Trip ideas while visiting Buffalo in New York
Forest Lawn Cemetery stands as one of the most significant historic cemeteries in the United States, founded in 1849 by Charles E. Clarke as the first deliberately landscaped green space in Western New York. The 269-acre cemetery was designed to serve as both a burial ground and a public park, embodying the Victorian-era belief that cemeteries could be places of beauty, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Unlike traditional burial grounds, Forest Lawn was conceived with curving drives, reflective lakes, and carefully arranged natural scenery that would invite visitors to experience nature while honoring the dead. This innovative approach influenced the development of rural cemeteries throughout the region and established a new standard for memorial landscapes in America.
The cemetery holds the graves of numerous prominent Americans, including President William McKinley, assassinated during his 1901 visit to Buffalo for the Pan-American Exposition. McKinley’s tomb, topped by a bronze statue, remains one of the most visited sites within the grounds. Other notable interments include Jacob Schoendoerffer, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Civil War, and several leaders from Buffalo’s industrial golden age. The architectural diversity found throughout Forest Lawn reflects the changing tastes and values of American society from the mid-19th century through the early 20th century, making it a living museum of memorial art and design.
The landscape features an extraordinary collection of Victorian mausoleums, elaborate sculpture, and architecturally significant monuments that showcase the craftsmanship of another era. McKinley Memorial stands as the most prominent landmark, drawing visitors who come to pay respects to the fallen president. The Great Mausoleum anchors the central portion of the cemetery with its classical design and grand scale, while smaller family monuments display intricate carvings depicting military service, religious imagery, and allegorical figures representing grief, hope, and eternity. The reflective lakes and winding drives create a meditative atmosphere that encourages quiet exploration along tree-lined paths.
The cemetery’s natural beauty changes with each season, from spring blossoms to autumn foliage to the stark elegance of winter snow covering the statues. Visitors can see wildlife including swans and waterfowl that inhabit the several ponds scattered throughout the grounds. The Gates of Heaven monument and several elaborate gatehouses demonstrate the aesthetic ambitions of Buffalo’s founding families, who commissioned works from the finest artisans of their day. Docent-led tours available during warmer months offer deeper insights into specific monuments, notable residents, and the cultural history embedded in every corner of this remarkable landscape.
Forest Lawn functions as one of Buffalo’s most treasured green spaces, offering visitors a peaceful environment for walking, reflection, and connection with history. The paved driving tour route provides easy access throughout the grounds, while miles of secondary paths invite pedestrian exploration. Bird watchers frequent the cemetery to observe various species that nest in the mature trees and waterside habitats. Photography enthusiasts find endless subjects in the interplay of light, shadow, and historic stonework that changes throughout the day. The cemetery’s design reflects Frederick Law Olmsted’s principles of naturalistic landscape architecture, sharing aesthetic roots with Central Park in New York City.
The cemetery is open daily from dawn until dusk, with the most pleasant visiting conditions occurring from April through October. Spring brings flowering trees and early blooms that transform the landscape into a colorful display, while autumn offers stunning foliage against the bronze and granite monuments. Summer visitors should bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes, as shade is limited in some sections. Winter visits offer a stark, dramatic beauty but some pathways may be icy or difficult to navigate. Parking is available at the main entrance on Delaware Avenue, and maps are available at the administrative office for self-guided exploration. Visitors interested in specific historical topics may want to contact the cemetery association in advance to arrange specialized tours or access to records. Photography is permitted throughout the property, though visitors should be respectful of any memorial services or mourning families they may encounter.