As we were wrapping up our day and driving home, we passed by the entrance of Laurel Hill Cemetery and my sister suggested we pull in because she had heard a lot about its beauty. The cemetery is absolutely sprawling and seems to have no obvious borders defining where it begins and ends. I loved taking in the sights of the intricate an ornate grave markers, but also of the wildlife that meander around Laurel Hill Cemetery. I would definitely be interested in returning during a future visit and even taking a tour to learn more about the cemetery's origins and history. read more

So this is my first cemetery review! I cannot say I would normally add this to my list of places to check out. But, considering the view, the amount of historical individuals taking residence here, and the movie funeral scenes (Rocky Balboa, Creed, Transformers, etc.)...I say if you're in the area, it's a must see! Check their site for events. read more

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I've always been drawn to cemeteries. I think it's because of the pleasant memories I have from childhood- my grandparents would tend the family plots, and my sister and I would pretend the mausoleums were castles, and the bird baths were soup tureens. This place lives up to the hype, filled with unique grave markers deep history, perched on a hilltop along the river. We drove into the cemetery, parked along the road and then spent a beautiful afternoon wandering around. Highly recommend. read more

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At Laurel Hill Cemetery, there are some beautiful mausoleums to see. Millionaire's row is grand. While walking, I saw some birds here, including hawks and blue jays. Service is great here, they found us and made sure we found our way back out all right before closing. read more

So that happened. Never thought I would be coming to a cemetery for a guided tour, but our book club chose a book detailing the titanic and we came here for a three-hour tour which showed where some of the attendees from the titanic were buried. The cemetery itself is a sight to be seen. With some of the biggest mausoleums I have ever seen. Definitely some massively rich people being buried here. Highly recommend you come here for a tour of the facility, also the Laurel Hill Cemetery has a book club you can sign up to be a part of if you are interested. As always people SYOY!!! read more

In all my years visiting Laurel Hill, it took the Age of Corona for me to finally review this gem situated on the banks of the Schuykill River. We've been coming here for years, ever since the NMA was a wee one, for family events like their annual Halloween event for families (he loved hunting for puzzle pieces and making pumpkins), for movies in the park (perfect place to see Young Frankenstein), and for peaceful exploration of the many gravestones and monuments. If you want to be pretty confident of social distancing while hiking, go to a cemetery. This is the ultimate place where MYOB is the norm, where people go to be left be with their thoughts and memories. So, on a sunny afternoon, one of those days where it seems there couldn't possibly be a novel virus ransacking the world, off I went for some peace and serenity. The cemetery is in two parts, connected by a pedestrian and vehicle bridge, and do take the time if you can to check out both if you can. There are some truly stunning sculptures, monuments and gravestones, along with landscaping and fabulous views of the Schuykill River. There are some serious hills, too. I definitely got some good cardio! The Friends of Laurel Hill provide free maps - please make a donation if you can - and in non Corona times offer events, tours, and a gift shop. Remember at the end of the day all of these monuments are tributes to loved ones, be respectful. Oh, and in the Age of Corona, there are no public restrooms, so plan your trip accordingly. read more

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My family has been trying to think of things to do that don't involve large crowds, but still involve some outdoor activity during the pandemic, so we thought Laurel Hill would be very interesting. We've driven by so many times and could see the large headstones and mausoleums from Kelly Drive and always wondered what they looked like up close, so it was very cool to walk around for a couple hours. The cemetery itself is very large and seemingly easy to get lost. They do apparently have and app that is said to provide some historical background and facts based on red markers, but I honestly couldn't get the app to work. Such a shame because I love history. We stumbled upon Harry Kalas's final resting place (100% by accident seeing as I couldn't get the app to work) as well as Millionaires Row while we wandered around aimlessly. People were (respectfully) having picnics and strolling the grounds. Such a lovely and peaceful place to have your final rest considering much of the grounds overlook the Schuylkill River. A lot of the graves were from the 1800s which is both fascinating and eerie when you think about it. read more

