Human Remains Are Surfacing Along Lake Superior After Cemetery Erroded

Officials in Duluth, Minnesota say erosion has begun exposing human remains at Scandia Cemetery, as the shoreline continues to give way. And no, this isn't the plot to a movie. What was once stable ground is now shifting enough that burial sites are being disturbed — something county leaders say has turned into both an environmental and ethical issue.

And as details of the situation have spread, it’s starting to get attention online for one simple reason: people aren’t used to hearing about cemeteries literally washing away.

The Erosion Was First Noticed Two Years Ago

The problem isn’t entirely new. County officials say they first became aware of the erosion back in 2024, but it has continued to worsen. In some cases, that’s meant ongoing monitoring of the site, and even the recovery of exposed remains when conditions shift.

That alone would be enough to raise concern. But the location adds another layer.

Scandia Cemetery sits right next to Glensheen Mansion, a historic lakeside property that draws thousands of visitors each year. It’s the kind of place people go for views, history, and a peaceful walk along the water. Now, just steps away, the shoreline is creating an unpleasant feature.

@kare11news

Duluth Cemetery eroding into Lake Superior

♬ original sound - KARE 11

As the story has circulated, reactions online have ranged from shock to disbelief, with many pointing out how unusual — and unsettling — it is to see something like this happening at a public-facing site.

What is the County Going to do About it?

St. Louis County is now trying to get ahead of the problem with a long-term fix. Officials are seeking roughly $2.5 million in state funding to build a permanent retaining wall that would stabilize the shoreline and protect the cemetery from further erosion. But the situation isn’t that straightforward.

The cemetery is privately operated, and those responsible for it don’t have the resources to take on a project of that scale. At the same time, the county isn’t legally obligated to step in. Still, leaders say the nature of the issue leaves little choice.

If funding doesn’t come through, the alternative is far less permanent. Officials say the site would require ongoing monitoring, collection of exposed remains, identification efforts, and attempts to notify descendants as conditions change.

For now, the proposed solution wouldn’t be completed until 2028, even if approved. Until then, erosion along Lake Superior will continue doing what it does.