Lake View Cemetery
A sprawling, historic arboretum cemetery featuring stunning monuments, famous graves, and serene landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant blooms or colorful leaves
Lake View Cemetery
Best Time
Vibrant blooms or colorful leaves
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling, historic arboretum cemetery featuring stunning monuments, famous graves, and serene landscapes.
"A beautiful, large cemetery with amazing monuments and a very peaceful atmosphere."
🗺️ Download a Map First
The cemetery is vast! Grab a map online or on-site to find famous graves and avoid getting lost.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Prioritize comfort for exploring the grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
James A. Garfield Memorial
On a hill overlooking the cemetery
A massive, awe-inspiring monument to the 20th U.S. President, featuring a grand dome and intricate mosaics.
Haserot Angel (Angel of Death Victorious)
Near the dam
A hauntingly beautiful bronze statue of an angel with an extinguished torch, symbolizing life's end.
John D. Rockefeller's Monument
Near the Garfield Memorial
The final resting place of the Standard Oil magnate, marked by a significant and impressive monument.
Wade Memorial Chapel
Central area
A stunning chapel designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, featuring breathtaking stained glass windows and mosaics.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Grandeur
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Download a Map First
The cemetery is vast! Grab a map online or on-site to find famous graves and avoid getting lost.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Prioritize comfort for exploring the grounds.
📸 Capture the Artistry
Bring your camera! The monuments, sculptures, and natural beauty are incredibly photogenic.
🤫 Be Respectful
It's a place of rest. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of visitors paying their respects.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Download a Map First
The cemetery is vast! Grab a map online or on-site to find famous graves and avoid getting lost.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Prioritize comfort for exploring the grounds.
📸 Capture the Artistry
Bring your camera! The monuments, sculptures, and natural beauty are incredibly photogenic.
🤫 Be Respectful
It's a place of rest. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of visitors paying their respects.
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Tours
Many self-guided tours are available, focusing on history, famous figures, or specific landmarks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lake View Cemetery for its stunning beauty, historical significance, and peaceful atmosphere. The intricate monuments, famous graves, and well-maintained grounds are frequently highlighted as major draws. While some note its vastness can be disorienting, most find it a rewarding place for exploration and reflection.
"A very beautiful, large cemetery. The monuments/statues are simply amazing. President Garfield's memorial is here as well, which is huge. The mausoleums are gorgeous. A lot of people were walking/running through here. Very peaceful. You can very easily get lost here."
Jacqui
"Absolutely gorgeous and serene place to walk and explore all the statues and mausoleums. You can pick up quite a bit of local history here as well. In addition, walk around the whole cemetery and you will get an excellent workout."
Nathan Naylor
"Stopped in to see some of the many famous people who are buried here. The cemetery is large, and I saw lots of people walking/running. It was quiet and beautiful. I was able to see Rockefeller’s and Elliott Ness’ grave. The main attraction of the cemetery is the monument and grave of President Garfield. It is massive and built on a hill."
David Forbes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake View Cemetery is located at 12316 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options include bus routes that stop nearby. Many visitors also find it convenient to use ride-sharing services.
Yes, there is parking available within the cemetery grounds. However, during peak times or special events, it can fill up quickly. Arriving early is recommended.
If you are staying in the University Circle area, walking is a pleasant option. The cemetery is part of this vibrant district, known for its cultural institutions.
From downtown Cleveland, take Euclid Avenue east. The cemetery will be on your left. GPS navigation is highly recommended for precise directions to specific sections.
Yes, several RTA bus lines serve the area around Lake View Cemetery. Check the Greater Cleveland RTA website for the most current routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lake View Cemetery is free to enter and explore. It operates as a public park and arboretum, welcoming visitors to appreciate its grounds and history.
The cemetery is typically open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, though hours can vary slightly by season. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
No, tickets are not required as entry is free. However, for guided tours or special events, advance booking might be necessary. Check the Lake View Cemetery Association website for details.
Generally, the cemetery closes at dusk or 5 PM. Overnight stays are not permitted, and visitors are expected to leave before closing time.
