Scattering Ashes in Minnesota — A Complete Guide

Everything Minnesota families need to know about ash scattering laws, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Boundary Waters, the Mississippi headwaters, and cremation memorial options across the North Star State.

Author's Note: Fun story about Minnesota -- I drove there once. I purchased a horse trailer in about as far northwest in the state as you can go. I started out after a horse show at 5pm Saturday and drove until 1am. We left again at 8am and drove until we reached our destination at 6pm. We finalized the transaction, and then turned around and drove until 9pm. We left the following morning and drove straight through until 2am when we reached home. It was a marathon, but I got to see much of the state, and it was beautiful! I love that trailer. To this day, I haven't found one I like better!

If you are thinking of scattering ashes in the state of Minnesota, it may be helpful to know the official symbols:

  • State Flower: Pink and White Lady's Slipper 🌸
  • State Tree: Red Pine (also known as Norway Pine) 🌲
  • State Bird: Common Loon 🐦
  • State Gemstone: Lake Superior Agate 💎
  • State Song: "Hail! Minnesota" 🎶
  • State Motto: "L'Étoile du Nord" (The Star of the North) ⭐

Note: In 2024, Minnesota adopted a striking new state flag — designed by Duluth resident Andrew Prekker and officially adopted May 11, 2024 — featuring a white eight-pointed star on a navy field shaped like Minnesota's outline, with the remaining field bright blue representing the state's abundant lakes and rivers.

How Prevalent Is Ash Scattering in Minnesota?

Minnesota has one of the highest cremation rates in the country — approximately 70% in 2020, far above the national average. With so many Minnesotans choosing cremation, ash scattering has become a deeply meaningful and widely practiced tradition across the state.

Minnesota's geography makes it uniquely suited to the practice. The state contains more than 11,000 lakes — more freshwater lake surface area than any other state outside Alaska. The Mississippi River has its headwaters at Lake Itasca in northwestern Minnesota, beginning as a stream no wider than a person can wade across before flowing 2,340 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in the Superior National Forest contains over 1,000 lakes and 1,200 miles of canoe routes, representing one of the most pristine wilderness environments in the eastern United States. Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota protects a water-dominated landscape of interconnected lakes. The North Shore of Lake Superior stretches 150 miles from Duluth to the Canadian border, flanked by ancient volcanic ridgelines, waterfalls, and boreal forests. The Minnesota River, the Boundary Waters, the Rainy River, the St. Croix, and thousands of named and unnamed lakes all offer profound natural settings for a final farewell.

Minnesota Laws on Scattering Ashes

Minnesota has no statewide law prohibiting the keeping or scattering of cremated remains. The key statutory framework includes:

  • Minn. Stat. § 144.221 — A death must be registered with the state registrar of vital statistics within five days after death and before the body is buried or cremated.
  • Minn. Stat. § 149A.02 — Minnesota law defines "scattering" as the authorized dispersal of cremated remains (1) in a designated area of a dedicated cemetery, or (2) in areas where no local prohibition exists, provided that the remains are not distinguishable to the public, are not left in a container, and the person controlling disposition has obtained written permission of the property owner or governing agency.
  • Minn. Stat. § 149A.95 — Cremated remains may not be commingled with those of another person without express written permission, with exceptions for scattering in a dedicated cemetery or from individual containers over public waterways.
  • Minn. Stat. §§ 307.01–307.12 — Governs private cemetery establishment. Any cemetery in Minnesota that allows scattering must designate a specific location within its grounds for the scattering of cremated remains.

Rules by location type:

  • Private Property: Permitted on land you own. Get the landowner's written permission before scattering on someone else's property — this is required by statute under Minn. Stat. § 149A.02.
  • City and County Parks: Check with the specific municipality. No statewide prohibition, but local ordinances vary. Many communities allow scattering with prior permission.
  • Minnesota State Parks and Forests: Contact the specific Minnesota DNR park or forest unit before planning any ceremony. Written permission from the governing agency is required under state law.
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Voyageurs National Park: Each federal wilderness area has its own policies. Contact the Superior National Forest or Voyageurs National Park superintendent before any ceremony. A permit or letter of authorization may be required under 36 CFR 2.62.
  • Mississippi River, Minnesota River, and inland lakes: Minnesota's lakes and rivers have no statewide scattering prohibition, but written permission from the governing agency managing the waterway is required. The federal Clean Water Act governs all inland water scattering.
  • Lake Superior: The federal Clean Water Act requires cremated remains to be scattered at least three nautical miles from land. The EPA must be notified within 30 days of any water scattering.
  • Aerial Scattering: No Minnesota law restricts aerial scattering. Federal aviation law requires that only the ashes — not the container — be released.

