Highland Memory Gardens

Highland Memory Gardens is a Cemetery in Des Moines, IA. It provides burial services, including traditional interments and cremation burials, to families in the area. The cemetery offers a variety of affordable payment options, such as up to three-year no-interest financing, and allows families to pre-arrange vaults and bronze memorials. It holds a rating of 5.00 based on 34 reviews.

Established in 1929 as a private, lot-owner owned facility originally named Magnolia Memorial Park, Highland Memory Gardens was one of the first Memorial Park-style cemeteries in the United States. The grounds cover 40 acres of developed land and 10 acres of undeveloped land, featuring 23 individual gardens. The cemetery utilizes lawn-level bronze memorials on 4-inch-thick granite to maintain a serene atmosphere. Specific gardens include the Masonic Garden, Faith Garden, Fitch Garden, and designated spaces for babies in the Children’s and Best Friends gardens. A Wall of Remembrance cenotaph commemorates loved ones who have been scattered or are buried elsewhere. The site includes a Columbarium in the Crucifixion Garden with Companion and Individual Niches for above-ground cremation inurnments. The facility has 42,328 cemetery spaces, with approximately 15,000 still available.

The history of the grounds is anchored by the Tower of Memories, a Gothic-style structure erected in 1935 through the vision of philanthropist F.W. Fitch. Constructed with colorfully cut limestone from Rowat Cut Stone of Des Moines, the tower plays chimes and organ music during most burial services. The first burial took place on April 14, 1930. The grounds crew provides tents and chairs for every burial, and marker raising and leveling are included in perpetual care. The office staff includes Cemetery Director Luke, Family Services Representative Amber, Administrative Assistant Tina, and Bookkeeper Sarah. Families can choose from bronze memorials cast by four prominent foundries recognized for their artistry.

Highland Memory Gardens stands among the strongest in its category locally, reflecting a strong local reputation supported by consistently high customer ratings.

Highland Memory Gardens combines its historic Memorial Park design with compassionate service, remaining a serene and respected final resting place for families in Des Moines.

Highland Memory Gardens sits on NE 60th Ave in Des Moines, IA, about a quarter mile from Northwest 2nd Street and half a mile from Saylor Creek.

BizScoreAI gives the business a Technical score of 95 out of 100, which means the website is secure and easy for search engines to read. The Discoverability score is 75 out of 100, ensuring AI crawlers can find every page so the business is ready for AI recommendations.