Visitors are asked to be respectful of the grounds and the resting places. Stick to paths, do not disturb monuments, and be mindful of any ongoing services.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the James A. Garfield Memorial, the Haserot Angel, John D. Rockefeller's monument, and the Wade Memorial Chapel with its Tiffany glass. Many also enjoy finding the graves of figures like Elliott Ness.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged, especially for the beautiful monuments and landscapes. However, be respectful and avoid intrusive photography during services.
Yes, Lake View Cemetery offers various guided tours, including historical tours and those focusing on specific notable figures. Self-guided tour maps and audio guides are also available.
Absolutely! Its expansive grounds and scenic paths make it a popular spot for walking, jogging, and even cycling for exercise.
The Haserot Angel, also known as 'The Angel of Death Victorious,' is a striking bronze statue by Herman Matzen, symbolizing the end of life. It's a popular and somewhat eerie landmark.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon 'golden hour' offers beautiful, soft light that enhances the atmosphere and details of the monuments.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography inside chapels or mausoleums, and always be respectful of visitors and ongoing ceremonies.
Many visitors focus on architectural photography of the monuments and mausoleums, as well as landscape shots of the arboretum. The Haserot Angel is a particularly popular subject.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in cemeteries to ensure peace and respect. Always check with cemetery management for specific regulations.
The areas around the Garfield Memorial, the Haserot Angel, and the Wade Chapel offer iconic photo opportunities. Exploring the winding paths will reveal many hidden gems.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more enjoyable, pack snacks and water, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes. It's a great place for a picnic on a nice day, provided you are respectful of the surroundings. The historical aspect can be a gentle introduction to local history, turning a cemetery visit into an educational adventure.
📸 Photographers
The Garfield Memorial provides grand architectural opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.Experiment with different lighting conditions. Overcast days can create a dramatic, atmospheric feel, perfect for capturing the cemetery's gothic charm. Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide warm, directional light that highlights textures and forms. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and any ongoing services while you capture your shots.
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Be mindful of the cemetery's hours and closing times to ensure you complete your workout before it closes. While it's a popular spot for exercise, remember it is also a place of rest, so maintain a respectful pace and volume. The sheer size means you can explore new routes each time you visit, keeping your routine fresh and engaging.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Famous Burials
Many visitors come specifically to seek out these notable individuals. The cemetery's website and available maps often highlight the locations of these famous burials, aiding in your exploration. It's a unique opportunity to walk among the resting places of those who have left an indelible mark on history, offering a profound sense of connection to the past.
Beyond the most famous names, Lake View Cemetery holds over 100,000 burials, each with its own story. The sheer volume and diversity of the headstones and monuments tell a broader narrative of Cleveland's growth and its people. From Civil War generals to early pioneers, the cemetery is a rich tapestry of lives lived.
Artistry in Stone and Glass
+1 Its haunting expression and outstretched wings draw many visitors seeking a unique photographic subject.The James A. Garfield Memorial is a masterpiece of architecture and art. Designed by George Keller, it features a towering rotunda, intricate mosaics, and a commanding presence that honors the assassinated president. Equally impressive is the Wade Memorial Chapel, a collaboration between architect George W. Rapp and the legendary artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. The chapel's interior is a breathtaking display of Tiffany's signature stained glass windows and mosaics, creating a serene and awe-inspiring space for reflection.
Beyond these major landmarks, the cemetery is filled with countless other examples of Victorian and Edwardian funerary art. Elaborate mausoleums, detailed obelisks, and beautifully carved headstones adorn the landscape, each a unique work of art. The sheer variety and craftsmanship on display make Lake View Cemetery a true open-air museum of sculpture and design.
A Tranquil Arboretum and Park
During spring, Daffodil Hill bursts into a vibrant display of yellow blooms, creating a breathtaking spectacle. In the fall, the cemetery transforms into a canvas of rich autumn colors as the maple trees put on a stunning show of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Many locals utilize the cemetery as a serene space for leisurely walks, jogging, or simply finding a quiet moment of contemplation. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty offers a unique and calming experience, far removed from the bustle of the city.
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