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We went to The Dead Milkmen at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Well organized since this has been going on for quite some time. Beverages were very well priced and volunteers working were friendly and polite. Plenty of porta potties that were clean and well maintained. I will definitely be checking out other events at Laurel Hill. I recommend this beautiful historic site that is full of history and beauty. read more

I met a historian who told me about this cemetery and she really picked my interest. I have been to other cemeteries, and never really appreciated the historical importance, but I was somewhat enlightened. So, I was in the area, why not visit? The drive from downtown Philly to here is pretty cool, let me put that out there. The area itself is strange and quiet, but this cemetery has some goodies that make up for the weirdness. One thing I really liked, for example, was to be able to drive my car over a bridge into another part of the cemetery. That was cool. Also, that other part of the cemetery is really cool and more private. I got to chill in the far end, no one bothering, you are on the top of the hill, it is a very surreal moment. Now, not the prettiest cemetery, sorry guys (they are all dead, anyway), but still pretty cool and free to visit. read more

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This is a hard review to write. If I could properly portion the rating, I would give the cemetery itself 5 stars (beauty, history, art, location) and the majority of the staff who deals with the public one star. Let me explain. After visiting Laurel Hill Cemetery on a whim around Hallowe'en for one of their Soul Crawls in October of 2015, I was so impressed with what was offered, I became a member the next day. At that time, Nick McAllister was the executive director of the Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery. (Sadly, he has since moved on...) Nick was instrumental in starting Graveyard Getaways. The Getaways were bus trips to historic cemeteries in the tri-state area. They were absolutely fantastic. I know they were a lot of work behind the scenes but Nick always made everything look and feel effortless. He was kind, funny, friendly, knowledgeable, down to earth and accomodating. He treated all the participants on the tours-young, old and in between-with equal concern and bonhomie and he remembered everyone's name. A day visiting a historic cemetery (Green-Wood) in Brooklyn was as good and refreshing as a week's vacation thanks to all of his work and planning. The programs he was instrumental in arranging were not geared for the 20 to 30 something set-they were aimed at everyone. Unfortunately I can't say anything charitable or praiseworthy about the support staff. On one tour, I asked one of the female staff members a question about the cemetery we were visiting. She looked directly at me and then walked away. HUH?! I wasn't rude or obnoxious, nor had I interrupted her from conversation with anyone else. Same with early morning boarding for the bus trips. Participants met early at Laurel Hill's gift shop for breakfast snacks, prior to populating the tour bus. I saw elderly members ignored by staff and experienced again the same treatment myself from the clique-ish "Friends." I attended a Soul Crawl with a friend who was new to Laurel Hill. When we checked in, Nick happily greeted both of us. One of the "Friends," sitting there with Nick, who had been on every Graveyard Getaway I attended, turned her face away from me when I said hello to her by name. WTF?! On another tour of the Laurel Hill Cemetery grounds, the "guide" was too lazy to walk up and down the rolling terrain of the place so as she gave her spiel, she repeatedly said, "Oh, there's a place of interest up that hill (or over there, 500 yards away), but I'm not in the mood to walk that far so you can all check it out on your own." Really? Nick left for another position in late 2019, several months before the pandemic. The "Friends of Laurel Hill" staff discontinued the Graveyard Getaways and any events they planned were strictly geared for a young adult demographic. Sure, I believe and agree that museums and historic places should reach out and offer events and activities that appeal to ALL age groups, but this was no longer happening at Laurel Hill Cemetery. I decided not to renew my membership. As a result, I started getting emails from one of the "Friends," saying she was "concerned" about me and wanted to know how I was feeling. To me, this was a phony, cheap shot at keeping the membership money (not just mine-this kind of communication probably went to everyone on the mailing list) coming in and nothing else. I have yet to renew and probably never will. By all means put this glorious Victorian art park/cemetery on your places to visit list. It is beautiful and serene in all 4 seasons and the views of the Schuylkill are breathtaking. You do not need a membership or any kind of permission to spend a day here, picnicing, sketching, photographing or just walking among the historic and peaceful dead. read more

Very nice large cemetery, beautifully kept. Went for the Paulie and Adrian grave sites featured in Rocky Balboa. They are located immediately left of the entrance by the fence. Very cool place! Great value! read more

