Explore Strange Places: Stull Cemetery

(Category: North America > United States > Kansas)

Overview

Stull Cemetery is a small, eerie graveyard tucked away in the rural Kansas countryside, infamous for its connection to urban legends about the supernatural. Known as the “Gateway to Hell”, this quiet cemetery has been the subject of ghost stories, chilling myths, and occult rumors for decades. Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast, a folklore fan, or just curious about one of America’s most infamous legends, Stull Cemetery is a unique and spine-tingling destination.

Location

  • Address: Stull Cemetery, 251st St, Stull, KS 66044, USA
  • Coordinates: Latitude: 38.9664° N, Longitude: 95.4524° W
  • Find on Google Maps: View Stull Cemetery on Google Maps
  • Nearest Town: Lawrence, KS (~10 miles away)

Getting There

  • By Car: From Lawrence, take US-40 W to 251st Street. Stull Cemetery is on the left side of the road. Parking is limited.
  • By Air: The closest airport is Kansas City International Airport (MCI), approximately 45 miles northeast.
  • By Train: Amtrak services Lawrence, KS, from where it’s a short drive to Stull.

Know Before You Go

  • Best Time to Visit: Late fall adds an eerie atmosphere, especially around Halloween, when the legend of Stull is most famous. However, the area is patrolled by law enforcement during Halloween to prevent trespassing.
  • Entrance Fees: None, but note that the cemetery is private property, and unauthorized visits are considered trespassing.
  • Permits: No permits are required to visit, but respectful behavior is a must.
  • Safety Tips: Stay on public land; local residents and authorities take trespassing seriously. Watch for uneven terrain in the cemetery.
  • Special Notes: While the stories of ghosts and a “Gateway to Hell” are compelling, visitors should be respectful of the cemetery as it remains an active burial site.

Attractions

  • The Legend of the Gateway to Hell: The main draw of Stull Cemetery is its legend. Stories of Satan appearing here on Halloween and the spring equinox have made it infamous worldwide. Mythical tales of an old tree used as gallows and a hidden staircase to Hell add to the lore.
  • Evangelical Emmanuel Church Ruins: The ruins of this nearby church were long associated with occult rituals and supernatural activity. Though now demolished, it remains central to the legends surrounding Stull.

Gear Up for Stull Cemetery

  • Backpack: A small daypack for essentials like water and snacks.
  • Footwear: Sturdy shoes to navigate uneven ground in the cemetery.
  • Camera: Capture the unique atmosphere, but be mindful of local regulations.
  • Clothing: Dress appropriately for the season and wear layers in colder months.
  • Flashlight: If visiting late in the day, bring a flashlight for safety.

Wildlife and Flora

  • Common Animals: While the legends focus on supernatural beings, local wildlife includes deer, rabbits, and the occasional owl, adding to the eerie ambiance.
  • Plants: Typical Kansas prairie flora surrounds the cemetery, with grasses and wildflowers offering a contrast to its spooky reputation.

Nearby Strange Places

  • Lawrence, KS (~10 miles): Known for its vibrant arts scene and quirky charm, Lawrence offers plenty to explore, including haunted spots like the Eldridge Hotel.
  • Fort Leavenworth (Leavenworth, KS) (~45 miles): A historical military site with its own share of ghost stories and eerie lore.

Gallery

  • Stull Cemetery Gate: A simple entrance that belies the supernatural legends within.
  • Evangelical Emmanuel Church Ruins: (Before demolition) A hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts, now a memory of its chilling past.
  • Quiet Gravestones: Weathered stones stand as silent witnesses to decades of eerie stories.

Leave No Trace

Help preserve the mystique and integrity of Stull Cemetery by following Leave No Trace principles:

  • Respect the Dead: This is still an active burial site for local families.
  • Stay on Public Property: Trespassing on private land is prohibited.
  • Leave it Better: Avoid littering and report any damage or vandalism.

Other Resources

Stull Cemetery is an iconic stop for those fascinated by paranormal lore or urban legends. Whether you’re drawn by the eerie tales of the “Gateway to Hell” or simply curious about the myths that make Stull infamous, this Kansas landmark offers a uniquely haunting experience.