1 / 10

Oakdale Cemetery

4.8

·32 reviews·Wilmington, United States

A historic Wilmington landmark, Oakdale Cemetery offers stunning artistry, rich history, and a touch of the paranormal. Explore its serene grounds and...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow

Loading map...

Oakdale Cemetery

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Wilmington landmark, Oakdale Cemetery offers stunning artistry, rich history, and a touch of the paranormal. Explore its serene grounds and discover stories etched in stone.

4.8

(32 reviews)

"Magical space. The haunts will walk along with you, and you'll feel as if history is peeking into the present."

TIP

⏰ Arrive Early!

The cemetery closes at 5 PM. Arrive early to explore fully and avoid getting locked in! :clock1:

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring this large site. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 32 reviews

Type

Cemetery

Address

520 N 15th St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA

Website

oakdalecemetery.org

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Tombstones & Artistry

Throughout the cemetery

Discover stunning, intricate artwork on centuries-old tombstones. A photographer's dream, offering a glimpse into the past.

Lelia Hansell's Vault

Hendersonville, NC (Note: This appears to be a misattribution in the source data, as Oakdale Cemetery is primarily associated with Wilmington, NC. The vault described is likely in a different Oakdale Cemetery.)

An unusual above-ground vault with eerie legends, said to be where Lelia Hansell wanted sunlight to reach her always.

Trunk or Treat Events

Various locations within the cemetery

Experience community events like Trunk or Treat, transforming the historic grounds into a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

Nighttime Ghost Tours

Various sections of the cemetery

Embark on spooky nighttime tours led by local guides, exploring the cemetery's haunted history and paranormal tales.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Oakdale Cemetery is a sprawling historic site. To truly appreciate its beauty and history, plan to arrive early, especially if you want to explore thoroughly before the 5 PM closing. Arriving too late risks missing out on its full charm, as one visitor almost got locked in!

Respectful Exploration

While Oakdale Cemetery is a popular spot for photography and historical exploration, remember it's a place of rest. Some visitors have expressed frustration with how gravesites are maintained or decorated, highlighting the need for sensitivity.

Best Times

When

Early mornings

Why

Beat the crowds and heat

Crowd

Low

When

Late afternoons

Why

Golden hour for photos

Crowd

Medium

When

During special events

Why

Unique festive atmosphere

Crowd

High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#Sunday #cemetery #ghost #friends #adventure #wilmingtonnc @oldsouthernconjure @witchofthewood @sapphire_mystic_beauty @the_communist_cockatoo

@rebekahtheghostguide

31.2K likes • 124.9K views

⏰ Arrive Early!

The cemetery closes at 5 PM. Arrive early to explore fully and avoid getting locked in! :clock1:

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring this large site. :athletic_shoe:

St James Graveyard Orb #ghost #paranormal #unexplained #graveyard #wilmingtonnc

@rebekahtheghostguide

3.7K likes • 48.7K views

The beauty toward evening. #cemetery #historiccemeteries Oakdale, Davenport Iowa

bebe_browns_doll_haul

15 likes • 127 views

📸 Photographer's Paradise

Bring your camera! The stunning artwork and historic stones make it a dream for photographers. :camerawithflash:

👻 Join a Ghost Tour

Experience the cemetery's spooky side with a guided nighttime ghost tour for thrilling tales. 👻

@keyclub trunk or treat at Oakdale cemetery and mortuary

deeboy1977

51 likes • 471 views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏰ Arrive Early!

The cemetery closes at 5 PM. Arrive early to explore fully and avoid getting locked in! :clock1:

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring this large site. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photographer's Paradise

Bring your camera! The stunning artwork and historic stones make it a dream for photographers. :camerawithflash:

👻 Join a Ghost Tour

Experience the cemetery's spooky side with a guided nighttime ghost tour for thrilling tales. 👻

💖 Be Respectful

Remember this is a place of rest. Be mindful of gravesites and the emotions of those visiting loved ones. +1 ❤️

What Travellers Say

4.8

(32 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Oakdale Cemetery to be a very cool, interesting, and magical place, praising its stunning artwork and historical significance. It's described as a photographer's delight and a place where history feels alive. However, some express frustration with maintenance issues and the cemetery's strict closing time, with one visitor nearly getting locked in.