Cemetery Scattering Gardens and Cremation Memorial Options in Minnesota

Lakewood Cemetery — Minneapolis

Location: 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408 Phone: (612) 822-2171

Lakewood Cemetery is one of the most celebrated historic cemeteries in America — a 250-acre nonprofit, non-sectarian urban memorial park in the heart of south Minneapolis, adjacent to the city's beloved Chain of Lakes. Founded in 1871 and modeled after the great rural cemeteries of 19th-century France (such as Père-Lachaise in Paris), Lakewood has been carefully planned across more than 150 years into a landscape of extraordinary beauty. The cemetery contains more than 200,000 monuments, markers, and memorializations. Its iconic Memorial Chapel — modeled after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and listed on the National Register of Historic Places — hosts concerts, weddings, and memorial services. The 2012 Garden Mausoleum, designed by HGA Architects, adds a magnificently modern counterpoint with 879 crypts and 4,620 cremation niches.

Notable burials include Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, Senator Paul Wellstone, Governor Rudy Perpich, General Mills founder John Crosby, and dozens of Minneapolis mayors and civic leaders. Lakewood plants more than 95,000 flowers each spring and maintains one of the largest greenhouse operations of any cemetery in the United States.

For scattering and cremation families, Lakewood's own materials explicitly confirm multiple options. The Waterside Pier, on the south shore of Lakewood's private eight-acre lake, offers a beautiful setting for scattering ceremonies — families can release ashes directly into the water or set them adrift in a biodegradable urn, with the option to permanently memorialize a loved one on the nearby Waterside Memorial Monument. The Garden of Serenity on the southeastern side memorializes those who have chosen cremation. The Waterside Pier is also used for private scattering services and the annual Lantern Lighting Celebration. Lakewood describes itself as having "a variety of beautiful areas where ashes can be scattered or preserved."

Website: lakewoodcemetery.org

Roselawn Cemetery — Roseville

Location: 803 West Larpenteur Ave., Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: (651) 489-1720

Roselawn Cemetery is one of the Twin Cities' most distinguished nonprofit memorial cemeteries — a 160-acre non-denominational, non-profit cemetery association in Roseville established in 1902 and designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert (who also designed the U.S. Supreme Court building and Minnesota's State Capitol). The chapel building, office, barn, stone walls, and entrance gate were all completed in 1904. The cemetery covers over 160 acres with about 100 acres fully developed, and is widely regarded as one of the most financially sound cemeteries in the region.

Roselawn offers a comprehensive suite of cremation memorial options — all focused on permanent placement and lasting memorialization. Options include: the Fountain Columbaria in Division 2, constructed of Barre Gray and Mesabi Black granite; the Garden of Remembrance Niche Wall, an 800-niche embankment with flowering topiary planters that began in the mid-1980s as cremation gained popularity; the Orpheus Experience sculptural ossuary by artist Nicholas Legeros — a bronze rotating sphere on a spiral walkway path for those choosing communal, co-mingled permanent placement; in-ground lawn niches; and the community mausoleum. Roselawn also operates as a hybrid natural burial cemetery.

Note: Roselawn's stated mission emphasizes "permanent placement, meaningful memorialization." Families specifically seeking a designated ash scattering area should call the office at (651) 489-1720 to inquire about current scattering options before visiting.

