Learn about some of Houston’s most notable figures and other former Houstonians while trailing the beautiful walking paths at the historic Glenwood Cemetery.
Amongst the ancient oak trees, beautiful architecture, and winding paths, there’s plenty to explore at this historic and often overlooked city jewel located off Washingon Avenue near Buffalo Bayou Park.
Opened in 1871, the cemetery is notably Houston’s first to be professionally designed and it’s easy to see while walking the beautifully landscaped grounds which feature an array of monuments, sculptures, historical markers, and extravagant architectural structures surrounding the gravesites.
Visitors are often taken aback by the alternative views of their city from this hidden gem, which with its prime location near Buffalo Bayou Park, offers a surprisingly great view of the Houston skyline.
Some of the more well-known figures buried here are Howard Hughes, his friend Gene Tierney, and the 27th Governor of Texas, Mr. William P. Hobby. If you’re a native Houstonian you’re likely to recognize some of the family names in the cemetery from streets and buildings around the city.
Before You Visit
To help with navigating the grounds check out Glenwood Cemetery’s website for a print-out of the cemetery map and list of historical figures buried on the premises. This is helpful when trying to navigate the grounds.
To get the best views, it’s recommended to park along the cemetery roads and explore the interesting tombstones on foot. Be sure to wear walking shoes because the cemetery is much larger than it initially appears.
Glenwood Cemetery
- Location: 2525 Washington Ave. Houston, TX 77007
- Hours: 7am to 5pm daily. When Daylight Savings Time is in effect the gate closing is extended to sunset or 5:30pm, whichever is earlier.
- Parking: Parking is available all along the cemetery roads
- Admission: Free
