Lakewood is welcoming spring with the return of our beloved tulip displays. To mark the season, our team planted more than 50,000 tulip bulbs last fall to greet you across our grounds this May.

While bloom times vary with the weather, we anticipate the tulips will begin flowering in early May. We invite you to visit Lakewood for a peaceful walk or to attend one of our events and witness the beauty of the season in full color.

For the latest updates on bloom timing, please check this page or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

On this page:  Tulip Varieties |  Tulip Week 2026

Lakewood as an Arboretum

Since its founding as a “garden cemetery” in 1871, Lakewood has been distinguished by its commitment to its natural landscape. This excellence is formally acknowledged in Lakewood’s designation as an accredited Level 2 Arboretum, the only one within Minneapolis’ city limits.

This arboretum designation recognizes that Lakewood’s 250-acre grounds are a dedicated green space where trees and shrubs are intentionally cultivated for scientific and educational purposes. Lakewood is home to a biodiverse tree canopy of more than 4,000 trees, thousands of other shrubs and specialty plants, myriad wildlife and a thoughtfully planned ecosystem.

Learn more about Lakewood’s designation as an arboretum.

The Lakewood tulip collection in the 1950s

How It Started

Last fall, our grounds team undertook an ambitious seasonal planting, carefully placing more than 50,000 tulip bulbs near the entrance and chapel in preparation for a vibrant spring display. After a pause in recent years due to construction of the new Welcome Center, we are especially excited to reintroduce this beloved tradition. Each year, tens of thousands of bulbs are thoughtfully selected and planted to create a rich tapestry of color, ensuring the grounds come alive with diverse hues each spring. Tulips have been an enduring part of Lakewood’s landscape for decades, a tradition dating back to at least the 1950s (as seen in the above photo), and one we are proud to continue today. Because these blooms reach their peak for only a brief window, visitors are encouraged to experience their beauty while they last.

Celebrate Tulip Week | May 3 – 10

Tulip Week at Lakewood takes place May 3–10, a new week-long celebration of spring featuring more than 50,000 tulips across our historic grounds. Visitors are invited to explore vibrant displays, enjoy special events, and experience moments of reflection in one of Minneapolis’ most beautiful landscapes.

Please note that tulips bloom according to weather conditions, and peak bloom cannot be guaranteed during this time.

Questions?

General inquiries: info@lakewoodcemetery.org or 612-822-2171

Event Inquiries: events@lakewoodcemetery.org or 612-540-5165