Oakwood Cemetery
A historic and serene cemetery in Syracuse, offering a peaceful escape, rich history, and unique photographic opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Oakwood Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic and serene cemetery in Syracuse, offering a peaceful escape, rich history, and unique photographic opportunities.
"Best hike you can get in Syracuse! Especially if you want to exercise not only your body but your curiosity."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Vast grounds require lots of walking. Explore historical sections and enjoy the scenery.
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
Essential for navigating the large grounds and finding specific points of interest.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Haggerty Lion
Oakwood Cemetery
A striking lion statue guarding a tomb, this iconic sculpture is a must-see for its artistry and somber presence.
Robert Garrow's Grave
Section 68, Lot 203
The final resting place of notorious serial killer Robert Garrow, a point of morbid curiosity for some visitors.
Historic Headstones
Various sections
Discover intricate and aged headstones, some dating back centuries, offering a glimpse into the past.
Susan Clementine Hancock's Grave
Hidden section
A poignant, almost hidden grave, often overlooked but holding a story of sorrow.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Vast grounds require lots of walking. Explore historical sections and enjoy the scenery.
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
Essential for navigating the large grounds and finding specific points of interest.
🌳 Look for Pinecones
Cemeteries are great spots for collecting natural items like pinecones for projects.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of ongoing services and private memorials.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Vast grounds require lots of walking. Explore historical sections and enjoy the scenery.
🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map
Essential for navigating the large grounds and finding specific points of interest.
🌳 Look for Pinecones
Cemeteries are great spots for collecting natural items like pinecones for projects.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of ongoing services and private memorials.
🚶♀️ Explore with Curiosity
It's more than a cemetery; it's a historical site with stories waiting to be discovered.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oakwood Cemetery is praised as a beautiful and historic place for peaceful walks and historical exploration, offering a serene alternative to busy parks. While some find it a bit eerie, its rich past and unique monuments, like the Haggerty Lion, make it a compelling destination for history buffs and photographers.
"I love a good tour from HOCPA. Their joy and love for the cemetery always come through. I can't wait for next season!"
Courtney Cross
"The grave site of serial killer Robert Garrow is located at Oakwood cemetery in section 68 A Lot 203 he was active in the 60s and 70s in CNY"
Mike Pesca
"Just the perfect spot when the parks get too busy or any time"
Micheal Krashoff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oakwood Cemetery is accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may also serve the area. For students at ESF, there's now an official path from Centennial Hall.
Yes, parking is generally available within the cemetery grounds, though it may be limited during peak times or events.
Depending on your starting point in Syracuse, walking might be feasible. The cemetery is a large area, so be prepared for a significant walk once you arrive.
A cemetery map is highly recommended to navigate the extensive grounds and locate specific sections or notable graves.
The original entrance was closed when Interstate-81 was built, affecting access to older sections. Newer, more accessible paths have been established.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Oakwood Cemetery is generally free to enter for visitors interested in walking and exploring its grounds.
While specific hours can vary, cemeteries are typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check for any posted hours or contact the office if you have a specific time in mind.
Visiting cemeteries at night is generally not recommended and may be prohibited due to safety concerns and respect for the grounds.
No, advance ticket booking is not typically required for general visits to Oakwood Cemetery as it's a public space.
Yes, organized tours are sometimes available, often focusing on history or specific themes. These can provide valuable insights.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Oakwood Cemetery features historic headstones, notable graves like Robert Garrow's, the Haggerty Lion, and offers a beautiful, serene environment for walks and historical exploration.
Some visitors report eerie feelings and paranormal activity, contributing to its reputation as a potentially haunted location.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's important to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and any ongoing services.
Yes, Oakwood Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable individuals, including serial killer Robert Garrow and Susanna Dickinson, a survivor of the Battle of the Alamo.
Many visitors find Oakwood Cemetery to be an excellent place for a hike, combining exercise with historical discovery and scenic views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no dining facilities within Oakwood Cemetery itself. Visitors typically bring their own snacks or plan to eat before or after their visit.
The area surrounding Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse offers various restaurants and cafes. You can find options ranging from casual eateries to more formal dining.
While not explicitly prohibited, picnicking in a cemetery is generally discouraged out of respect for the grounds and its purpose. It's best to enjoy meals outside the cemetery.
📸 📸 Photography
The Haggerty Lion, historic mausoleums, and intricately carved headstones offer excellent photographic opportunities. The overall atmosphere provides a gothic aesthetic.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries to ensure the peace and quiet of the grounds and to avoid disturbing visitors or wildlife. It's best to check specific regulations.
Gothic, historical, and nature photography are popular. The cemetery's atmosphere lends itself well to moody and atmospheric shots.
While general photography is allowed, be mindful of private events, ongoing services, and the respectful nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography.
Artistic photoshoots may be permitted, but it's advisable to contact the cemetery office beforehand to inquire about any specific guidelines or permissions needed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great way to combine a bit of history and a scavenger hunt. Remember to emphasize respectful behavior throughout the visit, explaining that it's a place where people are remembered. Bring comfortable walking shoes for everyone, as the grounds are extensive. While there are no playgrounds, the open spaces and historical markers can spark curiosity. It's a good opportunity to discuss history and the concept of remembrance in a tangible way. Pack water and snacks as there are no facilities on-site.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during dusk or on a cloudy day to enhance the atmospheric mood. While not officially sanctioned ghost tours, the cemetery's inherent eeriness provides ample opportunity for personal exploration and reflection on its darker history. Remember to be discreet and respectful of the site and any ongoing services.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Photographers
Don't miss the iconic Haggerty Lion, a striking sculptural element. For photographers, the gothic aesthetic and the play of light and shadow on aged monuments create dramatic and evocative imagery.
Look for unique inscriptions, weathered textures, and the interplay of nature reclaiming parts of the landscape. Always remember to seek permission if planning extensive photoshoots and be mindful of the solemnity of the location. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History
Many visitors find Oakwood Cemetery to be a surprisingly engaging place for a walk, combining physical activity with intellectual curiosity. The diverse array of headstones, from simple markers to elaborate mausoleums, provides a visual timeline of changing funerary art and social status. The presence of natural elements, like trees and occasional wildlife, adds to the serene yet thought-provoking atmosphere.
The Paranormal and the Peculiar
+1 The stories surrounding some of its inhabitants, like serial killer Robert Garrow, add a layer of dark fascination for some explorers. Beyond the spectral, the cemetery also holds peculiar stories, such as the tale of young Michael and his silent scream at his grandmother's burial.
These narratives, combined with the visual elements of aged monuments and the quiet solitude, create an environment ripe for imaginative exploration. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the cemetery's unique ambiance invites contemplation and perhaps a shiver down the spine. Community and Accessibility
This highlights a commitment to balancing preservation with practical access for local institutions.Furthermore, the cemetery has been a venue for unique community events, such as foraging expeditions led by mycologists, where participants discover edible fungi and wild plants within its grounds before enjoying a shared meal.
These events showcase Oakwood Cemetery as a versatile space that can foster learning and connection, extending its role beyond a traditional burial site. The cemetery also offers a peaceful alternative to crowded parks for those seeking a quiet place for reflection or exercise. 
Social
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