Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Johnstown Flood National Memorial, located in southwestern Pennsylvania, commemorates one of the deadliest disasters in U.S. history. The memorial is situated on a hillside overlooking the town of Johnstown and the Conemaugh River Valley.
The historical background of the Johnstown Flood dates back to May 31, 1889, when a catastrophic dam failure occurred on Lake Conemaugh. The resulting flood unleashed an estimated 20 million tons of water, devastating the town of Johnstown and surrounding areas. The flood claimed the lives of more than 2,200 people and caused immense destruction to property and infrastructure. It was a tragedy that shocked the nation and led to significant changes in dam safety regulations.
Visitors to the Johnstown Flood National Memorial can explore the site and learn about the events surrounding the disaster through various exhibits and interpretive displays. The visitor center offers a wealth of information, including a film that provides an overview of the flood and its impact on the community. Additionally, there is a museum that houses artifacts and stories of the flood, offering a glimpse into the past.
One of the notable attractions at the memorial is the remains of the South Fork Dam, which serve as a solemn reminder of the destructive force of the flood. Visitors can walk along the ruins of the dam and get a sense of the scale of the disaster. The memorial also features a historic house, the Wagner-Ritter House, which showcases the architecture and lifestyle of the time.
For those looking to explore beyond the memorial, the nearby city of Johnstown offers additional attractions. The Johnstown Inclined Plane, a historic funicular, provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. The Johnstown Flood Museum, operated by the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, provides further insight into the flood and its aftermath. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy hiking and camping opportunities in nearby state parks, such as Laurel Hill State Park and Blue Knob State Park.
In summary, the Johnstown Flood National Memorial in Pennsylvania stands as a poignant tribute to the lives lost and the impact of the devastating flood of 1889. Through exhibits and artifacts, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of this historic tragedy. Additionally, nearby attractions offer opportunities for education, reflection, and outdoor recreation.
Location
Johnstown Flood National Memorial is located in southwestern Pennsylvania. Situated approximately 60 miles east of Pittsburgh, the memorial resides in the scenic Allegheny Mountains region. Nestled within the Laurel Ridge, it overlooks the picturesque Conemaugh Valley. The area encompasses a total of 185 acres, characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and the tranquil Stony Creek.
Address & Contact
733 Lake RoadSouth Fork, PA 15956Driving DirectionsPhone: 8148866171Web: Link
Weather & Seasonality
The best time to visit Johnstown Flood National Memorial would be during the months of April, May, and June. These months offer pleasant weather with average maximum temperatures ranging from 58°F to 74°F. Additionally, precipitation remains moderate, ranging from 3.4 in to 4.9 in. During this period, the average visitor count is also relatively lower compared to the summer months, which allows for a more enjoyable experience with fewer crowds.
Things to do and learn in Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Activities
Some of the activities you can do in Johnstown Flood National Memorial are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits Hiking Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour
Topics
Learn about these topics at Johnstown Flood National Memorial: Architecture and Building Arts Industry Transportation Tragic Events Floods River and Riparian Trails Watersheds Painting Photography Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Lakes Wetlands Monuments and Memorials Engineering Dams Canals Headwaters Trains and Railroads
Amenities
Visitor Centers
Johnstown Flood National Memorial Visitor Center
The Visitor Center has two floors of displays that explain the history of the South Fork Dam, the South Fork Fishing & Hunting Club, and how and why the 1889 Johnstown Flood occurred. There is also a 35 minute film,"Black Friday," shown every :15 past the hour, with the first showing of the day at 9:15 and the last showing at 4:15.
Passport Stamp locations
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Johnstown Flood National Memorial Visitor Center.
Campsites within or near Johnstown Flood National Memorial
This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).
Hotels within or near Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Affiliate disclosure: When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, Expedia and Amazon.Holiday Inn Johnstown Downtown, an IHG Hotel
With a stay at Holiday Inn Johnstown Downtown, an IHG Hotel in Johnstown, you'll be near the airport, just a 4-minute walk from Cambria County War Memorial Arena and 6 minutes by foot from Johnstown Flood Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Johnstown? This hotel has facilities measuring 6009 square feet (541 square meters), including conference space. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 250 Market St, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15901
Web: Link
Sleep Inn Johnstown
Located in Johnstown, Sleep Inn Johnstown is within a 5-minute drive of Conemaugh Richland and University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request).
