
Elmwood Cemetery
A historic sanctuary of remembrance, Elmwood Cemetery offers serene beauty, unique memorials, and a deep connection to local history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful reflection time

Elmwood Cemetery
Best Time
Peaceful reflection time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic sanctuary of remembrance, Elmwood Cemetery offers serene beauty, unique memorials, and a deep connection to local history.
"Beautiful and calm place. Great place to walk and clear your head. Super clean and not creepy."

🚶♀️ 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'.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 18 reviews
Type
Cemetery
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Children's Headstones
Various locations
Discover rare Victorian symbols on children's graves, like delicate shoes, telling poignant stories.

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

Notable Burials
Various sections
Explore the final resting places of historical figures, writers, and local pioneers.

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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'.
🗺️ Grab a Map (if available)
Maps can help, but may be confusing. Office hours can be limited.
🚗 Mind the Roads
Some roads can be rough with dips. Drive mindfully, especially after rain.
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.
📅 Check for Special Events
Look out for unique tours like 'Girls in the Graveyard' or 'History & Hops'.
🗺️ Grab a Map (if available)
Maps can help, but may be confusing. Office hours can be limited.
🚗 Mind the Roads
Some roads can be rough with dips. Drive mindfully, especially after rain.
🌳 Enjoy the Greenery
It's a beautiful, calm place for picnics and enjoying nature.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Elmwood Cemetery is located in downtown Norfolk, Virginia and also has locations in Charlotte, NC and Birmingham, AL. 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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to Elmwood Cemetery is typically free for walks and personal reflection. However, special guided tours or events may require tickets.
Visiting the grounds for personal reflection or a walk is usually free. Ticket prices apply to specific organized events or tours.
Yes, Elmwood Cemetery often hosts special guided tours focusing on history, notable figures, or themed events like 'Girls in the Graveyard' or 'History & Hops'.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see beautiful old headstones, unique children's memorials with symbolic carvings, notable burials of historical figures, and even specialized graves like those of circus performers or victims of historical epidemics.
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.
Yes, Elmwood Cemetery is a great place for a quiet picnic amidst the greenery. It's a peaceful 'getaway' from the city.
Elmwood Cemetery features unique historical aspects such as rare Victorian symbolism on headstones, graves of notable figures like Shelby Dade Foote Jr., and even stories of circus performers with tragic fates.
As a large green space, Elmwood Cemetery is likely home to various birds and small urban wildlife. Enjoy the natural surroundings as you explore.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged for personal use, especially for capturing the historical headstones and scenic beauty.
Look for unique headstones, mature trees, and scenic vistas. The children's graves with symbolic carvings and the 'circus' graves 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.
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.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most flattering illumination for photography, creating beautiful shadows and highlighting textures.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit