Johnstown Flood National Memorial

We stopped about half hour before closing to kill some time before a basketball tournament. Pleasantly surprised by this jewel of a museum. Very informative about the flood that wiped out and killed so many people. Local history is very interesting. A great place to visit. Friendly staff. No admission fee.

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.

I've never traveled this section of 219 before, and I had a gap of time between appointments today. I saw a sign and decided to follow it. The visitor center and gift shop were great. The scenery was great, and I was happy I could drive down to the lookout point. The volunteers inside were so nice.

It was an amazing experience to visit the area were the dam bursted the visitor center/museum was amazing! The park rangers were very friendly and knowledgeable on the history of the flood .

This place is an absolute must if you ever wondered about the flood. Once you get your bearings and realize where to look for the original dam - it will make you feel transformed back to the day.

This is a great memorial for the victims of the flood. Make sure you plan to go on a day it's not raining. Makes for a better time exploring outside.

This is a wonderful place to go to learn about the Great Johnstown Flood and other issues leading up to it. Make sure to take the time to look at all the points of interest so you can stand near the base of the dam and on each side.

The museum is more than what you see inside. There are trails, that take you along the path of the 1889 Flood. You can stand where the spill way was or be on one side or the other of where the damn stood. A beautiful place that reminds us of past tragedy. So many people died, swept away by the rushing water only to drown or be crushed by floating debris. And yet some died due to a fire in the water. I recommend the museum, as well as the trails..

We went to both museums about this historic and tragic flood. We went here first to see the actual site to understand the geographical part of the story. The museum site and the Unger house who was the caretaker of the South Fork Fishing Club, give you an idea of what the flood was from this viewpoint. Inside the exhibits are amazing. The film was interesting but a bit odd if I may give my honest opinion. Seeing the film in the other museum was far more straightforward. I reccomend seeing both museums.

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……

Well organised visuals, Good film. Lovely bright clean center. The ranger was very helpful and enthusiastic with additional info.

Nice museum, very informative. Watch a documentary regarding the flood. Walk thru the museum and experience a more close-up look at the devastation the town experience. Go outside and see the valley where the flood past thru. Highly recommend this site.

We did a short walk down to the South Fork Dam. John (our park ranger/Guide) for the hike was awesome. He was very knowledgeable about the Dam, the lake, dates/occurrences. He answered all of our questions and made my first time up here enjoyable.

The park ranger here is super knowledgeable about literally anything related to Johnstown and will happily answer questions. The film is really well done although I had to cover my ears for some of it because it’s a bit loud. The visitors center museum is really well put together as well.

You can stand on both sides of the dam, which is cool. You can also visit the clubhouse in the nearby town. I sadly didn’t have time to see the Johnstown cemetery though.

Really encapsulates the tragedy that was the Johnstown Flood. Though small, the film covered most of what happened, and the museum section was also very informative, despite being small.

This is a quick and easy NPS to visit. They have some limited displays as this reflects the start of the Johnstown Flood, but the theatre and photos makes up for that. The home and barn (where Visitor Center is) was the starting point - the South Fork Dam. They provide a walkway to the one side where the dam was originally. This is also the home of Elias Unger the one who managed the dam.

A short drive over to the other side of the dam. That has a short trail with markers describing the history.

Park rangers are very knowledgeable. There are beautiful walking trails and an exhibit with a short movie about the flood.

Great historical park with tons of information on the dam that broke in 1889. You can walk down to what was the crest of the dam. A train now runs right through the middle of where it burst. A must visit when in Johnstown.

Outstanding historical site and memorial depicting the Johnstown Flood of 1889. Plenty of things to do including the Visitor Center with great info/artifacts and friendly staff. Walk the North and South Dam Abutment Trails and Ruins Trail. See the Clubhouse and Cottages in St. Michael and the Unger House next to the Vis. Center. Highly recommend this park .

Do not under any circumstances go to the museum downtown. Everything is presented better here for free plus you get to see the scope of dam breach up close. The guides are wonderful and the views spectacular.