"Very cool and interesting cemetery to visit. We love to see the amazing artwork in these old cemeteries. This one is great. Start your day early because it’s big and closes at 5pm. We almost got locked in. Which would have been cool too lol."

Tim & Beth Tears

"I have been living in the Wilmington area for little over a year. I've heard and read alot about this cemetary and finally made a brief visit there yesterday. I will be going back when have more time to explore and enjoy. Kind of a neat place with lots of history."

Marc Crabtree

"Magical space. The haunts will walk along with you, and you'll feel as if history is peeking into the present. A photographers delight. Check out this Free Wilmington destination!"

Shade Changing Raven

What People Like

Stunning artwork and history

Magical and serene atmosphere

Photographer's paradise

What People Dislike

Maintenance concerns

Strict closing time

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Oakdale Cemetery is located in Wilmington, NC. It's easily accessible by car, and many visitors use GPS navigation. Parking is available on-site.

Information on public transport accessibility can vary. It's best to check local Wilmington transit schedules for routes that may service the area near Oakdale Cemetery.

Use your preferred GPS app and search for 'Oakdale Cemetery, Wilmington, NC'. The cemetery is a significant landmark and usually easy to find.

Yes, there is parking available within the cemetery grounds. However, it can get busy, especially during events.

Absolutely! Oakdale Cemetery is a great addition to a day trip in Wilmington, offering history and unique sights.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Oakdale Cemetery is generally free to enter, making it a popular and accessible destination for visitors.

Oakdale Cemetery typically closes at 5 PM. It's crucial to plan your visit to allow ample time for exploration before closing.

Yes, guided tours, including popular nighttime ghost tours, are often available. Check with local tour operators or the cemetery's official channels for booking information.

The main restriction is the closing time of 5 PM. Visitors are advised to be mindful of this to avoid any issues.

For general visits, no advance ticket booking is usually required as entry is free. However, for special events, booking might be necessary. +1

📸 📸 Photography & History

Oakdale Cemetery is a photographer's delight, featuring stunning artwork on historic tombstones, beautiful trees, and a magical atmosphere.

Established as one of Wilmington's oldest cemeteries, it holds significant historical value, with many notable figures and stories embedded within its grounds.

Oakdale Cemetery is the final resting place for many prominent historical figures from Wilmington and the surrounding region.

Photography of gravesites is generally permitted, but always be respectful. Avoid disturbing any floral arrangements or personal items. +1

You can learn about local history, architectural styles of funerary art, and the lives of past residents through the inscriptions and the cemetery's layout.

🎫 👻 Paranormal & Legends

Yes, Oakdale Cemetery is known for its paranormal lore and is a popular spot for ghost tours, with many visitors reporting eerie experiences. +1

Legends include tales of spirits, unexplained phenomena, and specific historical figures like Lelia Hansell, whose vault has its own folklore. +1

While many visit for the spooky atmosphere, it's important to check cemetery rules regarding independent investigations. Respectful observation is key.

Certain areas, like St. James Graveyard (often associated with Oakdale) and specific historic tombs, are frequently mentioned in paranormal discussions.

Stay calm and respectful. Many visitors find the atmosphere itself to be a powerful experience, whether paranormal or not.

🎫 🎉 Events & Activities

Yes, Oakdale Cemetery hosts various community events, including popular Trunk or Treat gatherings and celebrations of life. +2

It's a festive Halloween event where decorated car trunks offer treats, creating a fun and family-friendly atmosphere within the historic grounds. +2

While not always advertised, the cemetery's rich history makes it a potential venue for educational programs and historical discussions.

Yes, Oakdale Cemetery is a venue for memorial services and celebrations of life, offering a serene and dignified setting.

Events like Trunk or Treat are very family-friendly. During regular visiting hours, it can be a peaceful place for families to learn about history. +1