Laurel Hill Cemetery is one of those classic Philly outdoor landmark destinations that I have known about and wanted to visit for decades. After all, with it featuring events like classic horror show movie viewings, and concerts from the likes of The Dead Milkmen how, how could it not be?! But for the past few years my attempts to visit it, and the East Falls area as a whole, have come up short. That all changed when a friend had called and mentioned going to an oddities themed craft market on a Saturday, and it provided me with a suitable preview of what one of Philly's most historic cemeteries has to offer! With Laurel Hill featuring events like a circus sideshow, a Hearse Car Show, and concerts from local bands who befit the cemertery backdrop (in a good way); Laurel Hill know how to bring in some great events that match perfectly with their setting. And the oddities market was no exception as it featured dark and macabre artworks, taxidermied bats and insects, urban myth inspired literature, zombie and steampunk themed toys, and more.Add in outdoor beers, good bbq from a smoke truck, and the chance to explore the cemetery grounds, and it was easily one of the better craft markets that I've been too. And bonus points go to being able to people watch those who were dressed in gothic and vampire finery! But fantastic events aren't the only reason to go to Laurel Hill, as its the historic burial ground of revolutionary and civil war heros, great families of Philadelphia's past, and even Phillies announcing legend Harry Kalas. As you've gathered from the detailed photos I've added, its immaculate outdoor grounds also plays home to plenty of beautiful angel statues, memorial grounds, and more. And this makes it the perfect landmark for a walkthrough and guided tour! read more

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My daughter and found Mr Charles Vancant the first recorded shark attack death on the east coast in 1916. This Cemetery is nothing but history and beauty. Four films like transformers along with Law and Order were filmed there. The staff is super nice but no public bathrooms. People were walking around and having lunch in this large beauty that even has a millionaires row. If you like history and enjoy a good cemetery I can not recommend this place enough read more

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Wonderful visit to this cemetery where many of the east coast movers and shakers of the 19th and 20th centuries are interred. If you are a history lover just seeing the graves and monuments will get your heart aflutter. Walking around you see incredibly beautiful sculptures and it's nice to marvel at these rare horticultural specimens. You are within the city limits but you would be hard pressed to believe this. Birds happily fly about. Butterflies alight onto bushes and the trees provide shade and a feeling of being in a huge beautiful park. As day turned into night and we awaited the viewing of the movie for Cinema in the Cemetery night we were treated to the sounds of crickets and cicadas. If you get a chance to go at dusk walk to the west side to watch the sun set. It was beautiful. We were lucky to visit this historical gem in the city. read more

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I really can't say enough about this place. It is incredibly beautiful and the events they have are so unique and interesting. Everyone is very friendly. I have completed the R.I.P. 5K here the last two years which for the fee includes the goodie bag and unlimited free beer and snacks at the end. Everyone dresses up for the run, through the grounds, which is so much fun!! Recently, I also did the Soul Crawl flashlight tour which was so informative, spooky, and fun at the same time! At the end was cider and snacks. Other activities include lectures, tours, yoga, music, etc. And all their proceeds goes towards preserving this historical landmark. Well worth it. read more

Beautiful cemetery! Overlooking the river, great place to jog through on your way down to Kelly dr. I walk my dogs through there evaluate the time. Do not fear that this is disrespectful in any way. If you read the mission statement for the cemetery, it says that it was created for a recreational area, back in the day families would even picnic there! Very cool place! Just two months ago I found Adrian Balboa's head stone! I'm going to look up more cool head stones. read more

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I've saved my 666th review for something spook-tacular. Tina T. told me about this fa-boo-lous nighttime walking tour: The Cemetery's annual Halloween flashlight tour. I was sold, and we went on a chilly October night. The Cemetery: - Free entry. - Free parking. - Intersting giftshop. - Some of the burials in the cemetery include: 1) Harry Kalas: Phillies announcer. 2) Thomas McKean: Statesman, jurist, and signer of the Declaration of Independence. 3) and the fictional character Adrian Balboa, Rocky's wife gravestone. The tour: - Very informative, mix of history and fun. - About 2 hours; depends on the guide. - Tickets sell out fast, buy yours in advance. I missed few events because they were sold out. - For the night tours, don't forget to bring your flashlights. P.S: As many people, I didn't need a real scare this past October. But let's not talk politics. Five Yelps. read more