Website: roselawncemetery.com

Mound Cemetery — Brooklyn Center

Location: 3515 69th Ave. N., Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 Phone: (952) 935-0954

Mound Cemetery is one of Minnesota's oldest continuously operating community cemeteries — a not-for-profit cemetery association in Brooklyn Center that has served the surrounding northwestern Twin Cities communities since 1862. The cemetery's 14 acres were set aside by Brooklyn Township's pioneering families, with early documents describing it as "dedicated to God as a holy burial place for His children." Today, Mound Cemetery's primary website confirms it offers traditional burial, cremation burial, columbarium niches, and green/natural burial — and the cemetery has adapted its services over the decades as cremation has grown in popularity.

Mound pays special attention to family traditions, historical roots, and the area's increasingly diverse cultural communities. The cemetery maintains records of over 10,000 grave sites and is committed to affordable burial and cremation options. Families specifically interested in ash scattering at Mound should contact the cemetery directly at (952) 935-0954 to inquire about current scattering availability and any designated areas.

Website: moundcemeterybc.com

Are There Mail-In Options for Ash Scattering Services?

Yes. Minnesota families — or families anywhere honoring a loved one — may choose Farmstead Scattering Garden in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania. Cremated remains are mailed directly to the working farm, where they are scattered respectfully according to the family's chosen preferences. No travel required.

Visit our service page at farmsteadscattering.com/collections/services, or call or text us at (814) 450-5432 to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scattering Ashes in Minnesota

Is it legal to scatter ashes in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota has no statewide law prohibiting keeping or scattering cremated remains. A death certificate must be filed within five days (Minn. Stat. § 144.221) and a disposition permit obtained before cremation. However, Minnesota law does define scattering (Minn. Stat. § 149A.02) and requires written permission from the property owner or governing agency before scattering on any property other than your own.

What does Minnesota law say about scattering specifically?

Minnesota's statutory definition of "scattering" (Minn. Stat. § 149A.02) requires that the remains be not distinguishable to the public, not left in a container, and that the person controlling disposition has obtained written permission from the property owner or governing agency. Cemeteries in Minnesota that allow scattering must also designate a specific area for it under Minn. Stat. § 307.

Can I scatter ashes on Minnesota's 10,000+ lakes?

No statewide law prohibits scattering in inland lakes and rivers, but Minnesota's statutory definition of scattering requires written permission from the property owner or governing agency managing the waterway. For Lake Superior, federal Clean Water Act rules require scattering at least three nautical miles from shore and EPA notification within 30 days.

Can I scatter ashes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness?

The BWCAW is federally managed wilderness within the Superior National Forest. Contact the Superior National Forest to confirm current policy and obtain any required permit or letter of authorization before any ceremony.

What is the correct designation for Lake Superior Agate?

The correct designation is State Gemstone — designated by Minnesota Statutes section 1.147 in 1969. The Lake Superior agate is a banded chalcedony formed approximately one billion years ago in the Midcontinent Rift System. Its distinctive red, orange, and yellow hues come from iron oxidation. Glacial action has spread them across Minnesota's gravel beaches, particularly along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

What is the "State Stone" of Minnesota?

Minnesota does not have an official "State Stone" — that is not a recognized designation in the state's symbol statutes. The correct gemstone designation is the Lake Superior Agate (State Gemstone, Minn. Stat. § 1.147).

Does Minnesota have a "State River"?

No. Minnesota does not have an officially designated State River in statute. The Mississippi River — which has its headwaters at Lake Itasca in Minnesota — is represented in the state's historic seal and flag imagery, but has never been enacted as a "State River" by the legislature.

Does Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis offer ash scattering?

Yes — explicitly. Lakewood's Waterside Pier on the south shore of their private lake is specifically designed for scattering ceremonies, with the option to scatter ashes into the water or float them in a biodegradable urn, plus permanent memorialization options nearby. Contact (612) 822-2171.

Can I mail ashes for scattering from Minnesota?

Yes. Cremated remains may be legally mailed within the United States via the U.S. Postal Service using Priority Mail Express. Farmstead Scattering Garden in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania accepts mail-in remains for private farm scattering. Call or text (814) 450-5432 or visit farmsteadscattering.com.

Is alkaline hydrolysis available in Minnesota?

Yes — Minnesota is one of the few states with alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation / aquamation) facilities available to the public, regulated under Minn. Stat. § 149A.941. As with flame-based cremation, coroner or medical examiner authorization is required before proceeding.

Legal and Regulatory References

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