Johnstown Flood National Memorial
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This place is wonderful in that it offers a unique perspective of the geography of the Johnstown Flood of 1889. There was some very eye-catching exhibits of the events and the artifacts, and the grounds were beautiful. Had the weather been nicer, we would have taken advantage of the Carriage Road Nature Trail. The movie, as one other reviewer pointed out, maybe a little too intense for some kids. There's images of people drowning, a picture of a dead baby, and thunderous sounds of rushing water. The vibration of sound goes right through you. My teen said it hit him deeper knowing that it happened to real people. I guess that makes it an effective video. The narrator talked about walking through cemeteries and speaking to the spirits. At the end they read notes from the morgue, giving numbers and then a name or "unknown" and the condition of their bodies. If you can do both this and the Johnstown Museum on Washington Street, it is worth the 20 minute drive, and the price of admission. If I had to choose one or the other, I couldn't. Each place offers a different perspective. Literally. This place felt more professionally curated, but a little antiseptic, while the museum in town felt more authentic. Just don't get me started on the parking situation in town. ;-) Maybe we missed it but the one thing we wish we could have seen was where Johnstown was in relation to where we were standing.
Janet RicheyJanet Richey
20
This museum has been informational to me since a field trip there when I was young until now when I take my own kids here. The tragedy was horrible and there is the realistic dark side to it (like most disasters) but I feel that you could still share this with young kids and only get into as much detail as the parents wanted to. Maybe skip the movie....it can be a little intense, however is well done and key for the adults to experience. The grounds are unique to be able to actually still see the remains of the dam and really visualize where the water laid. Recently as well this park allowed me to fly my kite here (with permission that should be attained by anyone looking to do so) which is a unique experience at the top of the hill. Its a beautiful view and a somber place to reflect on the 1889 events as well as your own thoughts of the day.
Louis McCloskeyLouis McCloskey
70
Enjoyed seeing the remains of the dam and the historic buildings left from the club. I thought the film was disturbing in that it tried too hard to be spooky (the bible refers to speaking to the dead as witchcraft, and the narrator repeatedly refers to hearing the voices of the dead crying out when he hangs out at Grandview Cemetery. Creepy) I also thought the film had a liberal environmentalist, anti-capitalist bias but that the rest of the museum did a good job of presenting other views on the subject of who was at fault for the flood. If you take children just avoid the film, as it could be frightening. But you can still walk down to the bottom of the dam and get a feel for how huge the lake used to be. Lots of very interesting information.
Trisha ZeiglerTrisha Zeigler
30
Great place to take the whole family. Put aside your entire day for: a) walking the carriage road, b) standing on what remains of the dam, c) checking out the cottages & clubhouse of the financial elite whose mismanagement of the lake caused the tragedy, d) hear the voices of the survivors and the tales of the deceased in the multimedia exhibits. Really well done and incredibly moving tragedy. Covered picnic areas and super clean public toilets. Pick up a Reuben from Haven Tavern in Johnstown or an amazing sundae & pup cup from Buckhorn Ice Cream in nearby Summerhill, and enjoy a great family day. Dogs welcome on their leads but not in the buildings.
Rose CameronRose Cameron
20
Standing at the site, overlooking the beautiful peaceful mountains and valley and one can hardly believe that more than a hundred years ago, thousands of people died here within 10 minutes………such a tragedy, sadder thing is that it’s not just a natural disaster, but also because of human ignorance…..highly recommended watching the movie at visitor center, it is very very well made. The short trail is worth visiting too, there is a parking lot at the trailhead right on the side of lake Rd. …. The whole time we were there, dark clouds cover the sky. By the time we left, it started to rain, heavy rain……..really reminded us that day in 1889……
Anna XuAnna Xu
20
This memorial to the devastating 1889 Johnstown Flood is part of the National Park Service so you could feasibly visit and not spend a dime. Therefore, anyone traveling near this important landmark should stop and visit. There is an informational video and several displays that bring this tragedy to life. It is a vivid reminder of the horrors that human beings can inflict on themselves when greed gets in the way of common sense. The walking trail leading down to what remains of South Fork Dam is a beautifully humbling experience.
Jenni ButlerJenni Butler
10
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
733 Lake Rd, South Fork, PA 15956
Map
Phone
(814) 886-6171
Call
Website
nps.gov
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(407 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
Description
The Johnstown Flood National Memorial is a unit of the United States National Park Service. Established in 1964 through legislation signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, it pays tribute to the thousands of victims of the Johnstown Flood, who were injured or killed on May 31, 1889 when the South Fork Dam ruptured.
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