Very cool place to visit and watch beautiful sunsets. Interesting place to experience a wide variety of programming and performances. Don't miss the mausoleums and the beautiful big trees. read more

It is a complete travesty that something this amazing has 6, count em SIX reviews! What is wrong with you people?? Talk about underrated and undervalued. Lucky #7 it is. It comes to no surprise that recovering goth chicks like me gravitate toward a good cemetery. Can you blame me? How can one pass up the opportunity to drape yourself over a stone, clad in greasy, black eyeliner? And it really does say Robert Smith. I dai. Anyway, Laurel Hill is this huge cemetery perched on a hilltop overlooking the Schuylkill River. The view is breath taking and if you go at the right time of year, the photo opportunities are ENDLESS. Historically you will see dates as far as the 1700's on some of the stones we saw. Old school, classic, Victorian. This is just one of those things that you need to see for yourself in order to take it all in. One of the best I have seen in the world, bar none. read more

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Though not as Gothic and dramatic as Père Lachaise in Paris (the only other historic graveyard I've visited), Laurel Hill Cemetery makes for an interesting diversion on a pretty day. In the sunshine, this historic burial ground is not so much scary as park-like. Stop in the gift shop to grab a mapped guide and find the red markers that correspond to the free cell-phone tour. This aural enhancement to your walk around the oldest part of Laurel Hill elaborates on important individuals buried here, from nurses felled by the yellow fever epidemic to a whole platoon's worth of Civil War Generals. A plaque at the entrance notes Laurel Hill has been designated a National Historic Landmark, because it is both massive, really old and represents major periods of American architecture in its array of monuments. Pensive Victorian angels, winged faces, draped urns and broken columns mark the resting place of the deceased, each with their own specific meaning. A more recent celebrity buried here is Harry Kalas, longtime and much-loved announcer for the Phillies. His microphone-sculpted grave marker overlooks Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River, where you are free to enjoy a packed lunch, take in the beatific scenery and ponder your own eventual epitaph. read more

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This may sound creepy, but I love running through Laurel Hill Cemetery. There are so many cool mausoleums and grave sites that I discover something new every time I visit. I generally run through it about twice a week and often visit Harry Ks monument, saying a little prayer for the hapless Phillies. Someday that may be helpful, but no dice as of yet. Views of Philadelphia and the Schuylkill River from the top, above Kelly drive, are amazing and well worth a visit any time of year. Near the main gate is the grave of Rocky's fictional wife Adrian Balboa. As I exit, I often yell A-a-a-a-a-a-d-r-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-a-a-a-a-a-a-n-n-n-n-n and get strange looks from other visitors. read more

Laurel Hill Cemetery - The Harry K memorial, a destination for any phillies fan - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Enjoyed a nice walk in this beautiful, well kept historical landmark. Very romantic cemetery. read more

Laurel Hill Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Went for the first ever tour for special/memorable monuments which showcased about 15 spectacular sites. Jerry was our tour guide and was very knowledgable of the grounds, history, monuments. The tour was $10/$12 for students/adults and about two hours on a Sunday. Tour ends back at the office with cookies, coffee, juice, beer or wine! Yeah!! Definitely a great way to spend a couple of hours. read more

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One doesn't dare insult the resting place of the dead. Besides, there's no place I'd rather wander than a national historic treasure nestled in rolling hills on the banks of a wide river. It was a gorgeous late winter/almost spring day, blue sky and sunshine illuminated the lovely mausoleums with their white facades and made the stained glass windows glitter like jewels. I downloaded the app which was quite interesting but we opted to flit about the aged tombstones dating back to the mid 1800's in reverent and relative silence. The statues, the obelisks, the many stones etched in love and faded by time and Mother Nature drew us in. Reading the names of the long ago dearly departed, wandering beneath skeletal trees that were only just budding and marveling at the size and scope of the cemetery. It was a welcome respite from the often littered, concrete encased, cramped city of Philly. One could easily imagine how magnificent it was as a pastoral rural place to lay a person to rest. You don't have to be macabre to enjoy the beauty and history of this cemetery. read more

