Why this Brooklyn cemetery-turned-arboretum deserves a spot on your weekend list.
You might be wondering, What’s this? She writes about Later Life Living, and now she’s sending us to a cemetery? But hear me out! That’s not the reason at all.
I came across an article a while back on Gardenista—a sourcebook for cultivated living—that introduced me to Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. But Green-Wood is far more than just a cemetery. It’s also a certified arboretum, home to over 500 species of trees.
So, on a beautiful spring day, I decided to explore this exceptional park.
If you’re drawn to nature in the heart of the city and enjoy a good walk—whether you’re into trees, architecture, history, or simply a peaceful green escape—then this weekend tip is for you.
A Peaceful Walk Among Trees and Stories
In the first place it is a cemetery but when visiting or living in a city like New York you sometimes want to escape all the noise. I found it for you.
According to the Green-Wood Guide and map (available at the free entrances) it is a green space, where thousands of species can find food and habitat in an urban environment. The park is in South Brooklyn, specifically between Sunset Park, Windsor Terrace, and Park Slope.
It was about a 50-minute walk from my daughters’ house in Brooklyn to Green-Wood A Hidden Gem in Brooklyn, along the beautiful Brooklyn library and Prospect Park.
The entrances are on 3 sites of the 478 acres big park; Main entrance on 25th Street, Prospect Park West Entrance and Fort Hamilton Park Way Entrance. If you arrive with public transportation just a short walk from the R train at 25th Street or the F/G trains at 15th St–Prospect Park.
My walk started at the Main Entrance; I did not make a specific walk but wanted to get an impression of Green-Wood.
Different types of walks
As just mentioned, I didn’t follow a specific route. There are different options like a Nature Walk, an Art & Architecture Walk, a History Walk, and of course, a Celebrated Tree Walk.
You can explore on your own or join one of the special tours offered throughout the year. Each path reveals a different layer of Green-Wood’s story, whether you’re looking for quiet beauty, artistic inspiration, or fascinating historical figures.
Find a calendar of tours/events here
Many of the main paths are wide and gently sloped, making them accessible for a relaxed stroll. Most walks take about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views. You can pick up a free map at the entrance or download themed walking routes from Green-Wood’s website in advance.
Practical
Location: The park is in South Brooklyn, specifically between Sunset Park, Windsor Terrace, and Park Slope. (Main Entrance: 5th Avenue and 25th Street)
Opening hours: All year round the main entrance is open from 8 am to 5 pm. For extended spring/summer hours: here.
Public Transport: R train at 25th Street or the F/G trains at 15th St–Prospect Park.
Access: the access is free
Attention: jogging, biking and recreational activities are not permitted. (parking available on main entrances). Pets not allowed and be respectful of those visiting the grave sites.
Bonus tips
🌿 Part of NYC’s “Islands of Green”; Green-Wood is one of the city’s large natural sanctuaries, forming part of a network of green spaces that includes Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, perfect for a peaceful day out in nature.
🎨 A Visit to Basquiat; Art lovers take note: Green-Wood is the final resting place of legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. His modest grave draws admirers from all over the world. Other famous people buried on Green-Wood are composer Leonard Bernstein and Relatives of President Theodore Roosevelt.
🐦 Birdsong in the City; Bring your ears! Green-Wood is a birdwatcher’s haven, especially in spring and early summer. With over 150 bird species spotted here, it’s a hidden gem for nature lovers.
📍 Need a Little Help Navigating? Use the Green-Wood mobile map or stop by the main entrance to pick up a printed version. Or, check their website for themed self-guided tours before you go: 🔗 green-wood.com
conclusion
Whether you go for the trees, the history, the art, or simply a quiet moment in nature, Green-Wood offers a surprising and enriching experience in Brooklyn. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.
Looking for more inspiring spots to visit?
Check out my other weekend tips in and around New York City:
Enjoy Green-Wood A Hidden Gem in Brooklyn!
