Background

Oak Woods Cemetery: A Chronicle in Stone

Explore Chicago's history at Oak Woods Cemetery, final resting place of notable figures and site of the Confederate Mound.

4.4

Oak Woods Cemetery, established in 1854, is a sprawling 183-acre cemetery on Chicago's South Side, near Lake Michigan. It serves as the final resting place for notable figures like Harold Washington, Ida B. Wells, and Jesse Owens, as well as thousands of Confederate soldiers. Its serene lakes and carefully designed landscape offer a place for reflection and remembrance.

A brief summary to Oak Woods Cemetery

Local tips

  • Pick up a free walking tour map at the cemetery office for a self-guided exploration.
  • Use Findagrave.com and your phone's GPS to locate specific graves of interest.
  • Be respectful of ongoing funeral services and other visitors.
  • Note the cemetery's opening hours, which vary slightly between standard time and daylight saving time.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Chicago, the Metra Electric Line offers a convenient route. Take the Metra from Van Buren Street Station to the 63rd Street Station. From there, transfer to the CTA bus route 67 or 71, heading east to the cemetery entrance. The total cost for the Metra is $2 - $6, and the bus is $2.25.

  • Walking

    If you are near Jackson Park or the University of Chicago, Oak Woods Cemetery is accessible by foot. From the eastern edge of the University's campus, walk south along Cottage Grove Avenue for approximately 1 mile. The cemetery entrance will be on your left. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Ride Share

    From anywhere in downtown Chicago, a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to Oak Woods Cemetery will cost approximately $24 - $29 and take about 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Be sure to confirm the final price with the driver before you start your trip. The destination address is 1035 E 67th St, Chicago, IL 60637.

Unlock the Best of Oak Woods Cemetery

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Oak Woods Cemetery

Oak Woods Cemetery, chartered in 1853 and established in 1854, is a significant historical landmark on Chicago's South Side. Designed by landscape architect Adolph Strauch, the 183-acre cemetery features a 'landscape-lawn' design, emphasizing open spaces, curving streets, and serene lakes. This creates a unified, park-like atmosphere, inviting contemplation and remembrance. The cemetery is the final resting place for a diverse range of individuals who have shaped American history and culture. Among them are Chicago's first African-American mayor, Harold Washington, civil rights activist Ida B. Wells, Olympic champion Jesse Owens, and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi. The diversity extends to a section for U.S. veterans and a separate Jewish section. Oak Woods is also home to the Confederate Mound, the largest documented mass grave in the Western Hemisphere. It contains the remains of over 4,000 Confederate soldiers who died as prisoners at Camp Douglas during the Civil War. A towering monument, erected in 1895, marks the site, serving as a poignant reminder of the war's human cost. In contrast, near the Confederate Mound, an abolitionist monument stands as a cenotaph to pre-war southerners who opposed slavery. Visitors can explore the cemetery's rich history and urban beauty through self-guided walking tours, using maps available during office hours. The Hyde Park Historical Society provides an interactive directory application for monuments.

Popular Experiences near Oak Woods Cemetery

Popular Hotels near Oak Woods Cemetery

Select Currency