Right here in the land of ice and snow is one of this country’s most stunning cemeteries. Just off of Hennepin Avenue, near Lake Calhoun is the absolutely breathtaking Lakewood Cemetery. Within its 150 acres is a slice of rich Minnesota history. There are quite a few one-of-a-kind art pieces and monuments sprinkled throughout the cemetery, including former Minnesota Governor Rudy Perpich’s stainless steel modern sculpture. One of the group memorials is an obelisk that commemorates the 18 men killed in the May 1878 Washburn “A” Mill explosion. The explosion rocked the city creating a fire that swallowed six mills and remains one of the worst disasters in Minneapolis’ history. There quite a few business leaders and entertainers among (The Replacement’s drummer Steve Foley, Carl Pohlad, John Pillsbury and the Mars Mausoleum – Franklin Mars was the creator of the Mars and Milky Way candy bars). It is the home to so many prominent Minnesota’s politicians including a personal favorite, Paul Wellstone who I had to stop by and pay my respects to. There are so many unique grave markers and mausoleums, chairs, benches, signatures (including the Happy Warrior Hubert H Humphrey’s), harps and nearly anything you can think of. Lakewood has light that comes from every angle creating one of the most truly serene ambiences in the state.