Homewood Cemetery
A serene, historic arboretum cemetery featuring grand mausoleums and the final resting places of Pittsburgh's influential figures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Foggy, atmospheric beauty
Homewood Cemetery
Best Time
Foggy, atmospheric beauty
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, historic arboretum cemetery featuring grand mausoleums and the final resting places of Pittsburgh's influential figures.
"A quiet, reflective green space worth a visit if you’re nearby."
🗺️ Grab a Map
Essential for navigating the large grounds and finding specific plots.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gilded Age Mausoleums
Throughout the cemetery
Marvel at the opulent and architecturally diverse mausoleums of Pittsburgh's industrial titans.
Notable Pittsburghers
Various sections
Discover the final resting places of influential figures like the Heinz and Frick families.
Arboretum Features
Throughout the cemetery
Enjoy a peaceful stroll amidst mature trees and diverse plant species, as the grounds are an accredited arboretum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Grab a Map
Essential for navigating the large grounds and finding specific plots.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.
🌳 Appreciate the Nature
It's an accredited arboretum with beautiful trees and wildlife.
🤫 Be Respectful
It's an active cemetery, so maintain a quiet and reverent demeanor.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Grab a Map
Essential for navigating the large grounds and finding specific plots.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.
🌳 Appreciate the Nature
It's an accredited arboretum with beautiful trees and wildlife.
🤫 Be Respectful
It's an active cemetery, so maintain a quiet and reverent demeanor.
📸 Photography Friendly
Great for atmospheric shots, especially in fog or autumn.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Homewood Cemetery as a serene and beautifully landscaped historic burial ground, perfect for peaceful walks and appreciating local history and art. Its arboretum features and notable graves make it a unique urban green space, though visitors stress the importance of respect for the active cemetery grounds.
"The docent at The Frick suggested a walk here. Another free activity, hooray! Lots of Guilded Age industrialists buried here, among others. Good place for a quiet walk."
Peter Delucchi
"Visited yesterday and was genuinely impressed. Homewood Cemetery is a serene, beautifully landscaped historic burial ground founded in 1878, tucked along South Dallas Ave in Pittsburgh’s East End. The winding drives, mature trees, and striking mausoleums make for a peaceful walk, and the grounds double as an accredited arboretum—lots of interesting species if you like trees. History buffs will appreciate the notable Pittsburghers laid to rest here (look for the Heinz and Frick family plots, among others). It’s very much a place where local history, art, and nature intersect. Please be respectful—this is an active cemetery—and stick to the roads and marked paths. Overall, a quiet, reflective green space worth a visit if you’re nearby"
James Miller
"Beautiful place to slow down in the middle of a big city. Great for walks, bike rides, and wildlife viewing. Each season has something new to offer for young and old. I've been told by birders that it's an excellent location to find a variety of species. I personally enjoy the relatively low light pollution and take my telescope there from time to time."
Megan Lloyd
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Homewood Cemetery is located in Pittsburgh's East End, between Squirrel Hill and Regent Square, accessible via Forbes Avenue. Public transportation options are available, but driving is often more convenient for exploring the grounds.
Yes, there is parking available within the cemetery grounds. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as popular spots can fill up.
Yes, biking is permitted and can be a great way to cover the expansive grounds. Remember to be mindful of pedestrians and maintain a respectful pace.
The main roads are generally paved and accessible, but some of the older paths may be uneven. It's best to stick to the main drives for easier navigation with a wheelchair or stroller.
The winding roads offer scenic routes. Many visitors enjoy exploring the sections with the most elaborate mausoleums. A map is crucial for planning your route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Homewood Cemetery is typically open daily from dawn until dusk. It's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead for any specific holiday hours or closures.
No, admission to Homewood Cemetery is generally free, making it an accessible and popular spot for a quiet walk or historical exploration.
While the cemetery is open until dusk, it is not typically open for nighttime visits. It's an active burial ground, and access is restricted after dark for safety and respect.
While self-guided exploration is common, special events like historical walks with reenactments are sometimes offered and may require booking.
Maps are often available at the main entrance or can be found online through their official website or historical societies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Homewood Cemetery boasts impressive mausoleums of Gilded Age industrialists, the graves of notable Pittsburghers like the Heinz family, and a diverse collection of trees and plants as it's an accredited arboretum.
Yes, birdwatchers consider it an excellent location for spotting a variety of species due to its mature trees and peaceful environment.
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged, especially for capturing the unique architecture and serene atmosphere. However, always be respectful of ongoing services or visitors.
Visitors often seek out the Heinz family mausoleum, the Frick family plots, and the unique crypt designed by Thomas Pursel.
While not a specific feature of Homewood Cemetery, some cemeteries have unique or themed gravestones. For Homewood, focus on the historical figures and grand mausoleums.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings, especially with fog, offer a dramatic and atmospheric setting. Autumn light can also create beautiful scenes with the changing foliage.
Generally, personal photography is permitted. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permission. Always prioritize respect for the site.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the intricate details of the mausoleums, the grand architecture, and the serene, natural landscapes.
Tripods are usually allowed for personal photography, but it's wise to be considerate of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
The combination of historical architecture, mature trees, seasonal foliage, and the peaceful ambiance makes it a highly photogenic location.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, emphasize the importance of respect and quiet behavior. Stick to the main roads and paved paths for easier navigation with strollers or little legs. Consider making it a scavenger hunt to find specific types of monuments or trees. It's a peaceful alternative to more crowded attractions, offering a chance for reflection and discovery in a unique urban green space.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
The cemetery also serves as an outdoor art gallery, showcasing sculptures, intricate stonework, and diverse architectural styles. The arboretum aspect adds another layer of appreciation, with mature trees and carefully curated landscaping contributing to the overall aesthetic. It’s a place where history, art, and nature converge, offering a rich and rewarding visit for the curious explorer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Gilded Age Necropolis
Among the notable figures laid to rest here are members of the Heinz family, renowned for their food empire, and the Frick family, titans of industry and art patrons. The sheer scale and artistry of these family plots highlight the significant impact these individuals had on Pittsburgh and beyond. Beyond the famous names, the cemetery is also a repository of countless stories, with each stone and monument representing a life lived and a legacy left behind.
Beyond the historical figures, Homewood Cemetery is also an accredited arboretum. This means the grounds are meticulously maintained with a wide variety of mature trees and plant species. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk not only among the monuments but also through beautiful natural landscapes, making it a serene escape within the city. The blend of history, art, and nature makes Homewood a uniquely compelling destination.
Navigating and Experiencing Homewood
When exploring, remember that Homewood is an active cemetery. This means maintaining a respectful demeanor is paramount. Stick to the designated roads and marked paths to avoid disturbing the grounds or any visitors who may be paying their respects. Comfortable footwear is also essential, as you'll likely be doing a considerable amount of walking on varied terrain.
For those interested in photography, Homewood offers a wealth of opportunities. The atmospheric conditions, especially during foggy mornings or autumn, can create stunning visuals. The intricate details of the mausoleums and the serene natural beauty provide endless subjects. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid intrusive photography that might disturb others.
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