Lakewood Cemetery
A vast, beautiful cemetery featuring stunning architecture, tranquil ponds, and unique monuments, serving as an open-air museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Lakewood Cemetery
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, beautiful cemetery featuring stunning architecture, tranquil ponds, and unique monuments, serving as an open-air museum.
"The most impressive cemetery I have ever visited and I have been to quite a few. Spectacular buildings and views."
🗺️ Grab a Map
Essential for navigating the 250 acres and finding specific points of interest like the Ouija tombstone.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on paved paths and grassy areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Memorial Chapel
Historic Memorial Chapel
A stunning Byzantine-style chapel adorned with over 10 million mosaic pieces, inspired by Istanbul's Hagia Sophia.
Reflecting Pond
Central Pond
A serene body of water surrounded by lush greenery, offering peaceful views and a popular spot for events.
+1
Unique Monuments
Throughout the cemetery
Discover elaborate sculptures, grand mausoleums, and historically significant gravestones, including the 'Ouija Tombstone'.
Tiny Tim's Final Resting Place
Specific section (map recommended)
Visit the grave of the famous entertainer Tiny Tim, known for his song 'Tiptoe Through the Tulips'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
+1Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Grab a Map
Essential for navigating the 250 acres and finding specific points of interest like the Ouija tombstone.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on paved paths and grassy areas.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The cemetery is incredibly picturesque, especially in autumn.
🙏 Be Respectful
Remember this is a place of remembrance; be mindful of services and private memorials.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Grab a Map
Essential for navigating the 250 acres and finding specific points of interest like the Ouija tombstone.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on paved paths and grassy areas.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The cemetery is incredibly picturesque, especially in autumn.
🙏 Be Respectful
Remember this is a place of remembrance; be mindful of services and private memorials.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Lakewood hosts events like Lantern Lighting and community sings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lakewood Cemetery for its stunning beauty, impressive architecture, and tranquil atmosphere, calling it one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country. However, some negative experiences have been reported regarding the handling of infant remains and a perceived lack of 'spooky' elements for those seeking a more haunted experience.
"The most impressive cemetery I have ever visited and I have been to quite a few. Spectacular buildings and views. Many ridiculously large monuments. Impressive but obscene. They have a nature walk and history tour handouts. I have spent most of my life in Minnesota and most of the time in MN in the Twin Cities and had never been to this cemetery and nobody mentioned how spectacular it is."
Lee Witte
"I gave birth to my baby at 14weeks gestation. We got to hold him before the hospital took him away. A couple hours after the miscarriage they told us we needed to choose funeral arrangements. They said we could go with Lakewood and they would take care of everything and that he would be in a plot with other babies in a similar situation. Out of grief and overwhelm we chose that option. Yesterday was my sons would be birthday. I called and asked where the babies resting place is from that hospital. We were led to believe it’d be someplace like a huge urn and a tribute to lost babies. I was told when I called that they dig up dirt around the “baby land” statue and dump the babies ashes in the dirt. They have been doing this for years. They dig us babies ashes to pour more ashes in. You would never desecrate an old person’s grave and pour more people on top of them. I’m not sure if this is a money proposition as it is with a big hospital but if anyone is looking into this place for their angel baby DONT DO IT.
Update: after a year and a half of pursuing answers I was finally told what happened to my child’s ashes. After being told they “dumped the ashes” in the ground near the monument the first time, then to the response of this review saying they “bury” the ashes to this new information from a patient care provider who has been advocating for me. They scatter the babies ashes near the monument. Not buried in a plot like I was told. They said they didn’t know “exactly” where the babies ashes were because of which “batch” my “fetus” was in. I was lied to about this establishment on 3 seperate occasions. I stand with my original review, DO NOT have your child laid to rest here. The misinformation spread here was disgusting. As a bereaved mother I’m sicker by how they treated my child’s remains and so many others without true parental knowledge. This is not something a non for profit should be proud of. This needs to change."
Julie Wells
"Nice and beautiful surroundings for a relaxing 2.5 mile walk on well paved paths. Just be mindful of occasional burial services going on nearby. Guided tours available to the public."
Kevin Barnard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lakewood Cemetery is located in Minneapolis, MN. It's accessible by car and is also on a bus route, making it convenient for visitors without a vehicle. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, ample parking is available throughout the cemetery grounds.
Absolutely! Lakewood Cemetery is accessible via public transportation, with bus routes serving the area.
Yes, Lakewood Cemetery is open to the public for visitation, reflection, and exploration.
