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National Memorial

Johnstown Flood National Memorial

Barn and spring house

The Lake View Farm

Photo: NPS

About

The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together to aid the "Johnstown sufferers." The story of the Johnstown Flood reminds us all, "...that we must leave nothing undone for the preservation and protection of our brother men."

Activities

Guided ToursBus/Shuttle Guided TourHikingJunior Ranger ProgramMuseum Exhibits

Directions

Take US Route 219 to the St Michael/Sidman exit. At the end of the exit ramp head East on PA 869 (there is a park sign at the end of the exit ramp). Travel approximately 1.5 miles on PA 869 watching for a left turn onto Lake Road at the sign for Johnstown Flood National Memorial. Follow Lake Road 1.5 miles until the visitor center appears on your right. Please park safely in the designated parking lot and not block any emergency access roads.

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Weather

Winters can be cold and severe. Spring can be seasonable and wet. Summer can be hot with potentials for thunderstorms. Fall can be seasonal, with cold temperatures into October and November.

News

Evening on the Lake: We've Come a Long Way: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site and Johnstown Flood National Memorial Through the Years,
Jun 16, 2026

Evening on the Lake: We've Come a Long Way: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site and Johnstown Flood National Memorial Through the Years,

Join us for an Evening on the Lake program We've Come a Long Way: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site and Johnstown Flood National Memorial Through the Years on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 7 p.m.

National Park Service Commemorates 137th Anniversary of the Johnstown Flood
May 26, 2026

National Park Service Commemorates 137th Anniversary of the Johnstown Flood

Johnstown Flood National Memorial will commemorate the anniversary of the May 31, 1889, tragedy with special events, including 2,209 luminaries to honor flood victims. On that fateful day 137 years ago, the South Fork Dam broke sending 20 million tons of water down the Conemaugh Valley to Johnstown. 

Alleviating Human Suffering in the Face of Emergencies: The American Red Cross’ Response to the Johnstown Flood and the September 11 Attacks.
May 22, 2026

Alleviating Human Suffering in the Face of Emergencies: The American Red Cross’ Response to the Johnstown Flood and the September 11 Attacks.

The first Evening on the Lake program of the season, Alleviating Human Suffering in the Face of Emergencies: The American Red Cross’ Response to the Johnstown Flood and the September 11 Attacks is Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 7 p.m.