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Plan your visit to this National Historic Landmark

The Woodlands is open 365 days a year from dawn until dusk. The site is owned and managed by two nonprofits, The Woodlands Trust for Historic Preservation and The Woodlands Cemetery Company. In addition to being the largest open green space in West Philadelphia and a historic site, The Woodlands is an active cemetery and visitors bury and visit their loved ones throughout the year.

Here you’ll find information about site hours, rules and safety guidelines, accessibility, directions, and information about gatherings, tours, and permits. Learn about what’s happening on-site during your visit by visiting our events calendar.

SITE HOURS

Gates Are Open from Dawn until Dusk

The gates are closed daily by the University City District (UCD) Safety Ambassadors. If you notice the sun setting or if you see flashing lights on a vehicle, please make your way to the front gates and exit the site.

  • The Woodlands Office Hours are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday

  • The Stable restrooms are open when staff are on-site, during Office Hours, and during public events

  • In the event of an emergency or inclement weather, an announcement will be posted on the website and social media regarding gate closures and anticipated reopening

RULES & SAFETY

“Respect the Living, Respect the Dead”

In order for The Woodlands’ gates to continue to be opened daily, these rules must be followed.
The full list of rules and safety guidelines can be found here.

  • All dogs MUST be on a leash, and the person walking the dog must be holding onto the leash. No exceptions. Owners are required to pick up after their dogs.

  • The running path around the perimeter of the cemetery is for pedestrians only. ALL BIKES are prohibited from using the running path. Bikes may be locked to the bike racks located near the front gates and the stable. Locking or chaining bikes to trees, monuments, or fencing is prohibited.

  • The Woodlands is an active cemetery, with recent burials. Gravestone rubbing is prohibited. Headstone cleaning is to be performed by The Woodlands staff only—no exceptions.

  • Please do not disturb trees, shrubs, and plantings, or pick flowers or foliage! The Grave Gardens at The Woodlands are lovingly tended by over 135+ volunteer grave gardeners.

    Tree-climbing, attaching any straps to trees, using hammocks, and slack-lining is strictly prohibited. Help us protect our 1000+ tree canopy.

  • Please keep all tires off the grass. When parking, please park alongside the curb, allowing for other vehicles to pass. Avoid parking at a turn in the road, or in front of the bollards to maintain emergency vehicle access

ACCESSIBILITY

Committing to greater access

Whether you’re exploring our 54 acres, attending a public program, or a guest at an event, we aim to create a safe and welcoming space. Projects are ongoing to make this historic site more accessible to all visitors. Before attending an event, we recommend checking out our Event Space Accessibility Map, which includes names of event spaces, paved roads, and distances to the ADA restroom.

  • Entering the Cemetery: The gates are located directly across from the 40th Street Trolley Portal. The sidewalks outside The Woodlands are made from historic brick. Please use caution when crossing Woodland Avenue—The Woodlands has been actively advocating for the installation of a crosswalk and other pedestrian safety measures on Woodland Avenue.

  • Cemetery Grounds: The site landscape is made up of two miles of paved roads, as well as brick paths, and grass. There is a 4-inch curb along most roads, and a rubber wedge ramp can be installed for wheelchair access to event areas with advanced notice. 

  • Parking: Parking is available along the paved roads throughout the cemetery and near the Meadow.

  • Restrooms: One ADA restroom is located at the Northeast corner of the Stable. The door is unmarked, and there is a black wedge ramp at the entrance. This restroom is open when staff is on-site and during public events.

  • Hamilton Mansion: There are four steps that lead into the historic Hamilton Mansion from the paved road. A ramp can be installed upon request. Please contact The Woodlands staff if ramp access to the Mansion is needed. Please note: the Mansion is only open by appointment or during certain public events.

If you’d like to speak with staff before your visit to The Woodlands or have any other accessibility concerns, please contact our team at info@woodlandsphila.org or 215-386-2181.

DIRECTIONS

Getting to The Woodlands

The Woodlands is conveniently located at 4000 Woodland Avenue, directly across from the 40th Street Trolley Portal. Cars are welcome to park on site inside the gates unless otherwise noted (check our website and social media for any site closures).

  • Take SEPTA’s Subway-Surface Trolley westbound to 40th and Woodland Avenue on any line except number 10.

  • Take Walnut Street to 38th Street. Turn left on 38th Street. Turn right at the light before the VA Medical Center onto Baltimore Avenue. (Follow remaining directions found under Schuylkill Expressway Eastbound.)

  • Exit 346A, South Street (left lane) and turn left. Continue west past Franklin Field on Spruce Street to 38th Street. Turn left. Turn right at the light before the VA Medical Center onto Baltimore Avenue. Go a half block and take the left fork to Woodland Avenue continuing through a light. The entrance to The Woodlands is on the left across from the SEPTA trolley stop.

  • Exit 346B, University Avenue. Continue on University Avenue to the fourth stoplight. Turn left onto Baltimore Avenue after the VA Medical Center. Go a half block and take the left fork to Woodland Avenue continuing through a light. The entrance to The Woodlands is on the left across from the SEPTA trolley stop.

 

PERMITS & GATHERINGS

Find your perfect setting at The Woodlands

All organized activities at The Woodlands require prior approval and/or permits, including parties, elopements, gatherings greater than 10 people, film and photo shoots, and outdoor classes of any size. Please read on for more information and email events@woodlandsphila.org with any unanswered questions.

RENTALS & GATHERINGS

The Woodlands provides the perfect setting for events, weddings, receptions, cocktail hours, corporate events, staff retreats, birthday parties, and family reunions.

Groups of more than 10 visitors must have prior approval before gathering.

For more information including rates, visit our rentals page and complete an inquiry.

GROUP TOURS

Explore the rich history of The Woodlands through a privately scheduled tour. Group tours are available on weekdays April - October and must be scheduled in advance.

A space to have lunch is available upon request—lunch and refreshments must be coordinated by the Group Liaison.

Learn more about Group Tour options below.

PHOTO & FILM PERMITS

Find the perfect backdrop. The Woodlands requires both a signed Photography Permit and a Certificate of Insurance for all commercial and personal photoshoots.

This includes engagement sessions, student films, and drone footage. Fees may apply.

Before submitting an inquiry, please read our Photo and Film Permit Guidelines.