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Flight 232 Memorial: A Tribute to Courage and Remembrance

A place of reflection honoring the lives touched by the United Airlines Flight 232 crash in Sioux City, Iowa, on July 19, 1989.

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The Flight 232 Memorial in Sioux City, Iowa, commemorates the lives lost and the heroic rescue efforts following the United Airlines Flight 232 crash on July 19, 1989. The memorial features a statue depicting a rescuer carrying a child, symbolizing the community's response to the tragedy. It's a place for reflection and remembrance of this significant event in aviation history.

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A brief summary to Flight 232 Memorial

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

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Sioux City, Iowa, 51103, US

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    Getting There

    Public Transport

    To reach the Flight 232 Memorial using public transit, take Sioux City Transit bus route 3. Get off at the stop at 6th Street and Douglas Street. From there, walk south on Douglas Street for about 0.3 miles to find the memorial in the park area. 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.

    Walking

    If you are in downtown Sioux City, the Flight 232 Memorial is accessible by foot. From the Martin Luther King Jr. Transportation Center at 505 Nebraska Street, head south on Nebraska Street, then turn left onto 4th Street. Turn right onto Douglas Street and continue south for approximately 0.3 miles. The memorial will be on your left in the park. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes.

    Driving

    If driving, navigate to the intersection of Douglas Street and Larsen Park Road in Sioux City. The memorial is located in a park-like setting on the west side of Douglas Street. Parking is available nearby, though it may be limited. Consider street parking where available. Several parking ramps are located downtown, including Discovery Parking on Jones, with hourly rates of $0.75 and a daily maximum of $5.25. Metered street parking is also available for $1.00 per hour, enforced weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..

    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 to gain a deeper understanding of the events surrounding the Flight 232 crash and the memorial's significance.
    Bring a camera to capture the beauty and serenity of the memorial and its surroundings.

    Discover more about Flight 232 Memorial

    The Flight 232 Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the United Airlines Flight 232 tragedy that occurred on July 19, 1989, near Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, Iowa. On that day, a DC-10 en route from Denver to Chicago suffered a catastrophic engine failure, leading to the loss of all hydraulic systems and a subsequent crash landing. Of the 296 passengers and crew on board, 112 lost their lives, while 184 miraculously survived. The memorial serves as a tribute to the victims, survivors, and the courageous first responders and community members who came together in the aftermath of the disaster. The centerpiece of the memorial is a statue that captures the iconic image of Iowa Air National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Nielson carrying a young child to safety, symbolizing the hope and resilience that emerged from the tragedy. Visitors to the Flight 232 Memorial can reflect on the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit. Informative plaques provide insight into the events of that day, sharing stories of heroism, survival, and the remarkable efforts of the Sioux City community. The beautifully landscaped grounds offer a serene and contemplative space for visitors to pay their respects and remember those affected by the Flight 232 crash.
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