burial Site of Pawnee Bill & May Lillie – Pawnee
The legendary Wild West showman Pawnee Bill and his sharpshooting wife May Lillie are buried at the Pawnee Bill Ranch. Their mausoleum overlooks the ranch grounds that once hosted thrilling exhibitions of marksmanship, trick riding, and rodeo feats. Their 14 room mansion, still filled with original furnishings and photos, is now a museum that you can tour. Each June, the Ranch hosts Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show to celebrate his and his wife’s legacy.
Tip: Take time to explore the ranch and tour the museum.
Access: The ranch and museum is open for tours; check ahead for seasonal hours.
7. Rodeo Animal Cemetery – National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City
This unique memorial celebrates the often-overlooked stars of rodeo: the animals themselves. In a garden behind the museum, statues and markers honor broncos, bulls, and other rodeo animals.
Access: Can be visited during your admission to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Check visiting hours and tickets.
8. Comecos Cemetery – Granite, Oklahoma
Yeah. So this one is actually a fake cemetery but by now, you could probably use a little lighthearted (dark?) humor. with real granite headstones, Comecos Cemetery is all about creativity and silly puns. No one is actually buried here, but the inscriptions on real granite headstones are good for a giggle, with epitaphs like “I Told You I Was Sick” and “Here Lies John Yeast – Pardon Me for Not Rising.”
Tip: Great for whimsical photos and a lighthearted detour during a southwestern Oklahoma road trip.
Access: Roadside stop at the intersection of W. Mountain and Ada Street.