Laurel Hill East, The Wilmington Metropolitan Area Travel Guide

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Explore Philadelphia's historic Laurel Hill East: a serene cemetery, accredited arboretum, and cultural landmark offering tours, events, and stunning landscapes.

Laurel Hill East, founded in 1836, is a 74-acre historic cemetery and accredited arboretum in Philadelphia's East Falls neighborhood. As the second major rural cemetery in the U.S., it offers a serene landscape with winding paths, grand monuments, and diverse trees, serving as a final resting place for prominent figures and a cultural destination for visitors.

A brief summary to Laurel Hill East

3822 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, Allegheny West, Pennsylvania, 19132, US
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Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Laurel Hill East.

Check the Laurel Hill website for upcoming events, including themed tours, concerts, and workshops.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
Pick up a free map at the Gatehouse or Central Gate entrances to navigate the cemetery's winding paths.
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, but be respectful of those who are grieving.
Note that parking inside the cemetery may be limited due to construction; free street parking is available nearby.

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Explore Laurel Hill East on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Laurel Hill East, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Center City Philadelphia, take SEPTA bus route 61 (Ridge Avenue Line) from any stop on 9th Street between Walnut and Arch. Get off at the Clearfield Street stop, directly across from the cemetery gatehouse. Alternatively, take any bus, subway, or El line that crosses Allegheny Avenue, then transfer to the Route 60 bus. The Route 60 will take you to Ridge Avenue, from where the cemetery gatehouse is a short one-block walk southward. A one-way bus fare is $2.50.
Walking

From the intersection of Kelly Drive and Hunting Park Avenue, there is a pedestrian entrance to Laurel Hill East. Follow the path into the cemetery grounds. Be aware that the walk from this entrance to the main gatehouse is considerable, and involves walking on paved roads with some inclines.
Driving

From I-76, take exit 341 for Ridge Avenue toward Allegheny Avenue. Continue on Ridge Avenue, and the cemetery will be on your left. Note that parking inside the cemetery at the Ridge Avenue entrance is temporarily suspended due to construction. Free on-street parking is available on nearby streets, such as West Indiana Avenue, Shedwick Street, and 35th Street. Parking along Ridge Avenue is discouraged.

Discover more about Laurel Hill East

Laurel Hill East, also known as Laurel Hill Cemetery, is a captivating blend of history, horticulture, and art. Established in 1836, it marked the beginning of the rural cemetery movement, offering a peaceful alternative to overcrowded urban burial grounds. Designed by John Notman, the 74-acre site features a "Gardenesque" landscape with winding paths and stunning views of the Schuylkill River.Beyond its function as a cemetery, Laurel Hill East is an accredited arboretum, boasting over 6,000 trees and shrubs representing 700 species. This diverse collection enhances the cemetery's beauty and provides a tranquil setting for exploration. Visitors can discover the final resting places of notable figures, including Thomas McKean, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Matthias Baldwin, founder of Baldwin Locomotive Works. The cemetery also holds the remains of Civil War generals and victims of the Titanic.Laurel Hill East is more than just a burial ground; it's a cultural and historical landmark. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and became the first cemetery in the U.S. to be designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998. Visitors can explore the grounds on their own or take a guided tour to learn about the cemetery's history and the stories of those interred within its gates. The cemetery also hosts events such as concerts, yoga classes, and walking tours. For movie buffs, the tombstones of Adrian Balboa and Paulie Pennino from the Rocky movies are located near the main gatehouse.