Oakland Cemetery — St. Paul, Minnesota
Physical Address: 927 Jackson St, St Paul, MN 55117
Contact Person: Robert Scoenrock
Phone: 651-224-2366
Email: bob@oaklandcemeterymn.com
Established in 1853, Oakland Cemetery holds the distinction of being Minnesota’s oldest public cemetery, created as a nondenominational resting place amid a scenic oak grove two miles north of the Mississippi River.
Designed in the rural garden-cemetery style, the landscape was thoughtfully laid out by famed architect Horace W. S. Cleveland, who shaped the park-like setting with winding pathways that respect the terrain’s natural contours.
Gate Hours:
-
Summer – 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
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Winter – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Office Hours:
8:30 to 4:30 – Monday thru Friday
Monument & Marker Guide – Oakland Cemetery, St. Paul, MN
Decoration & Monument Guidelines
Flat Marker Lots
- Only fresh natural flowers in approved containers are allowed April 1 through October 31. Complimentary green vases are provided, and in-ground vases are available for purchase. Glass or breakable containers are prohibited. Additionally, flowers must not simply be laid on the grave. Maintenance of these lots is the responsibility of the grave owner. Oakland Cemetery
Monument (Upright) Lots
- Fresh or artificial flowers can be placed year-round if they are in vases attached to the monument.
- Small flower beds are permitted only if planted adjacent to upright monuments within 18 inches of the base and inside the owner’s lot lines. If needed for interments, flower beds may be removed without replacement.
- Only vinyl material may be used in these beds, and it must lie flush with the ground.
- Items affixed using tape, glue, stickers, etc., are not allowed anywhere on monuments or niches.
Niches and Wall Crypts
- Same rules apply—no tape, glue, stickers, or similar adhesives may be used to affix items.
Seasonal Memorials
- Before Memorial Day: Flags, pinwheels, potted plants, and artificial flowers are allowed starting one week before.
- After Memorial Day: Those items must be removed by the weekend following Memorial Day.
Wreaths
Prohibited Items
To maintain dignity and aesthetics, the following are not allowed:
- Rocks, wood, iron, trellises, wirework, statuary
- Balloons, trinkets, grave blankets, garden or stepping stones
- Shepherd hooks, glass jars or breakable containers, photographs, solar lights, and anything else non-floral.
Summary Table
|
Feature |
Guidelines |
|
Flat Markers |
Fresh flowers only; approved vases; no glass or ground placement |
|
Monument Lots |
Vases year-round; small flower beds allowed within limits |
|
Niches/Crypts |
No adhesives or affixed decorations |
|
Memorial Day |
Seasonal decorations allowed week before; removed after weekend |
|
Wreaths |
Allowed from Nov 20; removed starting March 15 |
|
Disallowed Items |
Non-floral décor, metals, statuary, lights, photos, etc. |
Interested in a Memorial?
Northland Companies is here to assist with custom design, cemetery-compliant materials, and professional installation at Oakland Cemetery. Our team ensures every detail honors both your loved one’s memory and the cemetery’s historic setting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about
Oakland Cemetery — St. Paul, Minnesota
Who manages Oakland Cemetery?
Oakland Cemetery is managed by the Oakland Cemetery Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Minnesota’s oldest public cemetery. The association oversees daily operations, lot sales, burials, and ongoing maintenance of the 100-acre historic grounds.
Is Oakland Cemetery open to the public?
Yes. The cemetery grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset for families, visitors, and those wishing to walk the historic landscape. Special tours and events may also be scheduled throughout the year.
What types of burial options are available?
Oakland Cemetery offers traditional in-ground burials, mausoleum crypts, columbarium niches, cremation lots, and specialized sections for veterans, families, and immigrant communities.
Are there decoration guidelines I should know about?
Yes. Fresh flowers in approved vases are allowed, but glass containers are prohibited. Artificial flowers may be used in monument lots if placed in vases. Seasonal decorations are permitted around Memorial Day, and wreaths are allowed from November 20 through March 15. Items such as shepherd hooks, solar lights, statues, balloons, or adhesives are not permitted.
Can I plant flowers or landscaping at a grave site?
Small flower beds may be planted next to upright monuments within 18 inches of the base and inside lot lines. However, these may be removed if needed for burials. Landscaping features such as shrubs, fencing, or edging are not allowed.
How do I purchase a lot or schedule a burial?
Families can contact the Oakland Cemetery office at (651) 488-3427 to discuss lot availability, pricing, and scheduling. The staff will guide families through burial arrangements, marker approval, and decoration policies.
Does Northland Companies assist with monuments at Oakland Cemetery?
Yes. Northland Companies provides design, delivery, and professional installation of headstones and markers that comply with Oakland’s regulations. Our team also helps restore older memorials to honor family history in line with the cemetery’s historic setting.