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Elmwood Cemetery

4.2
·18 reviews·Norfolk, United States

A historic sanctuary of remembrance, Elmwood Cemetery offers serene beauty, unique memorials, and a deep connection to local history.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful reflection time

CrowdLow
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Elmwood Cemetery - Image 1

Elmwood Cemetery

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful reflection time

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic sanctuary of remembrance, Elmwood Cemetery offers serene beauty, unique memorials, and a deep connection to local history.

4.2
(18 reviews)

"Beautiful and calm place. Great place to walk and clear your head. Super clean and not creepy."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk or Bike the Grounds

Enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride through the scenic paths. Great for clearing your head.

📅 Check for Special Events

Look out for unique tours like 'Girls in the Graveyard' or 'History & Hops'.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 18 reviews

Type

Cemetery

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Children's Headstones

Unique Children's Headstones

Various locations

Discover rare Victorian symbols on children's graves, like delicate shoes, telling poignant stories.

TikTok+1
Circus Graves

Circus Graves

Specific sections

Uncover the eerie tales of circus performers who met tragic ends, with graves reflecting their unique lives.

Instagram
Notable Burials

Notable Burials

Various sections

Explore the final resting places of historical figures, writers, and local pioneers.

Instagram+1
Yellow Fever Victims Mass Grave

Yellow Fever Victims Mass Grave

Specific section

A somber reminder of past epidemics, this mass grave stands as a testament to a difficult chapter in history.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Exploration

Elmwood Cemetery is a place of remembrance. While beautiful for walks, remember it's an active cemetery. Keep noise levels down and stay on designated paths to respect the grounds and those interred here. Reddit

Navigating the Grounds

Some areas can be a bit rugged with dips and puddles, especially after rain. A 4Runner handled it well, but be mindful of your vehicle. Consider bringing a map, though they can be a bit confusing. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful reflection time
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Fall afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather for walks
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#elmwoodcemetery #norfolk #Virginia #cemetery #headstone #History #death #treeswing #treeoflife #accident #child #lifecutshort
@norfolk_graver
2.6K likes • 30.4K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk or Bike the Grounds

Enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride through the scenic paths. Great for clearing your head. Reddit

📅 Check for Special Events

Look out for unique tours like 'Girls in the Graveyard' or 'History & Hops'. Instagram+1

#elmwoodcemetery #Norfolk #Virginia #shoes #socks #cemetery #headstones #headstones #death #sad #child #headstonesymbols #victoriansymbols
@norfolk_graver
699 likes • 3.4K views
If you’re looking to fill up your calendar for spooky season, come to Girls in the Graveyard on Saturday, Oct. 11, for a guided tour of some notable women buried in Elmwood Cemetery. Buy your tickets to Girls in the Graveyard now (before they sell out!) This is an event you DO NOT want to miss! You will be guided on a tour of and hear some incredible stories. There will be drinks, there wil...
media_outlier
0 likes • 1.9K views

🗺️ Grab a Map (if available)

Maps can help, but may be confusing. Office hours can be limited. Reddit

🚗 Mind the Roads

Some roads can be rough with dips. Drive mindfully, especially after rain. Reddit

“Our Little Willie” located in Elmwood Cemetery in Charlotte, NC. The inscription reads: Fell Calmly to Sleep. June 27th A.D. 1856. Aged 1 Year 1 Month and 28 Days. A bud on earth - A flower in Heaven. #grave #cemetery #graveyard #taphophile #cemeterywandering #cemeteryshots #project_necropolis #aj_graveyards #cemeteryphotography #cemeterylovers #cemetery_nation #graveyard_freaks #graveyardph...
agravelady
216 likes • 3.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk or Bike the Grounds

Enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride through the scenic paths. Great for clearing your head. Reddit

📅 Check for Special Events

Look out for unique tours like 'Girls in the Graveyard' or 'History & Hops'. Instagram+1

🗺️ Grab a Map (if available)

Maps can help, but may be confusing. Office hours can be limited. Reddit

🚗 Mind the Roads

Some roads can be rough with dips. Drive mindfully, especially after rain. Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Greenery

It's a beautiful, calm place for picnics and enjoying nature. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(18 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Elmwood Cemetery for its beauty, tranquility, and historical significance. It's seen as a peaceful 'getaway' perfect for walks, picnics, and reflection, with many appreciating the well-kept grounds and unique historical markers. Some note that maps can be confusing and certain areas are a bit rugged, but overall, it's considered a wonderful and reverent place.

