West Lawn Cemetery
A historic cemetery in Canton, Ohio, featuring beautiful oak trees, intricate gravestones, and notable burials like President McKinley's family and th...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for walks
West Lawn Cemetery
Best Time
Pleasant weather for walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic cemetery in Canton, Ohio, featuring beautiful oak trees, intricate gravestones, and notable burials like President McKinley's family and the NFL founder.
"Beautiful cemetery and well mowed and maintained but horribly marked roads with zero rhyme or reason, and no maps at the cemetery entrance for guidance."
🗺️ Download a Map
Roads can be confusing; download a map beforehand or use GPS to navigate. :iphone:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Tombstones
Throughout the cemetery
Admire intricate stone carvings and weathered monuments, many dating back to the early 1900s.
Presidential Connections
Near President McKinley's family plot
Visit the final resting place of President McKinley's parents and sister, a significant historical marker.
NFL Founder's Grave
Ralph Hay's plot
Pay respects to Ralph Hay, the founder of the NFL, a notable figure in sports history.
Beautiful Oak Trees
Throughout the cemetery
Enjoy the serene atmosphere under the shade of mature, beautiful oak trees.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating West Lawn Cemetery
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Download a Map
Roads can be confusing; download a map beforehand or use GPS to navigate. :iphone:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
🤫 Be Respectful
This is a place of rest. Keep noise levels down and stay on paths. :pray:
📸 Capture the History
Great spot for photography with unique gravestones and mature trees. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Download a Map
Roads can be confusing; download a map beforehand or use GPS to navigate. :iphone:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
🤫 Be Respectful
This is a place of rest. Keep noise levels down and stay on paths. :pray:
📸 Capture the History
Great spot for photography with unique gravestones and mature trees. :camerawithflash:
📅 Check for Tours
Look for guided walking tours for in-depth historical insights. :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise West Lawn Cemetery for its beautiful oak trees, intricate stonework, and rich history, noting it as a peaceful place for a stroll. However, many find the road markings and lack of maps to be a significant drawback, making navigation difficult.
"Beautiful oak trees, beautiful stone work on the graves and tons and I mean tons of history most of the people in here are passed away by the early 1900s and most were close to 100 years old. Oh and PS
FRANKENSTEIN WAS BURIED HERE! 🧟♂️
jkjk but really someone with the same last name was."
Cody Baldwin
"Several notable graves and lots of beautiful tombstones. Good place for a quiet stroll or scenic drive."
Dave R
"Beautiful cemetery and well mowed and maintained but horribly marked roads with zero rhyme or reason, and no maps at the cemetery entrance for guidance.
Example: Sections with no lettering continuity, and what you can find are either illegibly marked, completely smudged lettering, on front side of trees 10 ft up ….back side with no idea of lettering. Frankly a nightmare.
The City of Canton should do better."
Dave Stone
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The West Lawn Cemetery address is often cited as being in Canton, Ohio. For specific directions, it's best to use GPS or a mapping service.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited. Driving is the most common way to reach West Lawn Cemetery.
Yes, there are parking areas available within the cemetery grounds for visitors.
While some cemeteries allow dogs on leashes, it's best to check local regulations. Some Reddit users mention quiet cemeteries for dog walks, but specific rules for West Lawn Cemetery should be verified.
Maps are not always readily available at the entrance, and road markings can be poor. It's recommended to download a map or use GPS to navigate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
West Lawn Cemetery is generally free to enter for visits and walks. Guided tours may have a fee.
Cemetery hours can vary. It's advisable to check for specific operating times, especially if planning a visit close to dusk.
Yes, guided walking tours are sometimes offered, providing historical insights. Reservations are often required.
Visitors are expected to be respectful, stay on paths, and avoid disturbing gravesites. Large groups or disruptive behavior may not be permitted.
Due to poor signage, using a GPS or a pre-downloaded map is recommended. Some online resources might also help locate specific burials.
📸 📸 Photography & History
Absolutely! With its beautiful oak trees, historic tombstones, and notable graves, it's a popular spot for photographers.
Notable burials include President McKinley's parents and sister, and Ralph Hay, the founder of the NFL.
Yes, the graves of President McKinley's family and NFL founder Ralph Hay are significant points of interest.
The cemetery holds a rich history, with many burials dating back to the early 1900s, reflecting the early settlers of Canton and Stark County.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted, but always be mindful and respectful of the surroundings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during a time when there are fewer people to allow children to explore more freely. The presence of notable graves like those of President McKinley's family or the NFL founder can also make history lessons more interesting.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & History Buffs
Seek out the graves of notable figures like President McKinley's family or NFL founder Ralph Hay to connect with significant historical moments.
The cemetery's unique character and historical depth make it a rewarding destination for those who appreciate the past. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring West Lawn Cemetery's History
Among its notable interments are the parents and sister of President William McKinley, a significant draw for history enthusiasts. Additionally, the grave of Ralph Hay, the founder of the National Football League (NFL), is located here, making it a pilgrimage site for sports history buffs.
For those interested in a deeper dive, guided walking tours are sometimes available. These tours, led by archivists, offer detailed narratives about the individuals buried there and the cemetery's own history.
It's an excellent way to uncover stories that might otherwise be missed, transforming a simple visit into an educational experience. Navigating and Experiencing West Lawn Cemetery
The cemetery's natural beauty, however, is a consistent highlight. Visitors praise the presence of beautiful oak trees that provide ample shade, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for a quiet stroll or a scenic drive.
For those seeking a more structured experience, guided tours are an option. These tours can provide valuable context and help visitors appreciate the historical significance of the site.
Regardless of how you choose to explore, wearing comfortable shoes is essential, as you'll likely be doing a fair amount of walking on potentially uneven terrain. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit