Green-Wood covers 478 acres of hills, and a trolley is the easiest way to get your bearings on a first visit. The guide introduces residents who shaped the city's culture and science, including soap magnate William Colgate and photography pioneer John Draper, and the ride costs nothing. If you have been meaning to see the cemetery everyone raves about, start with this seat.
What to expect
A narrated, leisurely trolley ride with a few stops, starting from the Gothic Arch gatehouse. You get the landscape in an hour and leave knowing where to wander on foot afterward. The ride passes rolling hills, ponds and Victorian mausoleums, and the guide points out where to find the graves you may want to revisit.
Good to know
- Take the R to 25 St; check-in is at the Gothic Arch at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street.
- The trolley fits up to two wheelchairs, though some stops may be on uneven ground; request accommodations a week ahead.
- Not recommended for children under 10.
- Reserve through Eventbrite; seats are limited and check-in is by name.
- Weather decisions are made about three hours before departure.
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Common questions
Is the Green-Wood trolley tour free?
Yes, the Grave Beginnings trolley tour is free, with reservations through Eventbrite.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The trolley can accommodate up to two wheelchairs; contact Green-Wood at least a week in advance.
Who is buried at Green-Wood?
The tour highlights figures such as Auguste Renouard, William Colgate and John Draper.
