Oakland cemetery was founded in 1853 as a forty acre, nondenominational cemetery. Over the years, more acreage was added becoming it’s current one-hundred acre site. Well known landscape architect, Horace Cleveland, attributed to the cemetery’s park-like design.
A chapel was built in 1882, a caretaker’s residence in 1885, and an office building and stables in 1886. In the early 1900s, the cemetery was known for the flowers produced out of their greenhouses, which also provided flowers and displays for lot owners. Wall and lawn crypts were built in 1970.
Throughout the years, Oakland cemetery has created designated lots for specific groups of people, which include; Soldiers Rest, I. O. O. F., St. Paul Fireman’s Association, and the Ramsey County poor. Some nationalities also have their own lots as well and include; Romanians, the Chinese workers, Russians, and Germans.
In 1892, David Shepard, was given permission to build a mausoleum for his family. Prior to this, all burials were in the ground. There are over 50,000 people interred at Oakland cemetery.
The cemetery offers historic walking tours throughout the year and also a brochure for a self-guided walking tour.

Oakland cemetery was founded in 1853 as a forty acre, nondenominational cemetery. Over the years, more acreage was added becoming it’s current one-hundred acre site. Well known landscape architect, Horace Cleveland, attributed to the cemetery’s park-like design.
A chapel was built in 1882, a caretaker’s residence in 1885, and an office building and stables in 1886. In the early 1900s, the cemetery was known for the flowers produced out of their greenhouses, which also provided flowers and displays for lot owners. Wall and lawn crypts were built in 1970.
Throughout the years, Oakland cemetery has created designated lots for specific groups of people, which include; Soldiers Rest, I. O. O. F., St. Paul Fireman’s Association, and the Ramsey County poor. Some nationalities also have their own lots as well and include; Romanians, the Chinese workers, Russians, and Germans.
In 1892, David Shepard, was given permission to build a mausoleum for his family. Prior to this, all burials were in the ground. There are over 50,000 people interred at Oakland cemetery.
The cemetery offers historic walking tours throughout the year and also a brochure for a self-guided walking tour.