I've been dying (har har har) to get to Laurel Hill Cemetery for years, and a spooky evening of "Tales from the Tombs" enticed me to finally get over to East Falls for some Halloween fun. I highly recommend buying tickets in advance if there's a particular event you want to attend. I checked-in on Yelp and a friend commented that tickets were sold out by the time she went to purchase. Parking is available for free in the lots across the street, which are cemetery property. Our tour started right on time and we were guided by flashlight to several tombs where actors told us the real-life stories of some incredibly interesting Philadelphians. We did experience a small hiccup when our group was left without a guide after the last story, and we all sort of stood around for ten minutes before making our way back to the entrance. There was a table where you could buy refreshments and my husband and I enjoyed some spiked cider by one of the firepits. Bathrooms are available on site and they were clean and well-stocked. I loved this fun and different night out and would definitely go back for another event sometime. read more

Beautiful place with beautiful events. Walking among the beautiful architecture I actually forgot it was a cemetary. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the beauty of the place and forget it is a morbid place! I was there for a play but can't wait to go back! read more

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Being both a history nerd AND a glutton for terrifying punishment, I decided to make my first ever visit to Laurel Hill via their Haunted History Tour. Our tour guide, while lacking spooky qualities, was in fact oozing with knowledge about the cemetery's rich history. If you've ever nearly gotten into a car accident while driving on 76 because you were distracted by the steep green hills, & enormous white monuments that go on forever across the Schuylkill--- you should really stop eyeballing the place so recklessly, and pay LHC a visit. (Be sure to say 'Hi' to Harry Kalas while you're there!) It's gorgeous, seemingly endless, spooky, and has a lot of interesting historical significance for Philly. I'll definitely be back in the daytime for a better look! read more

Lovely huge cemetery perched high above the Schulykill River. We walked for about 2 hours and covered only about half of it. Use the free audio tours online for stories about interesting people buried, or not buried, there. Lots of tall trees for shade on a hot day. read more

I attended a memorial day event here in 2016 which had a General Meade theme. The picturesque views of the river and the skyline from up atop the hill here are amazing. It is a very quiet respite. One highlight you'll see is the Harry Kalas gravestone, which is an engraved microphone! There are also civil war generals from both sides along a paved path. The mini museum and gift store offer the community a glimpse into our nation's history. I highly recommend a visit. read more

A historic cemetery with a lot of history. Friendly staff who can help finding people. They know where all the bodies are buried. This place is huge and it's easy to get lost. The office is older and very vintage. The gift shop is a bit creepy. read more

This WONDERFUL place is more than just a cemetery. It is a sculpture garden set in a beautiful landscape. It's a great place to take walks on nice days. I often walk along Kelly Drive and use the entrance there to enter Laurel Hill. It has added a nice change of pace to my exercise routine. The views of the river are excellent from up here. This is a Victorian relic which has remained virtually the same since the 1800's. Its mesmerizing and awe inspiring to meander through the stones and monuments. You see what these people left behind to memorialize them long after they are gone! Great care and attention was taken to each and every plot. It may seem a little odd to walk through a cemetery, but this is one to see. Not to mention there are many historical and influential people of this time period buried here. I would definitely recommend seeing this great place. Oh yeah and Transformers 2 was shot here. I thought that was pretty cool too :) read more

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Laurel Hill is truly one of Philadelphia's hidden treasures. If you have not visited, put it on your bucket list. In addition to being beautiful, it is perhaps one of the most historically interesting places to visit. Laurel Hill's permanent residents include many famous and noted individuals and their graves and mausoleums are stunning. For architectural buffs, this is a total must see. In addition, the nonprofit that runs Laurel Hill, presents an amazing variety of incredible programs. A great way to spend a day. read more

