This one-acre area in the northwest corner of the cemetery was originally intended to be used for single graves and larger family-size lots but given the changing memorialization needs and preferences of the community, we decided to make this special area accessible to more people—both visitors and those seeking permanent memorialization at Lakewood—in a very thoughtful way.

With more people choosing cremation and seeking more natural and personalized options, there’s a need for new types of memorial spaces where people can gather for ceremonial, communal and contemplative activities. After evaluating various areas in the cemetery, we chose to focus on this small section in the Lakeview area due to its close connection to the vibrant energy of the city as well as its spectacular views of Bde Maka Ska.

The Lakeview area is highly visible and historic and has many factors to consider. We wanted the development to be of interest, value and benefit to many Lakewood stakeholders — from families with adjacent properties to new audiences and visitors. After a multi-year process to design and develop this area, the result is a beautiful new garden-forward design concept that offers unique memorialization in a range of price points as well as lovely public spaces.

We are finalizing the plans which include new memorialization options such as scattering gardens where ashes can be placed directly in a flowering garden, cremation-size graves, cremation niche walls with a view of the lake, and spectacular private family cremation plots in a shady bosque garden.

We anticipate new memorial site options in a range of prices will be available for purchase in fall of 2025. If you are interested in learning more, a Family Services Advisor can explain the options and put you on a list for priority access as soon as the new Lakeview offerings become available for purchase. Please reach out to our Family Services Advisors at 612-822-2171 or info@lakewoodcemetery.org so they can answer your questions and record your interest.

Optimizing views of the lake was a central goal of this project. Not only will the landscaping plan create beautiful new sightlines, but there will also be several places where visitors can enjoy the view in a contemplative garden space with seating, including on a scenic balcony overlook.

Honoring and preserving trees has always been a Lakewood priority, and we’ve planted more than 500 of them the past few years alone. While some trees will need to be removed for the Lakeview project (including some oaks at the end of their lifespan), others will be added, along with dozens of new shrubs, grasses and flowers in a wide and unique variety of species—aligning with our designation as an accredited Level 2 arboretum.

The project will take 12-15 months and should be completed in the fall of 2025. Construction will generally happen during weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (no evenings or weekends).

Yes, you should be able to visit safely and peacefully during evenings and weekends for most of the project duration. If you are planning to visit from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on a weekday, we recommend calling our office at 612-822-2171 to learn about the sitework planned for a specific day or time. Of course, if your family has any burial or memorial needs during this timeframe they will certainly be accommodated.

Thank you for your patience as we enhance the beauty of our grounds and develop new memorial site options for families at Lakewood. If you have further questions, contact us at 612-822-2171 or info@lakewoodcemetery.org.