Lake View Cemetery | Cleveland

Lake View Cemetery is one of Cleveland, Ohio’s most historic and culturally significant landmarks. Established in 1869, it is a vast garden-style cemetery that spans approximately 285 acres. Designed in the Victorian-era tradition of garden cemeteries, it combines natural beauty with impressive architecture, making it a peaceful sanctuary and an outdoor museum of sorts.

History and Design

Founded in 1869, Lake View Cemetery was developed during a time when urban cemeteries were shifting toward more park-like, landscaped settings. The design reflects this trend, emphasizing rolling hills, winding paths, mature trees, and carefully planned plantings.

It was intended not just as a burial ground but as a place for public reflection, recreation, and appreciation of nature and art.

The cemetery holds an Arboretum Level 2 certification, recognizing its extensive and diverse tree collection, making it an important urban green space for both plant conservation and education.

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

James A. Garfield Memorial

This imposing monument honors the 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield, who was assassinated in 1881.

Completed in 1890, the memorial is architecturally notable for its eclectic mix of Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque Revival styles.

It includes intricate mosaics, stained glass windows, and a crypt housing Garfield’s remains.

Visitors can climb to an observation deck that provides sweeping views of Cleveland and Lake Erie.

Wade Memorial Chapel

Built between 1898 and 1901, the chapel honors Jeptha Wade, a co-founder of the cemetery and a Cleveland industrialist.

The interior is famously decorated by Tiffany Studios, showcasing exquisite stained glass windows, mosaics, and an ornate ceiling.

The chapel is considered a rare public display of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s work and is admired for its artistry and craftsmanship.

Notable Figures Interred

Lake View Cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent individuals, including:

John D. Rockefeller — Industrialist and founder of Standard Oil, widely regarded as the wealthiest American in history.

Garrett Morgan — Inventor credited with the traffic signal and early gas mask design.

Eliot Ness — Famous Prohibition agent known for bringing down Al Capone.

Carl B. Stokes — The first African American mayor of Cleveland and a pioneering political figure.

Frances Payne Bolton — Influential U.S. Congresswoman and philanthropist.

Harvey Cushing — Pioneering neurosurgeon.

Charles Francis Brush — Inventor of the modern arc light.

Ernest Ball — Composer of the popular song “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.”

Their gravesites often feature impressive monuments and sculptures, reflecting their historical significance.

Grounds and Landscape

The cemetery grounds are meticulously maintained with diverse tree species, gardens, and walking paths.

Visitors experience a blend of natural beauty and artistic expression, with sculptures, memorials, and mausoleums integrated into the landscape.

It offers a quiet, reflective environment amid a bustling urban area.

Visitor Experience

Admission: Free to the public.

Hours:

April 1 to October 31: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM

November 1 to March 31: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Self-guided tours are available via smartphone apps and printed guides, covering themes such as prominent entrepreneurs, African American changemakers, and connections to the Underground Railroad.

Group guided tours can be arranged for a deeper dive into the cemetery’s history and notable personalities.

Special events like summer concerts and holiday programs take place seasonally.

Location and Accessibility

Address: 12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.

Located in the University Circle district, close to other cultural institutions such as the Cleveland Museum of Art and Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Accessible by car and public transportation, with ample parking available.

Summary

Lake View Cemetery stands as a serene and historically rich destination that blends horticulture, architecture, art, and local heritage. It offers visitors a unique experience of Cleveland’s history through its notable monuments and final resting places of influential figures, set within a beautifully landscaped garden environment. The cemetery is more than a burial site—it is a cultural landmark and a green refuge in the heart of the city.