Buddy Holly Crash Site — Attraction in Iowa

In a quiet cornfield in Iowa there is a simple tribute to The Big Bopper (JP Richardson), Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and Roger Peterson, four men who died in a tragic plane crash February 3, 1959 The crash is a true testament to how a simple act of fate can change a life. The Big Bopper had the flu, so Waylon Jennings gave him his spot on the plane, and Tommy Allsup lost a coin flip with Richie Valens. Neither Tommy nor Waylon could know giving up those seats would save their lives.

The memorial is neither showy nor fancy, 3 simple records and wings for the pilot, a wind vane made of cake pans and a few treasures that fans have left over the years. I was so impressed how well maintained the pathway was, the grass from the road to the memorial was mowed and green. Its a beautiful yet sad reminder of an event that changed the course of music and left us wondering where these men would be today if they had chosen to stay on the bus. Its a long drive through endless cornfields, there is no fee to get it. Put 22728 Gull Ave., Clear Lake, IA into your GPS. Park near the Buddy Holly Glasses near the side of the road and walk about 1/4 mile through the cornfield to the memorial. Be respectful of the surrounding area, some very kind farmer is allowing the public to walk through his fields, show him the same respect he shows for these great musicians and their fans by memorializing the day and place that...

The Buddy Holly Crash Site Memorial is located 6 miles north of Clear Lake on a black top road and then 1 mile onto a gravel road. There is a giant eyeglasses memorial next to the gravel road with the grassy trail behind it that goes back 1/3 of a mile between two cornfields to the crash site memorial. People have written special messages or tributes or their names on of the metal posts and also hang sunglasses on either side of the frames or flowers on the ground in front of it. What a beautiful tribute memorial.When I walked towards the crash site memorial I had that sad feeling in my heart when I got there and that special memorial with Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. Richardson and the pilot Roger Petersen names on there. Can't believe it's been 65 years ago now since the world lost these legends. When I was standing there I played True Love Ways by Buddy Holly on my phone and sang along to it. I'm so glad to come here on a beautiful sunny day and see this beautiful historical landmark. You all will be always in our hearts and your music will live on forever for us to share. RIP Buddy, Ritchie, J.P. and Roger, ( pilot ). Thank you to the farmer who keeps the memorial looking very nice for all of us to see. Took a picture of the eyeglasses memorial with the sun setting down behind it. BEAUTIFUL! I'll be back. Definitely giving this a 5...

Living in Northern Iowa, we have often discussed the plane that crashed carrying Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchey Valens. On a cold February night after playing at the legendary Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, these poor souls lost their lives. Waylon Jennings had luck on his side as he lost the coin toss on the last seat on the plane, for a cold bus ride. I had never walked out to the crash site. I was a little amazed at the eye glasses 👓 others have left behind, and a little dissappointed with the litter of beverage containers left behind. It was a good way to get your steps in on a sunny day. The memorial has changed over time due to vandalism and people stealing metal records off the memorial site. 😒 I think this is the only time I will walk out in the tall corn 🌽 to see the crash site and will leave the memory of those who died there, to...