Visitors can explore by walking the tranquil paths, taking advantage of nature walk and history tour handouts, or attending guided tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to Lakewood Cemetery is free. Special events may have associated costs or require registration.
Lakewood Cemetery is generally open daily from dawn until dusk. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays.
There is no entrance fee to visit Lakewood Cemetery. It is a free public space for exploration and reflection.
Yes, Lakewood Cemetery offers burial plots, cremation services, and mausoleum spaces. Pricing can vary significantly.
Yes, guided tours are often available to the public, offering insights into the cemetery's history, architecture, and notable figures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Lakewood boasts stunning architecture like the Memorial Chapel, serene ponds, beautiful landscaping, and a vast array of unique monuments and sculptures.
Absolutely! With its beautiful architecture, natural scenery, and intricate monuments, Lakewood Cemetery is a photographer's dream.
Visitors often seek out the grave of entertainer Tiny Tim A cemetery map can help locate these and other points of interest.
Lakewood hosts various events throughout the year, including a popular Lantern Lighting Celebration
Yes, Lakewood is renowned for its tranquil, tree-lined paths and beautiful surroundings, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing walk.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Lakewood Cemetery does not have on-site dining facilities. Visitors are advised to bring their own snacks or plan to eat before or after their visit at nearby restaurants in Minneapolis.
While there are no designated picnic areas, visitors can enjoy a quiet moment with a packed lunch on the grounds, provided they are respectful of the surroundings and any ongoing services.
The cemetery is located in Minneapolis, offering a wide range of dining options from casual cafes to upscale restaurants in the surrounding Uptown area.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Lakewood Cemetery, and it's a popular spot for photographers due to its scenic beauty and unique architecture.
The Memorial Chapel's mosaic interior, the reflecting pond, grand monuments, and the autumnal foliage are particularly photogenic.
While generally permitted, photographers should be mindful of ongoing services and private memorials. Drone photography may be restricted.
You can photograph graves, but always be respectful. Avoid disturbing any floral tributes or memorial items.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography, creating a softer, more atmospheric feel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The unique monuments and the story behind the 'Ouija Tombstone' can spark curiosity and imagination. Attending one of Lakewood's special events, like the Lantern Lighting Celebration, can be a particularly memorable experience for families, offering a beautiful way to teach children about remembrance and community.
+1 While it's a cemetery, framing it as a beautiful park with interesting history and art can make it an enjoyable outing for all ages. +1🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Nature Lovers
Bring a map to uncover points of interest like the Memorial Chapel or the grave of Tiny Tim.
The cemetery's beauty is often highlighted, especially during the spring and fall, making it a wonderful spot for nature photography or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon surrounded by art and nature. 📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
+1 Beyond the chapel, the cemetery is filled with impressive sculptures, grand mausoleums, and unique gravestones, providing endless subjects for artistic exploration. +1Golden hour light can create dramatic and beautiful scenes across the grounds, especially around the reflecting pond.
Remember to be respectful of any ongoing services while capturing the cemetery's aesthetic appeal. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: Memorial Chapel
+1These intricate mosaics were crafted in Italy and meticulously fitted by Italian artisans brought over specifically for the project.
+1During Memorial Day, the chapel serves as a focal point for community events, including a 'community sing' where traditional songs are sung to remember loved ones.
Its unique beauty and historical significance make it a standout feature of Lakewood Cemetery. A Living Museum: Monuments and Memorials
Visitors can spend hours exploring the diverse array of memorials, from grand, elaborate mausoleums to intricately carved gravestones. Many of these monuments are significant works of art, reflecting the lives and legacies of those interred here. Among the notable sites are the resting place of entertainer Tiny Tim
and the intriguing 'Ouija Tombstone', which has specific instructions for visitors to find. +1Beyond the famous graves, the cemetery offers a rich tapestry of history and artistry. Each monument tells a story, contributing to the overall narrative of the landscape.
The variety ensures that there's always something new to discover, making each visit a unique experience. Community and Remembrance: Special Events
This ceremony is described as a moving and beautiful experience for families and friends. On Memorial Day, the cemetery hosts a community sing, a tradition of singing songs to remember those who have passed.
+1 These events are open to everyone, whether their loved ones are interred at Lakewood or not, emphasizing a broader sense of remembrance and shared experience. These events highlight Lakewood's role not just as a resting place, but as a vibrant community space dedicated to honoring memory and fostering connection.
+1 The participation and emotional impact of these gatherings are frequently mentioned by visitors. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit