Many may not know its formal name, but Lake Woodmere has been quite an attraction through the years at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown.
The pond with its swan and dozens of other geese and ducks, draws 50 to 75 visitors a day, estimated Don Henry, the cemetery's general manager.
"There is a constant flow of people," Henry said.
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T-R PHOTO BY ANDREW POTTER
A swan is spotted at the pond at Riverside Cemetery. Dozens of people visit the pond each day to relax or feed the birds bread.
The original lake started in 1884 by converting swamp land into a pond. Its most recent renovation was completed in 2006 and included a waterfall and other features.
"Not many cemeteries have full ponds like this," Henry said.
Visitors often bring bread to feed the birds, who tend to flock when they know it's time for a meal.
"Most people are enthralled with the wildlife that is on it," Henry said.
The pond is just one of the features of the cemetery as a whole, which has a collection of highlights for visitors. Even Theodore Roosevelt commented on how nice the cemetery looked during his visit to Marshalltown as president, Henry said.
Henry cited a listing decades ago which had Riverside as one of the top 10 most beautiful cemeteries in the United States.
"We try real hard to keep it that way," Henry said.