
Woodlawn Cemetery & Mausoleum
Historic resting place with notable figures, beautiful grounds, and a rich tapestry of lives and legacies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, vibrant foliage

Woodlawn Cemetery & Mausoleum
Best Time
Pleasant weather, vibrant foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic resting place with notable figures, beautiful grounds, and a rich tapestry of lives and legacies.
"A solemn but lovely experience, perfect for quiet reflection and honoring loved ones."

Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Plan Your Visit
If seeking specific graves, a map or GPS can be helpful.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Miles Davis' Final Resting Place
Bronx, New York
Pay respects to the legendary jazz innovator. His grave is a pilgrimage site for music lovers.

Mark Twain's Memorial
Elmira, New York
Visit the serene plot of the iconic American author. Signs guide you to his final resting place.

Showmen's Rest
Near Chicago
Explore this unique section with circus-themed motifs, honoring those who worked in the entertainment industry.

NYC's Great Trees
Bronx, New York
Discover Woodlawn's eight officially recognized 'Great Trees,' more than any other NYC landscape except Central Park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Plan Your Visit
If seeking specific graves, a map or GPS can be helpful.
Respectful Conduct
Remember this is a place of remembrance. Keep noise levels down.
Check for Events
Woodlawn sometimes hosts informational sessions or tours.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Plan Your Visit
If seeking specific graves, a map or GPS can be helpful.
Respectful Conduct
Remember this is a place of remembrance. Keep noise levels down.
Check for Events
Woodlawn sometimes hosts informational sessions or tours.
Photography Etiquette
Capture the beauty respectfully. Focus on landscapes and historical markers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often describe Woodlawn Cemetery as a well-kept, dignified, and historic resting place. Many appreciate the opportunity to visit the graves of loved ones or notable figures, finding the experience solemn yet lovely. The grounds are frequently praised for their beauty and historical significance.
"Very historic, many relatives buried here"
Tony Thompson
"A very well kept and dignified resting place. My grandparents are buried there."
Rolf Andersen
"A solemn but lovely experience"
Hugo Solano
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Woodlawn Cemetery has multiple locations. The Bronx, New York location is accessible via public transportation, including subway lines. For other locations like Compton, California, or near Chicago, driving is often the most convenient option.
Parking availability can vary by location. It's advisable to check the specific cemetery's website or call ahead. Some locations may have limited street parking or designated visitor lots.
Yes, Woodlawn Cemetery in Compton, California, is a known location. Recent efforts have been made by volunteers to improve its condition.
The Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York, is the final resting place for jazz legends like Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, and Lionel Hampton.
Woodlawn Cemetery in Las Vegas is rumored to be haunted, with tales of paranormal activity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, Woodlawn Cemeteries are open to the public for visitation without requiring tickets. However, specific events or tours might have associated fees.
Opening hours can differ significantly between Woodlawn Cemetery locations. It's best to check the official website for the specific cemetery you plan to visit.
Most Woodlawn Cemeteries do not charge an admission fee for general visitation, as they are active resting places.
Visiting cemeteries after dark is generally discouraged and may be prohibited due to safety and respect for the grounds. Always adhere to posted hours.
Some Woodlawn Cemetery locations, particularly historic ones like the Bronx site, may offer guided tours. Inquire directly with the cemetery for availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Woodlawn Cemeteries offer a rich tapestry of history, art, and nature. You can find notable graves, impressive mausoleums, beautiful landscaping, and historic trees.
Yes, Woodlawn Cemetery provides many opportunities for photography, from grand mausoleums to intricate headstones and natural beauty. Be mindful of respectful subjects.
Several Woodlawn Cemetery locations are rumored to be haunted, including those in Las Vegas and Tampa, often associated with nearby historical events or adjacent cemeteries.
Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx is recognized for its 'Great Trees,' including Japanese Maples and Ginkgos, making it a beautiful spot, especially during fall foliage.
Absolutely. Woodlawn Cemeteries are the final resting places for many famous individuals, including musicians like Miles Davis and authors like Mark Twain.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, cemeteries do not have dining facilities. Visitors are usually advised to eat before or after their visit.
Picnics are generally not permitted in cemeteries to maintain a respectful atmosphere. Water bottles are usually acceptable.
Depending on the location, there are usually restaurants and cafes in the vicinity of Woodlawn Cemeteries. It's best to search for dining options near the specific cemetery you are visiting.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted at Woodlawn Cemetery, but always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid disturbing other visitors or services.
Look for impressive mausoleums, unique headstones, grand trees, and scenic vistas. The 'Showmen's Rest' section offers particularly unique photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in cemeteries to ensure the peace and privacy of the grounds and visitors. Always check cemetery regulations.
While grave portraits exist and are part of the cemetery's history, photographing them should be done with extreme sensitivity and respect for the deceased and their families.
A versatile camera with a good lens for landscapes and details is ideal. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions, but ensure it's used respectfully.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on specific, accessible points of interest, like the graves of famous authors or musicians, to keep children engaged. The 'Showmen's Rest' section, with its unique circus motifs, might also capture their imagination. Ensure children understand that this is a place where people are laid to rest and that respectful conduct is paramount.
🎵 Music Enthusiasts
📚 Literature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Woodlawn Cemeteries
Other Woodlawn Cemeteries, such as the one in Compton, California, have faced challenges with upkeep but are also sites of community importance. Recent volunteer efforts have aimed to restore and maintain these spaces, highlighting their role in local history and memory. The Woodlawn Cemetery in Tampa, Florida, is noted as the city's second oldest, carrying its own unique historical narrative.
These cemeteries often feature impressive mausoleums, intricate sculptures, and beautifully maintained grounds, reflecting the eras in which they were established and the legacies of the individuals interred within. They serve as open-air museums, offering a glimpse into the past and the lives of those who shaped communities.
Exploring the 'Haunted' Reputation
These stories often stem from the inherent solemnity of cemeteries, combined with historical events or the lingering presence of past lives. While some visitors seek out these locations for a thrill, others find the atmosphere to be deeply reflective and poignant. The tales of hauntings, whether factual or folklore, contribute to the mystique and draw of these historic sites.
Nature and Artistry at Woodlawn Cemetery
The grounds themselves are often meticulously landscaped, featuring rolling hills, mature trees, and serene water features. The mausoleums and monuments are works of art, showcasing diverse architectural styles and intricate carvings that tell stories of families and eras. For those interested in landscape architecture, historical art, or simply a peaceful natural setting, Woodlawn Cemetery offers a rich visual experience.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit