Founded in 1869, the Lakeview Cemetery is a non-profit, rural-garden burial ground bordering University Circle in East Cleveland.
The grounds are six miles inland and yet boasts a stunning view of Lake Erie – hence the name. It was modeled after the Victorian cemeteries in England and France in a widespread, pasture-like fashion and designed to incorporate the area’s natural landscape with fitting sculptures and architecture.
It’s not often a grave site is also considered a “tourist destination” but the cemetery also offers guided tours on Cleveland’s history, geology, architecture, and horticulture as well as hiking trails and picnic sites.
If you have extra time: work up an appetite and visit Little Italy nearby. The street leading up to the cemetery is lined with quaint, family-owned Italian bistros. (Italian gardeners and stone cutters immigrated to Cleveland for employment specifically at the cemetery and built homes and businesses on the surrounding hills.)
Free admission, Open 365 days a year.
