For reasons that we can completely understand, cemeteries aren’t exactly at the top of mind when it comes to planning a day out. While we don’t usually recommend such places in our roundups of must-visit destinations in the city, the historic Glenwood Cemetery in Houston is an exception.
Tucked into a rolling grassy landscape on Washington Avenue, the century-old cemetery resembles more of a park. With its hilly terrain – a rarity for Houston – and overlooking bluffs, the site offers sweeping views of Downtown Houston and Buffalo Bayou.
While a portion of the cemetery features modest early headstones from its early German roots, a large part of the cemetery resembles that of a 19th-century burial ground. Here, visitors are welcome to stroll about and explore the terraced gardens, ornamental iron gates, weeping angels, mausoleums, and monuments.
Since 1871, Glenwood Cemetery has been the final resting place for the honorable men and women responsible for laying the foundation of Houston’s prosperity. Some of those famous Houstonians include George R. Brown, George Hermann, and Ross Sterling. Members of the Rice, Allen, and Cullinan families, whose namesakes you can spot all over the city, are also buried at this prestigious site.
One of the most prominent individuals laid to rest here is Howard R. Hughes Jr. Famously portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the Martin Scorcese-directed film The Aviator, Hughes was renowned for his contributions to aviation, business, and filmmaking. His gravesite is a popular attraction at Glenwood Cemetery. The site is distinguished by a semi-circular arrangement of soaring arches, a design crafted by a former dean of the Rice University School of Architecture.
For a small fee of $100,000 – up to $1 million – you can plot down among Houston’s elite in Glenwood Cemetery. Or you can, you know, just go for a visit.
The historic Glenwood Cemetery is located at 2525 Washington Ave and is open to the public. Whether educating yourselves on Houston’s rich historical background or just taking in the scenery, it’s a place every Houstonian should visit at least once. Also, it’s also known to be haunted so enjoy accordingly.
See also: 10 quirky places in Houston you should visit at least once in your life