Sergeant Floyd Monument, Western Iowa Travel Guide

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Honor the legacy of Sergeant Charles Floyd at this historic landmark with panoramic views of the Missouri River Valley.

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Sergeant Floyd Monument

The Sergeant Floyd Monument, a 100-foot sandstone obelisk, stands as a tribute to Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to die during their journey. Located in Sioux City, Iowa, the monument offers panoramic views of the Missouri River valley and commemorates a pivotal moment in American history.

A brief summary to Sergeant Floyd Monument

2601 S Lewis Blvd, Sioux City, Iowa, 51103, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sergeant Floyd Monument.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
Take time to read the informative plaques to fully appreciate the historical significance of the monument.
Enjoy the panoramic views of Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska from the monument's location.

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Getting There

Driving

The Sergeant Floyd Monument is located at 2601 S Lewis Blvd, Sioux City, IA 51103. It's easily accessible from Interstate 29 and Highway 75. From I-29, take the Glenn Avenue exit and follow the signs to the monument. From Highway 75, turn onto S Lewis Boulevard. The monument has a parking lot with ample free parking.
Public Transport

Sioux City Transit offers bus service to the monument. From the Sioux City Transit Center, take a bus route that heads towards South Lewis Boulevard. Get off at the stop closest to 2601 S Lewis Blvd and walk south on Lewis Boulevard to the monument. A single ride fare is $1.80. A day pass is $5.00. Veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible to ride the Sioux City Transit System’s fixed route buses free.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Sioux City. A taxi ride from downtown Sioux City to the monument will cost approximately $10-$15, depending on the distance and traffic. UberX has an initial fare of $1.00, $1.16 per mile, and $0.18 per minute.

Discover more about Sergeant Floyd Monument

The Sergeant Floyd Monument commemorates Sergeant Charles Floyd, Jr., the only member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to perish during the Corps of Discovery's epic journey. Floyd, a dedicated soldier and journal keeper, succumbed to illness, likely appendicitis, on August 20, 1804, near present-day Sioux City. He was buried with military honors on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, a site forever named Floyd's Bluff.Erosion threatened Floyd's original burial site, leading to multiple reinterments before the construction of the monument. In 1901, a 100-foot obelisk of Kettle River sandstone was erected as a lasting memorial. The monument stands as the second-tallest obelisk in the United States, after the Washington Monument. In 1960, it became the first National Historic Landmark, solidifying its place in American history.Today, the Sergeant Floyd Monument is part of a 23-acre park that offers visitors a chance to reflect on the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the sacrifices made by its members. The site provides stunning views of the Missouri River valley and the surrounding landscape. Interpretive plaques detail Floyd's life, the expedition's journey, and the monument's history. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Sergeant Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center to further immerse themselves in the history of the Corps of Discovery.