Laurel Hill East is a historic cemetery and arboretum at 3822 Ridge Ave in Philadelphia, above the Schuylkill River. Founded in 1836, its rolling grounds combine sculpted monuments, gardens and paths with views toward the river and Strawberry Mansion Bridge. You can walk or jog among the graves, explore the trees and horticultural displays, or join a history tour to learn about people buried here. The cemetery also hosts events, including film screenings, yoga and a 5K. Allow time to wander beyond the main paths to find the riverside overlook.
A rural cemetery planned for visitors
Laurel Hill East opened in 1836, when Philadelphia was growing and its churchyards were becoming overcrowded. It was conceived as a rural cemetery: a landscaped burial ground where people could also walk and spend time in a quieter setting. It was the city’s first rural cemetery and the second of its kind in the United States, after Mount Auburn Cemetery in Boston.
Architect John Notman designed the grounds. Laurel Hill is also noted as the first architect-designed cemetery in the country. Its hills, paths and planting make the landscape part of the visit, alongside the graves and memorials.
Monuments, gardens and notable burials
The cemetery covers 78 acres and contains around 75,000 gravesites. Among those buried here are soldiers, political figures, athletes and prominent Philadelphians. Monuments by well-known artists and architects give the grounds the feel of an outdoor collection of sculpture and funerary architecture.
The arboretum includes more than 700 kinds of trees and shrubs, alongside horticultural display gardens. As you explore, look at how the monuments sit within the planted grounds. Laurel Hill’s paths also make it possible to visit at a slower pace, whether you are walking, jogging or taking a reflective break.
Finding the river overlook
The grounds rise above the Schuylkill River, with views toward Kelley Drive and the Strawberry Mansion Bridge. One overlook sits along the cliffside between Hunting Park Drive and Strawberry Mansion Bridge. Reaching it takes you away from some of the more central paths, so leave time to explore rather than turning the visit into a quick stop.
You can walk the grounds independently or arrange a guided history tour. The cemetery app provides a self-guided walking route. Events add other ways to visit, including film screenings, yoga classes, history programs and the RIP 5K. Check the cemetery’s website for current event details before planning around one.
Perguntas frequentes
How long should you spend at Laurel Hill East?
Set aside 2 to 3 hours to walk the grounds and explore the monuments, gardens and river overlook.
Can you visit Laurel Hill East without a tour?
Yes. You can explore the grounds independently, and the Laurel Hill Cemetery app has a self-guided walking tour. Guided history tours are another option.
What can you see at Laurel Hill East?
The grounds include historic monuments, an arboretum with more than 700 species of trees and shrubs, display gardens and views over the Schuylkill River.
Where can you park for Laurel Hill East?
Nearby street parking is an option. Avoid parking on Ridge Avenue because of the traffic.
