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Oakwood Cemetery

4.5
·49 reviews·Syracuse, United States

A historic and serene cemetery in Syracuse, offering a peaceful escape, rich history, and unique photographic opportunities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Like a Tiny House

Oakwood Cemetery

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic and serene cemetery in Syracuse, offering a peaceful escape, rich history, and unique photographic opportunities.

4.5
(49 reviews)

"Best hike you can get in Syracuse! Especially if you want to exercise not only your body but your curiosity."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Vast grounds require lots of walking. Explore historical sections and enjoy the scenery.

🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map

Essential for navigating the large grounds and finding specific points of interest.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 49 reviews

Type

Cemetery

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Haggerty Lion

Haggerty Lion

Oakwood Cemetery

A striking lion statue guarding a tomb, this iconic sculpture is a must-see for its artistry and somber presence.

TikTok
Robert Garrow's Grave

Robert Garrow's Grave

Section 68, Lot 203

The final resting place of notorious serial killer Robert Garrow, a point of morbid curiosity for some visitors.

Reddit
Historic Headstones

Historic Headstones

Various sections

Discover intricate and aged headstones, some dating back centuries, offering a glimpse into the past.

Instagram
Susan Clementine Hancock's Grave

Susan Clementine Hancock's Grave

Hidden section

A poignant, almost hidden grave, often overlooked but holding a story of sorrow.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Exploration

Oakwood Cemetery is a place of remembrance. While it's a popular spot for history buffs and photographers, remember to tread respectfully. Many visitors enjoy quiet walks and historical discovery, but be mindful of ongoing services or private family moments. TikTokInstagram

Navigating the Grounds

Oakwood Cemetery is extensive, with sections impacted by past infrastructure projects like Interstate-81. Some areas may show signs of decay, while newer paths offer easier access. Consider a map to navigate efficiently and discover its hidden gems. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Beautiful fall foliage
Crowd
Medium
When
During organized tours
Why
Learn history from experts
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A man was shot and killed after an argument broke out during his nephew's funeral service in Richmond on Wednesday afternoon, police say. The shooting was reported at about 2:40 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery off Nine Mile Road in East Richmond. First responders found a man down on the ground with a gunshot wound. He was taken to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. We are following this st...
@cbs6_rva
29.6K likes • 457.6K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Vast grounds require lots of walking. Explore historical sections and enjoy the scenery. Reddit

🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map

Essential for navigating the large grounds and finding specific points of interest. Reddit

We have a camera up in Oakwood #Cemetery to catch vandals. Instead we spotted this individual spreading holiday cheer to the spirits in Dec. #fyp 🎷🎄
@syracusehistory
25.6K likes • 114.4K views
Good news for ESF students: there’s now an official path into Oakwood Cemetery from Centennial Hall. Previously, students had created informal footpaths that sometimes mistakenly crossed gravesites. To address this, the owners of Centennial Hall, ESF, and Oakwood Cemetery collaborated to design a proper, respectful pathway, shown here. #syracuse #syracusehistory
syracusehistory
784 likes • 35.8K views

🌳 Look for Pinecones

Cemeteries are great spots for collecting natural items like pinecones for projects. Reddit

📸 Respectful Photography

Capture the beauty, but be mindful of ongoing services and private memorials. TikTok

HAPPENING NOW‼️ One person has been reported to have been shot during a funeral service at Oakwood Cemetery... 📍(East End Richmond) Oakwood Cemetery- 3100 block of Nine Mile rd… 🎥 #Chevy
room804_
1.7K likes • 109.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Vast grounds require lots of walking. Explore historical sections and enjoy the scenery. Reddit

🗺️ Grab a Cemetery Map

Essential for navigating the large grounds and finding specific points of interest. Reddit

🌳 Look for Pinecones

Cemeteries are great spots for collecting natural items like pinecones for projects. Reddit

📸 Respectful Photography

Capture the beauty, but be mindful of ongoing services and private memorials. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore with Curiosity

It's more than a cemetery; it's a historical site with stories waiting to be discovered. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(49 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Oakwood Cemetery is praised as a beautiful and historic place for peaceful walks and historical exploration, offering a serene alternative to busy parks. While some find it a bit eerie, its rich past and unique monuments, like the Haggerty Lion, make it a compelling destination for history buffs and photographers. TikTokReddit

"I love a good tour from HOCPA. Their joy and love for the cemetery always come through. I can't wait for next season!"

Courtney Cross

"The grave site of serial killer Robert Garrow is located at Oakwood cemetery in section 68 A Lot 203 he was active in the 60s and 70s in CNY"

Mike Pesca

"Just the perfect spot when the parks get too busy or any time"

Micheal Krashoff

What People Like

Beautiful historic grounds
Peaceful atmosphere
Interesting headstones

What People Dislike

Eerie feelings
Some areas in decay

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Oakwood Cemetery is accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may also serve the area. For students at ESF, there's now an official path from Centennial Hall. Instagram

Yes, parking is generally available within the cemetery grounds, though it may be limited during peak times or events. TikTok

Depending on your starting point in Syracuse, walking might be feasible. The cemetery is a large area, so be prepared for a significant walk once you arrive. Reddit

A cemetery map is highly recommended to navigate the extensive grounds and locate specific sections or notable graves. Reddit

The original entrance was closed when Interstate-81 was built, affecting access to older sections. Newer, more accessible paths have been established. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Oakwood Cemetery is generally free to enter for visitors interested in walking and exploring its grounds. Reddit

While specific hours can vary, cemeteries are typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check for any posted hours or contact the office if you have a specific time in mind. TikTok

Visiting cemeteries at night is generally not recommended and may be prohibited due to safety concerns and respect for the grounds. TikTok

No, advance ticket booking is not typically required for general visits to Oakwood Cemetery as it's a public space. Reddit

Yes, organized tours are sometimes available, often focusing on history or specific themes. These can provide valuable insights. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Oakwood Cemetery features historic headstones, notable graves like Robert Garrow's, the Haggerty Lion, and offers a beautiful, serene environment for walks and historical exploration. TikTokInstagramReddit

Some visitors report eerie feelings and paranormal activity, contributing to its reputation as a potentially haunted location. TikTokInstagram

Photography is generally permitted, but it's important to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and any ongoing services. TikTok

Yes, Oakwood Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable individuals, including serial killer Robert Garrow and Susanna Dickinson, a survivor of the Battle of the Alamo. InstagramReddit

Many visitors find Oakwood Cemetery to be an excellent place for a hike, combining exercise with historical discovery and scenic views. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no dining facilities within Oakwood Cemetery itself. Visitors typically bring their own snacks or plan to eat before or after their visit. Reddit

The area surrounding Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse offers various restaurants and cafes. You can find options ranging from casual eateries to more formal dining. TikTok

While not explicitly prohibited, picnicking in a cemetery is generally discouraged out of respect for the grounds and its purpose. It's best to enjoy meals outside the cemetery. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Haggerty Lion, historic mausoleums, and intricately carved headstones offer excellent photographic opportunities. The overall atmosphere provides a gothic aesthetic. TikTokInstagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries to ensure the peace and quiet of the grounds and to avoid disturbing visitors or wildlife. It's best to check specific regulations. TikTok

Gothic, historical, and nature photography are popular. The cemetery's atmosphere lends itself well to moody and atmospheric shots. Instagram+1

While general photography is allowed, be mindful of private events, ongoing services, and the respectful nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography. TikTok

Artistic photoshoots may be permitted, but it's advisable to contact the cemetery office beforehand to inquire about any specific guidelines or permissions needed. Instagram

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