Address: 453 Theatre Dr, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904
Web: Link
Quality Inn & Suites
With a stay at Quality Inn & Suites in Johnstown, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Conemaugh Richland and University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request).
Address: 455 Theatre Dr., Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904
Web: Link
Hampton Inn Altoona
Located in Altoona, Hampton Inn Altoona is within a 5-minute drive of Galactic Ice and Lakemont Park and the Island Waterpark. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 180 Charlotte Dr, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601
Web: Link
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johnstown, an IHG Hotel
Located in Johnstown, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johnstown, an IHG Hotel is in the business district, within a 10-minute drive of Iron Horse Sports Complex and Greenhouse Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. This hotel has 2 meeting rooms available for events. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours), and a train station pick-up service is also provided at no charge.
Address: 1440 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904
Web: Link
Comfort Inn Duncansville - Altoona
When you stay at Comfort Inn Duncansville - Altoona in Duncansville, you'll be near the airport and within a 5-minute drive of 321 Gallery. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 130 Patchway Road, Duncansville, Pennsylvania 16635
Web: Link
Econo Lodge Johnstown Downtown
With a stay at Econo Lodge Johnstown Downtown in Johnstown, you'll be connected to the convention center, just a 4-minute walk from Cambria County War Memorial Arena and 13 minutes by foot from Johnstown Flood Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 430 Napoleon Pl, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15901
Web: Link
Super 8 by Wyndham Johnstown
Located in Johnstown, Super 8 by Wyndham Johnstown is within a 5-minute drive of Conemaugh Richland and Conemaugh East Hills. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 627 Solomon Run Rd, Hwy. 219 And Solomon Run Rd., Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904
Web: Link
Hampton Inn Johnstown
Located in Johnstown, Hampton Inn Johnstown is within a 5-minute drive of Conemaugh Richland and Conemaugh East Hills. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 129 Commerce Ct, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904
Web: Link
Champion Lakes Golf Resort
When you stay at Champion Lakes Golf Resort in Bolivar, you'll be 12 minutes by car from Fort Ligonier. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4743 Route 711, Bolivar, Pennsylvania 15923
Web: Link
News and Alerts
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-19 | Evening on the Lake: Grandview Cemetery This Evening on the Lake program is Tuesday, August 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Club House. The program will explore the history of Grandview Cemetery, efforts to identify the victims of the flood, and some of the notable people buried there. The cemetery includes the Unknown Plot, dedicated to the unidentified victims of the Great Flood. This program is presented by Park Ranger Elizabeth Shope. More |
| 2025-08-08 | North Abutment Overlook Closure The North Abutment deck leading to the overlook is in the process of being replaced. There is no visitor access to the North Abutment overlook until construction is complete. |
| 2025-07-22 | Evening on the Lake: The Cottages This Evening on the Lake program is Tuesday, July 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the Club House. Documents discovered from the collection of John Kephart, at the Cambria County Historical Society, led society members and park staff to determine the original owners of all sixteen cottages. These cottages were owned by members of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club and sat along Lake Conemaugh. Participants will learn about the cottages and their respective owners. This program is presented by Park Ranger Doug Bosley. More |
| 2025-06-17 | Evening on the Lake: Cambria Memory Project The first Evening on the Lake program of the season is Tuesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. Dr. Barbara Zaborowski, Dean of Library Services and Special Projects at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, will present a program on the Cambria Memory Project. The program takes place in the Club House located at 186 Main Street in St. Michael. More |
| 2025-05-23 | 136h Anniversary of the Johnstown Flood The 136th anniversary of the Johnstown Flood is Saturday, May 31, 2025. The park will commemorate the victims of the flood that occurred on May 31, 1889, when the South Fork Dam broke sending 20 million tons of water down the Conemaugh Valley to Johnstown. More |
| 2024-08-20 | Evening on the Lake: What We've Learned About the Cottages This Evening on the Lake program is August 27 at 7:00 p.m. Documents discovered from the collection of John Kephart, at the Cambria County Historical Society, led society members and park staff to determine the original owners of all sixteen cottages. These cottages were owned by members of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club and sat along Lake Conemaugh. Participants will learn about the cottages and their respective owners. More |