Woodlawn Cemetery
A vast National Historic Landmark cemetery and arboretum, home to notable figures and stunning mausoleums.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming trees & flowers
Woodlawn Cemetery
Best Time
Blooming trees & flowers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast National Historic Landmark cemetery and arboretum, home to notable figures and stunning mausoleums.
"Magnificent cemetery, well manicured and highly secure, a truly beautiful place to appreciate lives."
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Woodlawn Cemetery is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything.
Grab a Map :world_map:
Essential for navigating the 400 acres and finding specific gravesites. Ask at the office!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Miles Davis's Final Resting Place
Jazz Corner
Pay homage to the legendary jazz trumpeter. His grave is near other musical giants like Duke Ellington.
Architectural Mausoleums
Throughout the cemetery
Marvel at the intricate and grand mausoleums, showcasing unique architectural styles and the legacies of prominent figures.
Arboretum and 'Great Trees'
Throughout the cemetery
Explore a living museum with numerous historic trees, including several recognized as 'NYC Great Trees'.
Showmen's Rest
Near Chicago (specific location varies)
Discover the unique circus-themed section, featuring elephant statues and memorials to the entertainment community.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Vast Grounds
Respectful Visitation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Woodlawn Cemetery is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything.
Grab a Map :world_map:
Essential for navigating the 400 acres and finding specific gravesites. Ask at the office!
Check for Events :calendar:
Special tours or events might be happening, adding another layer to your visit.
Respectful Exploration :dove:
Remember this is a resting place. Be mindful of noise and your surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Woodlawn Cemetery is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything.
Grab a Map :world_map:
Essential for navigating the 400 acres and finding specific gravesites. Ask at the office!
Check for Events :calendar:
Special tours or events might be happening, adding another layer to your visit.
Respectful Exploration :dove:
Remember this is a resting place. Be mindful of noise and your surroundings.
Photography Opportunities :camera_with_flash:
The architecture and landscapes are stunning. Capture the beauty respectfully.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Woodlawn Cemetery for its magnificent beauty, meticulous upkeep, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a scenic and historically rich destination. While many appreciate the arboretum and notable gravesites, some administrative service delays and challenges with site navigation have been noted.
"My maternal family's pots are in Woodlawn. It's truly a magnificent cemetery, well manicured and highly secure. Would appreciate finding map online so people can get to their locations without having to stop off in the office. This would help visitors and ease up on the added workload for the staff."
Irmalinda Desiderio
"I enjoyed visiting Woodlawn Cemetery. I followed the Arboretum trail and viewed some of the notable gravesites. It was interesting, scenic and peaceful."
Raymond Ellis
"Beautiful cemetery where you can appreciate the lives of others. Well maintained walking paths. An assortment of tree species and well cared for grounds. There are fantastic stone pieces large and small. I would love to visit in the spring."
T Corr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Woodlawn Cemetery is accessible by public transportation. The 4 train to Woodlawn station is a common route, followed by a short walk. Some visitors also opt for rideshares or driving, with parking available on-site.
Woodlawn Cemetery is located on the border of the Bronx and Yonkers, New York.
Yes, trolley tours are sometimes available, offering a guided way to see the highlights of the cemetery.
Yes, Woodlawn Cemetery is a designated National Historic Landmark, recognized for its historical and architectural significance.
Many visitors enjoy walking the grounds to appreciate the details, while others prefer guided tours or trolley rides for a more structured experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the cemetery grounds are generally accessible, specific events or tours may have admission fees. It's best to check their official website or inquire at the office.
Operating hours can vary, especially for the administrative office. It's recommended to check the official Woodlawn Cemetery website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
The office may be closed on holidays like Veterans Day, so plan accordingly if you need assistance or a map.
For general visits, advance booking is usually not required. However, for special events or tours, it's advisable to book ahead.
While the grounds are vast, it's important to be aware of closing times to ensure you can exit safely. Always check the official hours.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Woodlawn is the final resting place for many notable figures, including jazz legend Miles Davis, suffragette Alva Belmont, Julliard School founder Augustus Julliard, and silent film actress Olive Thomas.
+1
Some visitors and local lore suggest Woodlawn Cemetery has a haunted reputation, with mentions of spirits connected to nearby cemeteries.
The Arboretum Trail guides visitors through the cemetery's extensive collection of trees and notable gravesites, offering a scenic and peaceful walk.
Yes, public restrooms are available within the cemetery grounds.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's important to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within Woodlawn Cemetery itself. Visitors typically bring their own snacks or plan to eat before or after their visit.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas, but it's always best to confirm specific rules with the cemetery administration to ensure you're following guidelines.
The areas surrounding Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx offer various dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants.
Bringing your own food and drinks is usually permitted for personal consumption during your visit, but please dispose of all trash properly.
Typically, there are no food vendors operating within the cemetery grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand mausoleums, intricate sculptures, and the diverse arboretum offer numerous stunning photographic opportunities.
While photography is generally allowed, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Always be respectful of the environment.
You can photograph gravesites, but always do so with respect. Avoid disturbing the site or capturing personal information without consent.
A camera that handles varied lighting conditions well, from shaded areas to open fields, would be ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the scale of mausoleums.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in cemeteries to ensure safety and respect for visitors and the grounds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to emphasize the importance of respectful behavior and quiet voices throughout the visit. Bringing a picnic to enjoy in a designated area can also make the experience more enjoyable for younger visitors. 🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Spend time admiring the diverse architectural styles of the mausoleums, from grand neoclassical designs to more ornate and unique structures. 🌳 Nature Lovers & Photographers
Spring brings vibrant blooms, while autumn offers a spectacular display of fall foliage. Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture the intricate details of mausoleums, the grandeur of sculptures, and the serene landscapes. Remember to be mindful of lighting conditions and the respectful nature of the site when composing your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Notable Residents and Their Legacies
Beyond the famous names, Woodlawn is home to many individuals whose contributions shaped society. From suffragettes like Alva Belmont to silent film stars like Olive Thomas, each tombstone tells a story of ambition, innovation, and impact.
For those interested in specific communities, Showmen's Rest offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of circus performers, complete with unique elephant statues and memorial monuments.
This section highlights the strong sense of community and legacy among those who dedicated their lives to entertainment. The 'Jazz Corner' is another area of interest, clustering graves of influential musicians. The Arboretum: A Green Sanctuary
It boasts an impressive collection of trees, with several recognized as 'NYC Great Trees' – more than any other NYC landscape except Central Park. During spring, the grounds burst with blooming trees and flowers, creating a serene and picturesque environment. Walking through Woodlawn is like strolling through a meticulously curated botanical garden. The Arboretum Trail guides visitors past a diverse array of species, offering a peaceful escape from the urban bustle.
The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes Woodlawn Cemetery a unique destination for both history buffs and nature lovers. Visitors often remark on the well-maintained walking paths and the overall peaceful atmosphere.
Navigating and Experiencing Woodlawn
While the cemetery is a place of remembrance, it also offers a rich experience for those interested in history, architecture, and nature. Guided tours and trolley rides are available, providing a structured way to learn about the notable figures interred and the cemetery's historical significance.
For those who prefer to explore independently, the Arboretum Trail offers a scenic route through the grounds, highlighting both the impressive tree collection and significant burial sites. Some visitors have noted that administrative services can be slow, particularly regarding orders for memorial items.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit