Lakewood Heritage Foundation

Help us preserve this local and national treasure.

Since 1871, Lakewood has been a proud part of Minneapolis history and is recognized nationally as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in America. As a nondenominational, nonprofit organization, Lakewood is committed to serving and supporting Minnesota families and the community at large in a multitude of ways.

The Lakewood Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created to sustain this local treasure by supporting educational programming and the preservation and restoration of Lakewood’s landscape, art, architecture and public spaces—for the benefit of all.

2024 Annual Report

Thanks to our generous donors, the Heritage Foundation was able to raise thousands of dollars this past year.

The money raised allowed us to plant a diverse array of new trees and supported our growing volunteer program. We invite you to read more in our 2024 Lakewood Heritage Foundation Annual Report.

To read the Annual Report full size, click the View Full Screen icon on the bottom right corner. 

Find our full Purpose & Mission just below the Annual Report.

Purpose & Mission

The Lakewood Heritage Foundation helps fund programs and projects that fall into one of three main areas.

1. To educate the community about the history of Minneapolis and Lakewood’s part
   Lakewood’s history parallels that of Minneapolis, and the cemetery both honors and reflects the individuals, events and cultures that have shaped this community over time. The Lakewood Heritage Foundation helps fund the production of educational materials and special events, tours and programs that educate schoolchildren and the public about these important topics.
2. To preserve Lakewood’s natural landscape and setting
   Lakewood’s 250 acres are teeming with wildlife and vegetation, cultivated and native, and form a unique urban ecosystem that requires diligent care and tending. The Lakewood Heritage Foundation helps provide resources for the preservation and restoration of Lakewood’s natural resources, including its landscape, trees, gardens and lake. Funding will help ensure that future generations will have access to this amazing green space in the heart of Minneapolis.
3. To restore and preserve historical monuments and buildings
   Lakewood is home to an exquisite collection of monument art and a variety of historic structures, from the greenhouses to the historic Memorial Chapel. These buildings and sculptures chronicle the story of our beloved city, including its citizens, customs and traditions. Funding provided by the Heritage Foundation will allow the cemetery to be proactive in preserving and restoring these structures over time.