Flight 232 Memorial: A Tribute to Courage and Remembrance
A place of reflection in Sioux City, honoring the lives touched by the Flight 232 tragedy and celebrating the community's spirit of resilience.
The Flight 232 Memorial, located in a serene park in Sioux City, Iowa, serves as a lasting tribute to the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the United Airlines Flight 232 disaster. On July 19, 1989, the DC-10, en route from Denver to Chicago, crash-landed at Sioux Gateway Airport after a catastrophic engine failure led to the loss of all flight controls. Despite the heroic efforts of the flight crew, 112 of the 296 people on board perished in the accident. The memorial features a compelling sculpture depicting Iowa National Guard Lt. Col. Dennis Nielson carrying a young child to safety, symbolizing the community's immediate and selfless response. The beautifully landscaped grounds provide a peaceful setting for contemplation, with informative plaques detailing the events of that day and sharing stories of heroism and survival. The Flight 232 Memorial stands as a testament to the enduring power of hope and the importance of community in times of crisis. The crash of Flight 232 is considered an example of successful crew resource management. The crew's decision to enlist the help of a company check pilot who was a passenger on board, was crucial in their attempt to control the aircraft. The tragedy prompted improvements in aviation safety, including enhanced manufacturing and inspection protocols for turbine spinning parts.
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful and less crowded experience.
- Take time to read the informative plaques throughout the park to gain a deeper understanding of the memorial's significance and the events of Flight 232.
- Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the memorial and its surroundings, including the sculpture and landscaping.
A brief summary to Flight 232 Memorial
- Sioux City, Iowa, 51103, US
Getting There
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Walking
From downtown Sioux City, walk west on Pierce Street toward 4th Street. Continue for about 0.5 miles until you reach 6th Street, then turn left. Walk 0.2 miles to Douglas Street and turn right. The Flight 232 Memorial is a short walk of 0.3 miles down Douglas Street in a small park area. No costs are associated with walking.
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Public Transport
Take Sioux City Transit bus route 3 to the stop at 6th Street and Douglas Street. From there, walk south on Douglas Street for about 0.3 miles to the Flight 232 Memorial. Sioux City Transit operates Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Sioux Gateway Airport, a taxi or ride-share to the Flight 232 Memorial is approximately 8 miles. The estimated cost for a taxi or ride-share is between $15 and $25. Drop-off is readily available near the memorial entrance.
