Nestled between Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake Harriet, from its 1872 dedication Lakewood Cemetery has preserved in carved stone monuments a memory of early Minneapolis residents. Sweeping landscape transformations have included a lake and reflecting pool.
Our tour will begin by visiting two outstanding buildings designed by Minneapolis architects in collaboration with nationally noted designers: the 1910 Byzantine Revival Chapel by Harry Wild Jones with interiors by the Lamb Studios of New York City and the 2012 Garden Mausoleum by HGA Architects and Engineers with landscape design by the Halvorson Partnership of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Continue with an early summer evening stroll through the grounds, viewing both elaborate and modest monuments of past Minneapolis residents.
Please wear shoes suitable for walking across grass. The tour will be about 1 mile in length and portions of the route are not ADA accessible.
The tour guide, Peter Sussman, grew up around the Chain of Lakes and has been exploring the history of surrounding communities for over 35 years. An architect and urban historian, he chaired the Preserve Minneapolis Summer Tour committee through 2021 and enjoys leading tours which recognize all who have built up and lived in this unique city.