Johnstown Flood National Memorial

The rain continued as men worked tirelessly to prevent the old South Fork Dam from breaking. Elias Unger, the president of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, was hoping that the people in Johnstown were heeding the telegraph warnings sent earlier, which said that the dam might go. When it finally happened, at 3:10 P.M., May 31, 1889, an era of the Conemaugh Valley's history ended, and another era started. Over 2,209 people died on that tragic Friday, and thousands more were injured in one of the worst disasters in our Nation's history.

Johnstown Flood National Memorial is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, about 10 miles northeast of Johnstown. The park contains nearly 165 acres and preserves the remains of the South Fork Dam and portions of the former Lake Conemaugh bed.

733 Lake Road
South Fork, PA 15956
814-495-4643 - Visitor Information
814-886-6100 - Headquarters
800-654-5984 - Pennsylvania Telecommunications Relay Service

By Car
Take US 219 to Saint Michael/Sidman exit.
Head East on PA 869.
Turn left onto Lake Road at sign for Johnstown Flood National Memorial

Getting Around
Private vehicle. No Public transportation is available in the park.

Generally warm and humid in the summer. Generally cold in winter, with snow possible from November through March. Layered clothing is recommended.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Educational Programs
• Hiking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Cross Country Skiing

Recommended Activities
Start at the visitor center. View the exhibits and the award winning film.

Follow up with a visit to the remains of the dam, a short walk on an accessible trail.

Allow one to two hours for your visit. The park film lasts 35 minutes. Call for film schedule.

Nearby, in the community of Saint Michael, remain some of the original buildings of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club.