Woodlawn Cemetery
A vast, historic cemetery serving as the final resting place for icons, boasting grand mausoleums and significant cultural legacies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, vibrant foliage
Woodlawn Cemetery
Best Time
Pleasant weather, vibrant foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, historic cemetery serving as the final resting place for icons, boasting grand mausoleums and significant cultural legacies.
"Beautiful historic cemetery with many of Detroit’s greats buried there."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Especially in warmer months, stay hydrated as you wander through the cemetery. :droplet:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.1 · 83 reviews
Type
Cemetery
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Miles Davis' Final Resting Place
Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY
Pay respects to the legendary jazz innovator. His grave is a pilgrimage site for music lovers.
Aretha Franklin's Mausoleum
Woodlawn Cemetery, Detroit, MI
Visit the Queen of Soul's final resting place, a significant landmark for music history enthusiasts.
Rosa Parks Chapel
Woodlawn Cemetery, Detroit, MI
A poignant tribute to the civil rights icon, offering a moment of reflection and historical significance.
Historic Mausoleums and Monuments
Various sections
Marvel at the intricate architecture and artistry of grand mausoleums and unique monuments, showcasing Detroit's rich history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Woodlawn's Grandeur
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Especially in warmer months, stay hydrated as you wander through the cemetery. :droplet:
Get a Map
The office can provide maps and lists of notable individuals to help you navigate. :world_map:
Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of ongoing services and private memorials. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Especially in warmer months, stay hydrated as you wander through the cemetery. :droplet:
Get a Map
The office can provide maps and lists of notable individuals to help you navigate. :world_map:
Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of ongoing services and private memorials. :camerawithflash:
Check for Tours
Guided tours offer fascinating historical context and stories. 🚶
Consider the Weather
Dress in layers as weather can change, and some areas may be exposed. ☁️
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Woodlawn Cemetery is a beautiful, historic site with significant cultural figures, but some visitors note signs of decay and maintenance issues. While staff like Dave, Chelle, and Rudy Jerry receive praise for exceptional customer service, others have experienced frustration with upkeep, such as damaged grave decorations and lack of immediate assistance. Recent renovations and improved road paving suggest a positive shift towards restoration.
"Woodlawn is still a beautiful cemetery but the signs of decay are there. They are little things now but before long they will be glaring ulcers in this formerly idyllic location. I've been visiting family here for over thirty years. My in-laws, my ex husband who I love still, and now my precious son. In April (a full month) after the scheduled spring clean up, I tried to put a bouquet on my son's grave. I had been told I could get cones from the office and when I went there it was full of boxes. Presumably one of them had cones in it. I waited quite a while for the receptionist to be able to find a packing list. Then after about 20 minutes I decided to go across the street to find one. I ended up having to drive to a florist several miles down Woodward. At any rate I was able to place the bouquet in the cone between my son's marker and his father's marker. Mind there is only about 6 inches between them. When I returned about two weeks later the bouquet I placed at my mother in laws headstone was there but the one on my son's was not. Instead I found tiny pieces all over the area and the metal rod that had been stuck in the ground. I was broken hearted. The lawn mowers would have had to run right over the two grave markers. I just could not believe it. When I went to the office to ask about the mowers I was told it was a hired company and not done by the cemetery! If I hire someone to work on my property they certainly should be answerable to me. I was then offered a form to fill out. I presumed (perhaps wrongly) the form was to allow my reimbursement for the cone. As I thought about it later after I'd stopped crying, it occurred to me that it might be to complain about the mowers. However, I was not given any information just the offer of a form and being in the state I was... Neither was I ever contacted by anyone after. This past Sunday I was at the cemetery again and I placed a fresh bouquet on my mother in laws grave and as my son had a birthday Tuesday I planned to come back then. Meanwhile I walked around the area and was surprised to see tiny pieces of the American flag all over the ground. I had my camera and decided to photograph some of the mausoleums on the grounds and drove through some of the older parts of the cemetery. It was sad to see more flags on the ground chewed up by mowers along with fabric flowers and trash. I walked and drove like this for about an hour taking about 100 photos. Hoses attached to spigots that apparently will no longer be turned on. I had been warned by my sister-in -law and carried my own water into the place. And then I came upon a tour. I can only imagine what the guide was saying. "This was once one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the state.""