"Wonderful & Amazing Reverence by City of NFK regarding Elmwood.

Bike Lanes foster engagement with scenery;

As privacy & Grace are fostered by design
(fencing & facades)"

Matthew Lynch

"Beautiful and calm place. I read in the Virginian Pilot that it was allowed to bike inside so I did. Slowly and quiet. Great place to walk and clear your head. It even has a couple of benches that I am definitely going to use for reading. Super clean and not creepy. I mean for a cementary."

Æn Weltschmerz - Puckett

"We recently discovered that we had some family buried here! This cemetery is just beautiful. It looks decently well kept with the grass trimmed.
I was very thankful that they have a map right by the office for you to look at. The map is a little confusing to read and unfortunately the office was closed so we couldn't really ask for help.

We enjoyed our visit to pay our respects to our family graves that we could find and look forward to going back to find the rest.
It was very peaceful and some of the old headstones were beautiful."

Boo

What People Like

Beautiful and calm atmosphere
Peaceful place for walks
Unique historical headstones

What People Dislike

Confusing maps
Rugged road conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Elmwood Cemetery is located in downtown Norfolk, Virginia TikTok+1 and also has locations in Charlotte, NC Instagram and Birmingham, AL.Instagram Specific directions will depend on your starting point. Public transport options may be available, but driving is common. Check local transit for routes.

Parking is generally available within the cemetery grounds. Be aware that some internal roads can be rough with dips, so drive carefully. Reddit

Yes, biking and walking are encouraged for a peaceful exploration of the grounds. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery and clear your head. Reddit

While many paths are walkable, some areas can be rugged with dips and uneven terrain. It's advisable to check with the cemetery directly for specific accessibility information for certain sections. Reddit

Cemetery hours can vary. It's best to check the official Elmwood Cemetery website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission to Elmwood Cemetery is typically free for walks and personal reflection. However, special guided tours or events may require tickets. Instagram+1

Visiting the grounds for personal reflection or a walk is usually free. Ticket prices apply to specific organized events or tours. Instagram+1

Yes, Elmwood Cemetery often hosts special guided tours focusing on history, notable figures, or themed events like 'Girls in the Graveyard' or 'History & Hops'. Instagram+1

Tickets for special events are usually available for purchase online through the Elmwood Cemetery website or associated ticketing platforms. It's recommended to book in advance as events can sell out. Instagram

The office hours for Elmwood Cemetery can be limited. If you need assistance or information, it's best to call ahead or check their website for the most current operating hours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see beautiful old headstones, unique children's memorials with symbolic carvings,TikTok+1 notable burials of historical figures,Instagram+1 and even specialized graves like those of circus performers Instagram or victims of historical epidemics. Instagram

While it's a cemetery, many visitors find Elmwood Cemetery to be a beautiful, calm, and peaceful place, not creepy. It's well-maintained and offers a serene environment for reflection. Reddit

Yes, Elmwood Cemetery is a great place for a quiet picnic amidst the greenery. It's a peaceful 'getaway' from the city. Reddit

Elmwood Cemetery features unique historical aspects such as rare Victorian symbolism on headstones,TikTok graves of notable figures like Shelby Dade Foote Jr.,Instagram and even stories of circus performers with tragic fates. Instagram

As a large green space, Elmwood Cemetery is likely home to various birds and small urban wildlife. Enjoy the natural surroundings as you explore. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed and encouraged for personal use, especially for capturing the historical headstones and scenic beauty. Reddit

Look for unique headstones, mature trees, and scenic vistas. The children's graves with symbolic carvings TikTok+1 and the 'circus' graves Instagram offer particularly striking photographic opportunities.

While personal photography is usually fine, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always check with cemetery management if you have specific plans. Reddit

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive landscapes, while a macro lens can focus on intricate details of headstones. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most flattering illumination for photography, creating beautiful shadows and highlighting textures. Reddit

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