Lake View Cemetery | Cleveland

Information

Landmark: Lake View Cemetery
City: Cleveland
Country: USA Ohio
Continent: North America

Lake View Cemetery, Cleveland, USA Ohio, North America

Lake View Cemetery is a historic rural cemetery located in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

It serves as a final resting place for notable figures and features significant architectural elements within its grounds.

Visual Characteristics

The cemetery grounds cover 288 acres and are characterized by rolling hills, mature trees, and a variety of funerary architecture. Structures include mausoleums constructed from granite, marble, and limestone, exhibiting styles such as Gothic Revival, Neoclassical, and Beaux-Arts. The landscape incorporates ponds and sculpted gardens.

Location & Access Logistics

Lake View Cemetery is situated at 12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio. It is approximately 5 miles east of downtown Cleveland. Access is via Euclid Avenue (US Route 20). Ample on-site parking is available within designated areas. Public transport options include the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) bus line 11, which stops directly at the cemetery entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1859, Lake View Cemetery was designed by architect Frederick Law Olmsted and landscape architect Jacob Weidenmann. Its original purpose was to provide a beautiful and serene burial ground for Cleveland's growing population. The site was chosen for its elevated terrain and natural beauty, intended to evoke a sense of peace and contemplation.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the Garfield Memorial, a granite rotunda housing the tomb of President James A. Garfield. The Wade Chapel, designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, contains a stained-glass window and mosaic. Self-guided walking tours are available, focusing on notable interments and architectural features. The cemetery grounds are suitable for quiet contemplation and photography.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available in the administration building and near the Garfield Memorial. Shaded areas are provided by mature trees throughout the cemetery. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No on-site food vendors are present, but several restaurants are located along Euclid Avenue within a short distance.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is during the morning or late afternoon when the sunlight creates softer shadows. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and visual appeal with blooming flowers or fall foliage. The cemetery is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Facts & Legends

A notable feature is the "Haskell Monument," a large stone structure that is rumored to have been built by a wealthy industrialist who believed he would be resurrected. The cemetery is also the final resting place of John D. Rockefeller and Harvey S. Firestone.