Rose Norton
"Dave at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit was an extraordinary person that went beyond the call of duty to help find a long lost relative.
He took it upon himself to look up some information in a data bank and clear and clean the gravesite for my uncle. He followed up by sending a picture of the headstone. Great to have worked with him!
Super great guy! This man knows customer service and relation relationship building.
Jim Yogurtian"
Jim Yogurtian
"I just want to give a huge thank you to Chelle for being such a great help to me during my visit. She was so kind, patient, and knowledgeable. She truly made a difficult moment feel a little easier. Her compassion and professionalism didn’t go unnoticed, and I’m so grateful for the support she gave."
A'Niya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit is accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the area. It's located near safe neighborhoods like Palmer Woods and Sherwood Forest, making daytime visits generally safe.
Yes, Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx is a living landmark and accessible to visitors. It's recognized for its historical significance and natural beauty, with many notable figures buried there.
Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit is situated near some of the safest neighborhoods in the city, including Palmer Woods and Sherwood Forest, making it a secure area for daytime visits.
Yes, driving through Woodlawn Cemetery is a common way to explore its vast grounds and see the impressive mausoleums and monuments.
Woodlawn Cemetery has multiple entrances. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most convenient entrance based on your planned route or specific section you wish to visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, Woodlawn Cemetery is open to the public for visitation without requiring tickets for general entry. However, specific events or guided tours may have associated fees.
Opening hours can vary, especially for administrative offices versus grounds access. It's best to check the official Woodlawn Cemetery website for the most current hours of operation for both the grounds and any visitor centers.
General admission to Woodlawn Cemetery is typically free, allowing visitors to explore the grounds and appreciate its historical significance. Fees may apply for special events or guided tours.
Woodlawn Cemetery is generally open during daylight hours. Visiting after dark is usually not permitted for safety and security reasons. Always confirm operating hours before your visit.
Visitors are expected to be respectful of the grounds and the individuals interred there. Restrictions may apply to certain areas, photography during services, or the types of items left at gravesites.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the resting places of Miles Davis (Bronx), Aretha Franklin and Rosa Parks (Detroit), as well as the impressive collection of historic mausoleums and monuments. The cemetery is also known for its 'NYC Great Trees'. 
Yes, Woodlawn Cemetery is generally considered safe to visit during the day, especially in Detroit, as it's located near secure neighborhoods. Visitors are advised to remain respectful and aware of their surroundings.
Photography is generally allowed in Woodlawn Cemetery, but it's important to be respectful. Avoid photographing private memorials or during funeral services. Some areas might have specific photography guidelines.
Yes, guided tours are often available at Woodlawn Cemetery, offering in-depth historical insights and stories about the notable figures buried there. Check their official website for schedules and booking information.
Woodlawn Cemetery is a significant historical landmark, serving as the final resting place for many influential figures in music, civil rights, and politics. It's a 'living landmark of American history' with a rich past.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Woodlawn Cemetery itself does not typically have dining facilities. Visitors are advised to plan for meals before or after their visit, as there are no restaurants or cafes within the cemetery grounds.
Bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic is usually permitted in designated areas, but it's essential to be tidy and dispose of all trash properly to maintain the cemetery's respectful atmosphere.
The Bronx area surrounding Woodlawn Cemetery offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants, catering to diverse tastes and budgets.
Yes, the areas surrounding Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, particularly near Palmer Woods and Sherwood Forest, have various dining establishments to choose from.
Picnicking is generally allowed in Woodlawn Cemetery, provided visitors are respectful of the grounds and other visitors. It's a peaceful place for a quiet meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand mausoleums, intricate monuments, and the natural beauty of the grounds, especially during fall foliage, offer excellent photographic opportunities. The 'NYC Great Trees' are also a popular subject.
While photography is generally permitted, it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography during services or private moments. Some specific areas might have signage regarding photography limitations.
A versatile camera with a good lens is recommended. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of mausoleums, while a telephoto can be useful for details on monuments. A tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions, but check cemetery rules.
Yes, photographing the graves of famous individuals like Miles Davis or Aretha Franklin is common, as these are points of interest for many visitors. Always maintain a respectful distance and demeanor. +1
Drone usage is typically prohibited in cemeteries to ensure the peace and privacy of visitors and the sanctity of the grounds. Always check the cemetery's official policy regarding drones before your visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit