Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ about Lakewood Cemetery
FAQ about Lakewood Cemetery: This is where you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Lakewood Cemetery. We recommend that you view our glossary to help you understand the terminology that may appear on our website.
If you have questions not answered here, please contact us at (612) 822-2171 or info@lakewoodcemetery.org
Is Lakewood full?
Due to careful stewardship and an increase in cremation, Lakewood Cemetery has space available for at least another 100 years, and possibly beyond.
Can anyone purchase property at Lakewood?
Yes. Lakewood is a nonprofit cemetery association that serves all people regardless of race, religion or financial standing. Read our mission statement for more information.
Can I visit Lakewood any time?
Lakewood welcomes visitors. Our gates are open seven days a week, including holidays. Hours vary by season. See the directions & hours page for details. You may also wish to read about visiting etiquette.
I've heard about tours of Lakewood on Memorial Day. Do you offer tours at other times of the year?
Lakewood offers group and private tours throughout the year by appointment. Call us at (612) 822-2171 to schedule a tour. We also offer three self-guided walking tours—pick up complementary brochures in the Administration Building. Check our Tours & Presentations page for more information.
I’ve heard about Lakewood's beautiful chapel. How can I see it?
Please visit the Administration Building to ask if the chapel may be opened. We offer a visitor’s tour brochure with information about the chapel's history and artistic features. Learn more about the chapel.
How can I learn more about Lakewood’s history, art and gardens?
Visit the history & art section of this site, see tours & events, or browse the bookstore.
How much does it cost to be buried at Lakewood?
See our general price list (PDF) or memorial property price list (PDF) for price ranges and to learn about the services we offer.
As a nonprofit cemetery association, all funds generated from the sale of lots at Lakewood are contributed to a trust fund that is used for the continual care of the cemetery.
When I purchase a grave, do I receive a deed?
When you purchase a grave you are purchasing the right of interment, rather than purchasing the grave itself, which remains the property and responsibility of the cemetery. You may also have the right to place a monument or marker on the lot (depending on lot size and type).
Can I purchase memorial property in advance?
Yes. Planning ahead can spare your family decisions during a time of grief and confusion. Planning ahead also can offer financial benefits. If you choose to purchase in advance, there are no interest or carrying charges.
What type of payment plans do you have?
A payment plan may be available to you, depending on what you purchase, your credit rating, and the total cost. If you purchase in advance, you may be able to pay in installments with no interest or carrying charges. If you are paying at the time of need, payment must be made in full.
Do you accept credit cards for payment?
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
If you have more questions about Lakewood Cemetery, please contact us at (612) 822-2171 or info@lakewoodcemetery.org
FAQ about Cremation at Lakewood Cemetery
How much does cremation cost?
Please refer to our general price list (PDF) for cremation services and cremation memorialization options at Lakewood.
What costs are involved with cremation?
Cost typically include the cremation itself, a memorial service if you choose to have one, and a container for the cremated remains (called a urn). Urns can be simple or elaborate, made from materials like wood, bronze, stainless steel or marble. Some can also be customized with personal touches such as engraved names.
In addition, we suggest choosing a permanent memorial at Lakewood so friends and family have a place they can visit. Lakewood offers several options:
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A niche inside the Garden Mausoleum or Memorial Community Mausoleum
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An outdoor columbarium niche
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A plaque on the Tree of Remembrance or the Garden Mausoleum Tribute Wall
Can cremated remains be placed in the ground?
Yes, cremated remains may be placed in the ground inside a cremation urn and vault.
Do you provide urns?
Yes, you may purchase a cremation urn at Lakewood. (Urns are required for niches and in-ground burial.) For in-ground burial, urn vaults are also required. Urn vaults are metal containers that protect the urn. Financing is available and all proceeds from the sales of urns and urn vaults are used to maintain Lakewood's grounds and facilities. Learn more about cremation urns and vaults.
Do you scatter on your grounds? Do you have a "scattering garden”?
Lakewood does not have "scattering gardens" but permits scattering on some areas of the grounds with the proper authorization and registration. If you choose to scatter, we suggest a plaque on our Tree of Remembrance or Tribute Wall as a place for family and loved ones to visit (ask us about additional options). We also offer burial of cremated remains and entombment in niches above-ground.
Why should I consider a permanent memorial?
You may choose to have cremated remains scattered in a place that is meaningful to you. However, we encourage you to discuss this with your loved ones. Some people find it difficult to physically scatter the remains of a loved one onto the ground or into the sea.In addition, undeveloped land may be developed in the future or your family may need to sell property where your cremated remains have been scattered. Purchasing property at Lakewood ensures that future generations will have a place to go to remember.
If you do choose to scatter your cremated remains, Lakewood encourages you to have your name and dates placed on our Tree of Remembrance or Tribute Wall, so loved ones have a place to visit that will always be maintained and preserved. Other options are also available.
Why is having a place to visit so important?
A place to visit provides a focal point for your loved ones to remember you – a natural and important part of the grieving process. Psychologists say that remembrance practices, from the funeral service to a place for remembrance, serve an important emotional function for loved ones by helping to bring closure and allowing the healing process to begin.
If you have more questions about cremation, please contact us at (612) 822-2171 or info@lakewoodcemetery.org
FAQ about Memorial Property at Lakewood Cemetery
What are my memorial property choices?
Lakewood offers burial property outdoors in traditional or memorial park sections, crypt entombment in our Garden Mausoleum , or Memorial Community Mausoleum, or garden crypt entombment outdoors. We offer individual lots, double lots, and family lots (with several graves). For more information about these options, call us at (612) 822-2171 or visit the memorial property section of this site.
What are the advantages of a mausoleum burial?
Mausoleum crypts offer a comfortable place for family and loved ones to visit year round. Crypts also provide an alternative to those who might have an aversion to being interred in the ground.
Do you sell markers and headstones?
Yes, we have markers and headstones available for purchase, and we also sell marker services. Please refer to our general price list (PDF) and call us for details. Financing is available and all proceeds from the sale of markers is used to maintain Lakewood’s grounds and facilities.
What does a marker cost, and may I purchase one for a loved one already interred at Lakewood?
Yes, you may purchase a marker for a loved one at the time of need or for a loved one previously interred at Lakewood. The price of a marker depends on which kind you choose. There are several designs and materials available. Please contact us at (612) 822-2171 for options and prices.
What are burial vaults and grave liners?
A vault is an outside container into which a casket is placed. Vaults help prevent the ground from collapsing around a grave. Burial vaults are designed to protect the casket and may be made of a variety or combination of materials, including concrete, stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper, bronze, plastic or fiberglass. A grave liner is a lightweight version of a vault.
Why do I have to use a vault? Is it required by law?
Minnesota state law does not require a vault or outer burial container. However, Lakewood Cemetery does require an outer burial container or vault to prevent the ground from collapsing around a grave. This also gives the ground above an even appearance, and helps reduce the chance of a person tripping on sunken ground.
Do you sell vaults?
Yes, burial vaults are available for purchase at Lakewood. We have several designs from which to choose. Concrete grave liners, which also meet the minimum requirements at Lakewood, may also be purchased at a competitive price. Financing is available and all proceeds from the sale of vaults are used to maintain Lakewood’s grounds and facilities.
How much do graves cost?
Within the cemetery, grave prices can vary by the section in which the grave is located, by type (grave or crypt), by the number of interments allowed in the lot or whether the grave will be in a single, double or family lot. Please contact Lakewood to learn the costs and benefits of each option.