
Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum
A historic arboretum and resting place, renowned for its stunning monuments, notable burials like the Wright Brothers, and a touch of the paranormal.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, vibrant foliage

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum
Best Time
Pleasant weather, vibrant foliage

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic arboretum and resting place, renowned for its stunning monuments, notable burials like the Wright Brothers, and a touch of the paranormal.
"It's a must-visit for anyone who appreciates history, art, and a beautiful, peaceful setting."

🚗 Drive or Walk?
You can drive through or park and explore on foot. Driving is convenient for reaching specific gravesites. :car:
📱 Scan for History
Look for QR codes on gravesites to access detailed historical info via Life's QR website. :iphone:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Wright Brothers' Final Resting Place
Near the main entrance
Pay homage to aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright at their iconic monument.

Paul Laurence Dunbar's Grave
Near the Wright Brothers
Visit the memorial of the celebrated African American poet and lyricist.

The Haunted Pyramid
John Gunkel's burial site
Discover the unique, 26-foot-tall pyramid monument marking John Gunkel's grave.

Johnny Morehouse and His Dog
Dog's memorial
A touching memorial to a boy and his loyal dog, a popular spot for its poignant story.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Arboretum's Beauty
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive or Walk?
You can drive through or park and explore on foot. Driving is convenient for reaching specific gravesites. :car:
📱 Scan for History
Look for QR codes on gravesites to access detailed historical info via Life's QR website. :iphone:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
The grounds are vast and hilly. Wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photography Hotspot
Perfect for photographers, especially those interested in gothic or senior portraits. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive or Walk?
You can drive through or park and explore on foot. Driving is convenient for reaching specific gravesites. :car:
📱 Scan for History
Look for QR codes on gravesites to access detailed historical info via Life's QR website. :iphone:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
The grounds are vast and hilly. Wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photography Hotspot
Perfect for photographers, especially those interested in gothic or senior portraits. :camerawithflash:
👻 Spooky Vibes
Many visitors report a spooky or haunted atmosphere, especially around certain monuments. :ghost:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum for its stunning beauty, historical significance, and peaceful atmosphere. Many are impressed by the well-maintained grounds and the opportunity to visit the graves of notable figures like the Wright Brothers. While generally positive, some visitors have noted issues with headstone maintenance, though staff have been responsive in resolving these.
"Woodland cemetery is where you will find a variety of famous burial graves. Because of this, it has been designated as a Historic District and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Two of the more well known are the Wright Brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar. You can park at the very beginning right before entering the cemetery and walk around, or you can drive. I drove up to where the Wright Brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar were as they are very close to each other. After I paid my respects to them, I drove around a little bit and stopped at a couple other graves.
The cemetery is well maintained. They did have a notice of construction going on, and there were some road closures due to current ceremonies. Overall, the cemetery is a beautiful place to come to. The entrance has a couple medieval buildings that remind me of a castle and/or church. The first building would be a welcoming center. They were very helpful explaining the sites and best way to go. If you see a QR code sign, scan these for detailed information on that gravesite by Life’s QR website."
Daniel Grove
"Filed under taphophile:
As a taphophile, I can confidently say that Woodland Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio is the most beautiful cemeteries I have visited in America. It is a massive and truly historic site, with over 100,000 burials and the final resting place of the Wright Brothers. The grounds are stunning, featuring dozens of family mausoleums and a remarkable rolling topography with steep hills and a wide variety of trees, making it feel like an outdoor museum. It's a must-visit for anyone who appreciates history, art, and a beautiful, peaceful setting."
John Lastname
"Very well kept cemetery. We purposesly dropped by to visit the grave site of the Wrigth Brothers; however, found so much more historical information about the cemetery and the pioneers of Dayton. Well worth the visit. We will be doing a full blog post and video on our site."
Our Haunted Travels - PANICd
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located in Dayton, Ohio. You can drive directly to the cemetery, and there is parking available near the entrance. Many visitors find it convenient to drive through the grounds to reach specific points of interest.
Information on public transportation options can be limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services for the most direct access to the cemetery. Check local transit schedules for potential routes.
While GPS can get you to the cemetery, navigating to specific graves can be challenging. Using the cemetery map or looking for QR codes on monuments is more effective for locating specific burial sites.
The cemetery may experience temporary road closures due to ongoing ceremonies or construction. It's advisable to check their official website or call ahead for any updates before your visit.
The cemetery has rolling topography with hills, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. While driving through offers some accessibility, extensive walking may be difficult. Inquire about specific accessible routes if needed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is generally free to enter. It's a public space for visiting and remembrance, though donations are often appreciated to help with maintenance.
The cemetery is typically open daily during daylight hours. However, specific hours can vary, and it's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current information.
While official guided tours may not always be available, many visitors explore independently. Some local historical societies or paranormal groups might offer specialized tours.
Yes, special events, ceremonies, or funerals can sometimes lead to restricted access or temporary closures of certain areas. It's wise to be aware of any scheduled events.
No, advance booking is not required for general visits to Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum. You can typically visit anytime during their operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Wright Brothers' monument, Paul Laurence Dunbar's grave, the unique 'haunted' pyramid, and the touching memorial to Johnny Morehouse and his dog. The arboretum itself is also a major draw.
Many visitors report a spooky or haunted atmosphere, with some TikTok videos specifically mentioning paranormal experiences and ghost sightings.
The arboretum features a wide variety of trees and beautiful landscaping, making it a peaceful and visually stunning place to explore beyond the historical gravesites.
Photography and videography are generally permitted, especially for personal use and historical interest. It's a popular spot for photographers, including those doing senior portraits.
Basic facilities may be available, but it's advisable to check with the cemetery administration for specific locations and availability of restrooms or other amenities.
📸 📸 Photography
The ornate mausoleums, intricate sculptures, the Wright Brothers' monument, and the arboretum's natural beauty offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The 'haunted' pyramid is also a unique subject.
Professional photo shoots, like senior pictures, are common. However, it's always a good idea to confirm any specific regulations or permit requirements with cemetery management beforehand.
Visitors often engage in historical photography, nature photography, and even gothic or spooky-themed shoots due to the cemetery's atmosphere.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries to ensure the peace and quiet of the grounds and for the privacy of visitors. It's best to assume drones are not allowed unless explicitly permitted.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography, especially for capturing the architectural details and natural scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & Artists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Museum: The Arboretum
During spring and fall, the arboretum truly shines with vibrant blooms and stunning foliage. Walking or driving through the grounds allows you to appreciate the seasonal changes and the sheer variety of species. It's a testament to the cemetery's commitment to preserving both history and nature, providing a unique dual experience for all who visit.
Echoes of History: Notable Burials
Beyond these well-known individuals, the cemetery holds the graves of many other pioneers and notable citizens of Dayton. Exploring these sites offers a glimpse into the region's rich history and the lives of those who shaped it. The presence of elaborate family mausoleums and unique headstones adds to the historical narrative, making each corner of the cemetery a potential discovery.
The Allure of the Paranormal
Specific sites like the 'haunted pyramid' and the story of Johnny Morehouse and his dog are often cited as particularly eerie. The cemetery's vastness, historical depth, and the presence of numerous monuments can contribute to a sense of mystery and the supernatural for some visitors. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the cemetery's atmosphere certainly lends itself to intriguing tales and explorations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit