One of the coolest cemeteries in the country – The Showmen’s Rest – is located in the small town of Hugo, Oklahoma. It’s a rectangular section carved out of Mount Olivet Cemetery that is a special resting place for those who dedicated their lives to the circus, including animals. You’ll find some of the most beautiful and unique headstones located in this town that was once known as Circus City, USA.

Showmen’s Rest is a circus-themed cemetery dedicated to circus animals and performers. It’s a section within Mount Olivet Cemetery filled with animal-themed pedestals and gravesites that is open to the public.

Mac Broadway./Google Photos

The town of Hugo was once known as Circus City, USA due to its involvement in the circus world. This one reads, “A Tribute To All Showmen Under God’s Big Top.”

Mac Broadway./Google Photos

You’ll see elephant tributes and statues all around the cemetery.

Jonathan Phillips/Google Photos

The cemetery wants every circus performer to have a final resting place even if they can’t afford it, because “once you’re in the circus, you are family.”

Bekah Hooper/Google Photos

Mount Olivet Cemetery is also the final resting place for rodeo greats Freckles Brown, Lane Frost, Todd Watley, and L. Hammock.

Bekah Hooper/Google Photos

Ed Ansley, better known as Buster Brown, and William H. Darrough - the founder of Hugo are also laid to rest next to the circus performers.

Oklahoma Street Preachers/Google Photos

There’s even a bench with a memorial from Mud Show Elephant Man that reads, “Have a Seat on Me.”

Tim the Traveler/Tripadvisor

The cemetery draws in visitors from around the world because of its uniqueness and history…and it’s right here in small-town Hugo, Oklahoma.

Bobby B/Google Photos

Address: East Trice Street & 8th Street, Hugo, OK, 74743

Mac Broadway./Google Photos

Jonathan Phillips/Google Photos

Bekah Hooper/Google Photos

Oklahoma Street Preachers/Google Photos

Tim the Traveler/Tripadvisor

Bobby B/Google Photos

Oklahoma is full of beautiful cemeteries that are a resting place for the deceased; however, we do have several that are haunted and full of paranormal activity. If you’re looking for cemeteries where strange noises, apparitions, unexplainable lights and other spooky stuff has been reported, then check out these 10 graveyards in Oklahoma.

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