Longing for an interesting hike like no other? Look no further than Lake View Cemetery. Yes, you read that right... we're going to take a virtual trip along the most magical cemetery hike in Cleveland today. While some may view this as macabre, Clevelanders know that Lake View Cemetery is anything but. It's peaceful, colorful, inspiring, and a downright reflective hike that immerses you in the loveliness of nature and art. Not sold yet? Just take a look at these photos:
If you're looking for a unique hike in Cleveland to break up the monotony of familiar landscapes, why not swing by the local cemetery?
Lake View Cemetery is arguably one of the most interesting and enduring landmarks in all of Cleveland. This sprawling cemetery features 10,000 trees, over 105,000 interments, and some of Cleveland's most iconic and most notorious residents of yore.
Since 1869, Lake View Cemetery has quietly remained one of Cleveland's loveliest (and, ironically, liveliest) spots for a long walk.
It's easy to see why some Clevelanders choose to stay here for an eternity. This lovely landscape is a garden cemetery, which is a magical, park-like setting. Garden cemeteries reflected a shift in views toward death, moving away from Puritan iconography like winged skulls in favor of hopeful imagery representing life, immortality, and memory.
Circling the cemetery is a 2.9-mile paved loop trail that will take you past some of the park's loveliest natural and man-made features.
It's quite common to find incredible monuments in garden cemeteries, and Cleveland's own landmark doesn't disappoint. Here, magical memorials honor some of Cleveland's most interesting residents of yesteryear... regardless of their religion.
While many cemeteries feature cookie-cutter headstones, Lake View is filled to the brim with works of art and celebrations of life.
Some of Cleveland's most incredible residents are buried here, from James A. Garfield to Alan Freed.
As the seasons change, the cycle of life and death itself is observable amidst this fantastic landscape.
In the spring, Daffodil Hill's 100,000 flowers are perhaps one of the cemetery's biggest draws. They bring a splash of color and sunshine to a winter-laden landscape as the earth slowly experiences spring's rebirth.
From the Gilded Age to the Great Depression to today, this Cleveland cemetery takes you on a tour through local history.
Not sure if you can take in the splendor of this ginormous cemetery at once? Take a walking tour to get a bite-size dose of local history directly from an area expert.
And as winter sweeps over the local landscape, the cemetery remains as magical and as eye-catching as ever... but bundle up, because you're not too far from the chilly Lake Erie shore.
Even in the coldest months of the year, this hike is one of Cleveland's best.
Today, Lake View Cemetery has grown to encompass 285 acres of greenery, art, and nature.
Each visit is full of discovery, as there's simply so much to take in. If you enjoy this landscape, it's worth returning throughout the year to watch as it changes with the seasons.
It's a solemn and peaceful hike that many have fallen in love with, and there's no better time than now to explore it yourself.
All ages can appreciate the majesty of this incredible Cleveland cemetery. There's so much history and beauty contained in this acreage, and every visit becomes another story worth telling.
Prepare to fall in love with Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland.
Look for it at 12316 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106.
If you're looking for a unique stroll through the area, you'll truly love this magical cemetery hike in Cleveland. History comes to life amidst this ever-changing landscape, and you just might find that there's no livelier hike in The Land. Have you ever visited this cemetery? What's your favorite feature? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments!
Want to make more unique discoveries? Travel to a cholera cemetery in Sandusky for more adventure.
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