The Woodlands

The Woodlands is a cemetery spanning 54 acres of rolling hills in West Philadelphia, crisscrossed by winding paths and dotted with stone monuments beneath mature trees. The grounds resemble a park more than a traditional burial ground, with open spaces shaded by old oaks and other native species.

The cemetery opened in 1840 to preserve the Hamilton estate from industrial expansion while creating a new burial ground for Philadelphia. It became an early example of designing cemeteries as natural parks rather than crowded urban grounds.

The grounds serve as a burial place for people who shaped Philadelphia's development, including artists, physicians, and builders whose work left lasting marks on the city. Walking among the monuments, you encounter the names and stories of those who contributed to the region's growth.

The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset and accessible to University City visitors through several entrances around the neighborhood. Well-maintained paths lead throughout the property, though some sections are hilly, so sturdy footwear helps with comfortable walking.

The property maintains seven original English elms and fifteen trees with State Champion status, meaning they rank among the largest known specimens of their species in Pennsylvania. These botanical treasures are scattered throughout the grounds and represent living examples of trees present since the 1800s.