The Woodlands is a historic cemetery and arboretum at 4000 Woodland Ave in West Philadelphia. Its paths pass stately mausoleums, old trees and graves with small Victorian-style gardens, including the volunteer-tended cradle graves. You can walk the grounds, picnic respectfully among the headstones or look for notable local residents such as members of the Drexel family and artist Rembrandt Peale. A map helps with navigation: the older section has a spiral layout, and individual grave markers can be difficult to find.
A cemetery with garden paths
The Woodlands is a 19th-century cemetery in West Philadelphia, designed by William Hamilton with English-style architecture and landscaping. The grounds cover 54 acres and include stately mausoleums, headstones and vaults among roughly 1,000 living trees. Paths wind through the property, which is also used for walking and running.
The grounds remain an active cemetery. Picnics are allowed without a reservation, but visitors should be mindful of people paying their respects. Groups larger than 10 need to email the site first for permission to use the grounds.
Cradle graves and notable residents
Look for cradle graves, where volunteers maintain small gardens in Victorian-style planters. These planted plots add a distinct detail to the cemetery’s older stone markers.
The Woodlands is the resting place of local figures including members of the Drexel family and artist Rembrandt Peale. One stone building was once the residence of a member of the Hamilton family, not Alexander Hamilton. The author Elizabeth Gilbert also used the site as inspiration for a novel.
Finding your way around
Specific graves can take time to locate. Markers are not always easy to spot, and the oldest section follows a spiral layout. Downloading the map from The Woodlands website can help you plan your walk and navigate the grounds.
Spring brings flowers to the expansive property. The site has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom and parking lot.
Preguntas frecuentes
Can you picnic at The Woodlands?
Yes. Picnics are welcome without a reservation. Groups larger than 10 should email first for permission.
How can I find a specific grave?
Download the map from The Woodlands website. Grave markers can be difficult to locate, especially in the older section, which has a spiral layout.
Is The Woodlands wheelchair accessible?
The site lists a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom and parking lot.
