The Dark Angel sculpture in Oakland Cemetery
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Oakland Cemetery

4.9
·17 reviews·Iowa City, United States

A historic Victorian cemetery in Atlanta, offering serene gardens, stunning architecture, and a glimpse into the city's past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Summer Golden Hour

Serene atmosphere, beautiful light

CrowdLow
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The Dark Angel sculpture in Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery

Best Time

Late Summer Golden Hour

Serene atmosphere, beautiful light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Victorian cemetery in Atlanta, offering serene gardens, stunning architecture, and a glimpse into the city's past.

4.9
(17 reviews)

"It’s amazing how much life there is in this graveyard."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Stroll with Serenity

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and spot wildlife like deer and rabbits. Great for a relaxing walk.

📸 Capture the Beauty

The cemetery is a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.9 · 17 reviews

Type

Cemetery

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Black Angel

The Black Angel

African American Grounds

An iconic, stoic statue offering a poignant and photogenic focal point.

Victorian Gardens

Victorian Gardens

Various sections

Beautifully maintained gardens offering a peaceful escape and a chance to spot wildlife.

Notable Gravesites

Notable Gravesites

Throughout the cemetery

Discover the final resting places of Atlanta's influential figures and historical personalities.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit during the 'golden hour' for stunning photography and a serene atmosphere. Avoid peak times to enjoy the tranquility and wildlife. Check for special events like Illuminate or Halloween tours.

Explore with Purpose

Oakland Cemetery is vast and rich in history. Consider a guided tour or a self-guided option to uncover its stories. Look for specific notable graves or architectural features.

Best Times

When
Late Summer Golden Hour
Why
Serene atmosphere, beautiful light
Crowd
Low
When
Special Event Days
Why
Unique tours and experiences
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Supernatural Happenings In IC

Because I’m rereading ‘It’ and King delves into the unexplained happenings around Derry, does anyone have fun/unexplainable supernatural stories that they’ve encountered here (theirs, a parent, friend, etc)? Any lesser known tall tales? Things in the woods, UFOs, bumps in the…

🚶‍♀️ Stroll with Serenity

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and spot wildlife like deer and rabbits. Great for a relaxing walk. Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

The cemetery is a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour. TikTok

reddit.com

Any outdoor secret places or fun interesting spots that are walkable in the area?

You could visit the Black Angel in Oakland cemetery [https://www.iowa-city.org/weblink/0/doc/1481292/Electronic.aspx](https://www.iowa-city.org/weblink/0/doc/1481292/Electronic.aspx) Herbert Hoover Presidential Library/Museum in West Branch is actually pretty interesting…

reddit.com

Abandoned/Haunted Iowa City/IC area?

i know of a few places that are definitely creepy, like Pappy Dickens Nature Reserve in Iowa City. i’m just trying to find some more, i’m a photographer, and i love exploring. anything would be super helpful!

👻 Spooky Night Tours

Consider a ghost tour for a thrilling and historical perspective. TikTok

🗺️ Self-Guided Exploration

Grab a map or use an app to discover hidden gems and famous residents. Reddit

reddit.com

Date ideas near iowa city

Hello, I’m looking to take someone on a date and need some ideas on an activity to do. I already have the dinner planned, just not sure on what else to do. Anything with 45 minutes should be fine.

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Stroll with Serenity

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and spot wildlife like deer and rabbits. Great for a relaxing walk. Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

The cemetery is a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour. TikTok

👻 Spooky Night Tours

Consider a ghost tour for a thrilling and historical perspective. TikTok

🗺️ Self-Guided Exploration

Grab a map or use an app to discover hidden gems and famous residents. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(17 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Oakland Cemetery for its serene beauty, well-maintained grounds, and the surprising amount of wildlife. It's a peaceful escape offering a rich historical experience and excellent photographic opportunities. Some visitors note that while the Black Angel is a focal point, it's not necessarily a 'haunted' experience.

"It’s amazing how much life there is in this graveyard. We saw a stoic-looking grey cat who has a skinny tail, two families of deer, numerous birds and rabbits and squirrels, and people taking a stroll with their dogs. Late summer golden hour in this place is so serene"

m g

"The Oakland Black Angel didn't do anything, LOL, not haunted at all! 👌👌👌"

J R

"Peaceful and serene place to be laid to rest--the black angel is fabulous."

H H

What People Like

Peaceful and serene atmosphere
Abundant wildlife sightings
Beautiful Victorian architecture

What People Dislike

Some find ghost stories exaggerated

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Oakland Cemetery is located at 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312. It's accessible by car, and ride-sharing services are a convenient option. Public transportation options are also available via MARTA bus routes. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available on-site. Visitors can find parking areas within the cemetery grounds. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during special events, as parking can fill up. TikTok

Oakland Cemetery is quite large. You can opt for a self-guided tour using a map available at the entrance or online. Guided tours are also highly recommended for a deeper understanding of its history and notable residents. Reddit

Depending on your starting point in Atlanta, walking might be an option. It's a beautiful area, and walking allows you to appreciate the surroundings. Check your route beforehand for feasibility. Reddit

While many main paths are paved, some areas may have uneven terrain. It's best to check with the cemetery directly for specific accessibility information regarding tours and areas. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Oakland Cemetery is typically open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM. However, hours can vary for special events and holidays. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

General admission to Oakland Cemetery is free. However, tickets are required for special events such as guided tours, the 'Illuminate' light show, and Halloween tours. Reddit

The cost of tours varies depending on the type. General guided tours and specialized tours like ghost tours or history tours will have different pricing. Check the Oakland Cemetery website for current ticket prices and booking information. TikTok

Yes, you can find graves at Oakland Cemetery. They have records available, and many visitors use online resources like 'Find a Grave' to locate specific individuals. The cemetery staff can also assist with record inquiries. Reddit

Discounts may be available for certain groups or during specific promotions. It's recommended to check the Oakland Cemetery website or contact them directly to inquire about any available discounts for tours or events. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged at Oakland Cemetery. It's a popular spot for photographers due to its beautiful architecture, gardens, and serene atmosphere. TikTok

While personal photography is welcome, commercial photography or large-scale photo shoots may require special permits. Always be respectful of the grounds and other visitors. Instagram

The 'golden hour' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offers the most beautiful, soft light for photography. Early mornings are also great for fewer crowds and potential wildlife sightings. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries to ensure the peace and quiet of the grounds and for safety reasons. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by the cemetery. Reddit

The Black Angel statue, the Victorian-era mausoleums, the ornate headstones, and the beautifully landscaped gardens are all highly photogenic. Don't miss the chance to capture the wildlife too! TikTok

🎫 👻 Haunted History

Oakland Cemetery is known for its rich history and has a reputation for being haunted, with many visitors reporting eerie experiences. Ghost tours are popular for those seeking a thrill. Reddit

Stories often revolve around spectral figures, unexplained sounds, and a general sense of unease in certain areas. The 'Oakland Black Angel' is a focal point for many paranormal discussions, though some find it not haunted. TikTok

Yes, Oakland Cemetery frequently offers 'haunted tours' or 'ghost tours,' especially around Halloween. These tours delve into the cemetery's darker history and folklore. TikTok

Nighttime, particularly during October for Halloween-themed events, is when the cemetery's haunted reputation is most actively explored. Guided ghost tours are the best way to experience this. Reddit

Generally, the cemetery closes at dusk. Exploring on your own after dark is not permitted and would likely be considered trespassing. Stick to official night tours for a safe and authorized experience. Instagram

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