I love to travel but I'm totally guilty of not taking advantage of the amazing things my own city has to offer! Laurel hill cemetery is one of those places. I felt like I was stepping into another time and place when I passed the gates inside. I did the "pints and plots" Oktoberfest tour but I'd love to come back for a regular tour or any of the other cool events that this location has to offer. read more

Laurel Hill Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I've been dying (hahaha!) to get into Laurel Hill for some time now, and finally made it for the Soul Crawl last week. It was every bit as super cool as I thought it would be! For someone who enjoys the macabre, art, and history like myself, it doesn't get any better than this. Every grave has a story to tell, and our lovely tour guide really told them well. The detail and craftsmanship of the monuments are really indicative of a bygone era. Visiting laurel hill, you really feel like you're traveling through time. After the Soul Crawl we enjoyed hot apple cider and cookies by a bonfire...nice touch! I am definitely planning on visiting in the daylight and taking a self-guided tour. Very cool place to visit for those with a morbid curiosity! read more

Beautiful place to drive through, the grounds are very well taken care of and the scenery and river overlook are amazing. Do the cell phone tour... it's interesting to hear. Stop by Adrian Balboa's grave too... I never knew Rocky was a true story. The lady in the information office wasn't very friendly or informative, but we didn't really need anything from her so she wasn't detrimental to our trip. read more

A very old and old-fashioned early 19th-century burial ground with a distinctly romantic Victorian feel and just a slight hint of decay. For fans of famous internments, there aren't a huge number but the ones in the "moderately famous" category are interesting. I spent some time trying to find Sarah Josepha Hale, the influential editor of the Philadelphia-based "Godey's Lady's Book" for half a century. She also wrote the words to "Mary Had a Little Lamb." I think they've been amping up their offerings of public events in recent years and I hope they succeed. My only interactions with staff were fine but not substantially pleasant. A worthwhile cemetery for wandering, musing, photography, or touring. read more

Laurel Hill Cemetery - Entrance gate - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Absolutely beautiful grounds I often overlooked heading down (OK speeding down) Kelly Drive. Took advantage of this past weekend's "What's Out There" free tours throughout the city, and tour guide Tom could not have been cooler or more informative. The tour was timed perfectly (just under 90 minutes), though I will have to go back a couple of more times to even cover the land the cemetery occupies. Though many "inhabitants" are unknown outside of Philadelphia history there are a few recent notables, including Harry Kala's beautiful space overlooking the river. Also ... not to disappoint the previous reviewer but Rocky is not a true story and Adrian Balboa's "grave" is a movie prop Laurel Hill kept. They should probably advertise it's existence though, since people will seem to go anywhere for some memorabilia. I will definitely be back to visit. read more

Laurel Hill is an absolutely pristine cemetery. Graves predating the Civil War inspire awe at their faded engravings - the sun and Earthly elemental havoc leaves not even the dead at peace. These bleached tombstones offer a somber, but perhaps exhilarating, reminder that life is fleeting and our time romping the Earth is transient. Interwoven among bountiful family plots are palatial mausoleums. The ever curious explorer might find herself peering into the broken stained glass to catch a glimpse of the principle sarcophagus at the helm of the home. And the views from the top of the hill are absolutely astonishing: the Schuylkill rushes below and cars zoom along the drive. But somehow Laurel Hill remains serene, removed from the din of City life. Whether you're here for a picnic, a jog or to visit a loved one, Laurel Hill offers none of the macabre ambiance of a Poe novella, but rather the aerial, almost blithe, essence of a Whitman poem. read more

A Phila landmark not to be missed. Who'd a thunk you could get all excited about a cemetery?? Not me. I'm not into that kinda thing, seriously. But I've been up here 3 times and can't wait to bring our next visiting friend from out of town up here. It's BEAUTIFUL. Incredible history, great walking tour that you can use very easily through your cell phone, it's peaceful and quiet and has one of the best views in Philly. If you can get here in spring...bring your camera, it's breathtaking!!! read more

Laurel Hill Cemetery - Laurel Hill in Spring - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

LOVE this place! Not only is it free but it's also historic, beautiful and creepy. A great spot to take photos for fun. Also, they always have random events to help raise money for the cemetery- Dinner and ghost stories amongst the graves... Yes please! read more