Flight 93 National Memorial

Flight 93 National Memorial

Visitors to Pennsylvania will encounter Flight 93 National Memorial among the nation's memorials — places whose meaning deepens the longer you give them. On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their lives.

Because of the actions of the 40 passengers and crew aboard one of the planes, Flight 93, the attack on the U.S. Capitol was thwarted.

The memorial designation at Flight 93 National Memorial is more than a label. It tells you how the site is organized, what the interpretation focuses on, and what kind of visit makes sense here.

Key Highlights

• Architecture and Building
• Monuments and Memorials
• Tragic Events
• Forests and Woodlands
• Guided Tours
• Junior Ranger Program
• Auto and ATV

Getting There

Reaching Flight 93 National Memorial is straightforward once you know the route. The entrance to the memorial is located on US Route 30/Lincoln Highway. Traveling east on the PA Turnpike take exit 110 - Somerset and follow the signs. Traveling west on the PA Turnpike take exit 146 - Bedford. GPS Address: 6424 Lincoln Highway, Stoystown, PA 15563. Please note mapping programs may note alternate entrances, but the only entrance to the memorial is located on US Route 30. For more details follow the link to our website

By Car

Most visitors arrive by private vehicle or rental car. Road conditions vary with weather and construction, so check the park's alerts page the day before you travel. Pay attention to GPS directions in rural stretches—some apps route drivers onto unmaintained service roads rather than the signed park entrance.

Nearest Airports

Regional airports provide the most convenient access for long-distance travelers. For the most current airline service and driving distances, cross-reference flight options with the park's contact page. Budget extra drive time from any airport, especially if you arrive after dark or during winter weather.

Public Transit and Tours

Direct public transit is limited at most National Park Service sites, but guided day tours and shuttles sometimes operate from nearby cities during peak season. Rideshare options are often reliable in gateway towns but may drop off outside the park boundary rather than at specific trailheads or visitor centers.

For turn-by-turn directions and current road status, consult the park's official directions page: http://www.nps.gov/flni/planyourvisit/directions.htm.

Best Time to Visit

Weather shapes every visit. Fall-Winter Cooler weather starts in September with warm days and cool nights. The first snowfall of the season occurs by mid-October and extends through late March to mid-April. Daytime temperatures range in the mid-20s to 30s, with periodic warming in the 40s and 50s. The average annual snowfall is approximately 80 inches for Somerset County. Spring-Summer May is more predictable for warmer weather with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s. July and August are also mild with highs in the 80s-90s

Spring (March – May)

Spring offers comfortable weather and longer daylight hours for contemplative visits, with fewer crowds than peak summer months.

Summer (June – August)

Summer is peak visitation, with extended hours and more staffed programs. Arrive early to avoid both heat and the largest tour groups.

Fall (September – November)

Fall delivers some of the best conditions—cool air, clear skies, and lighter foot traffic—well suited to a thoughtful visit.

Winter (December – February)

Winter brings quiet and sometimes dramatic light. Bundle up for outdoor portions and confirm indoor facility hours before arriving.

Activities and Adventures

Activities at Flight 93 National Memorial reflect the character of the site. The options below are drawn from the park's current published list—confirm availability and any required reservations before planning around a specific activity.

• Auto and ATV — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Scenic Driving — ask at the visitor center for current conditions, reservations, and any required permits.
• Guided Tours — schedules rotate seasonally; check the visitor center board on arrival for the current lineup.
• Self-Guided Tours - Walking — schedules rotate seasonally; check the visitor center board on arrival for the current lineup.
• Hiking — trails range from short interpretive loops to longer, more demanding routes; match your choice to conditions and fitness.
• Front-Country Hiking — trails range from short interpretive loops to longer, more demanding routes; match your choice to conditions and fitness.
• Junior Ranger Program — schedules rotate seasonally; check the visitor center board on arrival for the current lineup.

Ranger-led programs are often the highest-value activity for first-time visitors, combining interpretation with access you might miss on your own. Check program schedules at the visitor center on arrival.

History and What to See

Flight 93 National Memorial is primarily a site of historical and cultural significance. Beyond the headline landmarks, the park preserves smaller details—inscriptions, outbuildings, period plantings, wayside exhibits—that repay an unhurried visit.

Featured interpretive themes include Architecture and Building, Monuments and Memorials, Tragic Events, Forests and Woodlands.

Interpretation and Programs

Ranger talks, living-history demonstrations, and self-guided audio tours bring the story to life. If your schedule allows, time your visit to catch at least one ranger-led program; the added context transforms what you see on the grounds.

Preserved Structures and Landscape

The National Park Service preserves the physical setting as faithfully as possible. Walking the grounds gives you a sense of scale—distances, sightlines, elevation—that is hard to appreciate from photos alone.

Research and Archives

Many historic sites maintain libraries, archives, or partnered research centers. If you have a specific interest, contact the park in advance; staff can often point you toward documents, oral histories, or special collections.

Lodging and Camping

Lodging strategy depends on how long you plan to stay at Flight 93 National Memorial and what you want to do when you are not at the park.

On-Site Stays

Overnight accommodations inside the park's boundary are limited or not offered here. Most visitors stay in nearby towns and commute in each day.

Gateway Towns and Nearby Lodging

Communities close to the park offer a mix of chain hotels, independent inns, vacation rentals, and—depending on location—bed-and-breakfasts. Several Pennsylvania towns serve as convenient bases, with restaurants, fuel, and grocery resupply. Book well ahead for summer weekends and major holidays.

Operating Hours and Seasons

Memorial Grounds: Park grounds and trails are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset. Harsh winter weather may result in delayed openings and closures. Occasionally, the gates may be closed, prohibiting entrance to the grounds, when adverse weather occurs or is predicted, to allow road crews to work safely to clear all roads within the national memorial. Call 814-893-6585 for weather-related updates.

Essential Information

Fees and Passes

No standard entrance fee is charged. Some special programs or partner-run facilities within the park may carry their own fees, so confirm before booking anything ticketed.

Contact

• Phone: 8148936322
• Email: flni_superintendent@nps.gov
• Official site: https://www.nps.gov/flni/index.htm

Safety

Carry water, sun protection, and layered clothing appropriate for the season. Cell coverage can be spotty in parts of the park—download offline maps before you leave your lodging. In an emergency, dial 911 or contact the nearest ranger station.

Services and Accessibility

Main visitor centers typically offer accessible restrooms, interpretive exhibits, bookstore sales, and ranger assistance. Accessibility varies by building and trail; contact the park ahead of time to discuss specific needs. Pets are often allowed on leash in designated areas only—check current rules before bringing animals.

Regulations to Know

Drones are prohibited in nearly all National Park Service units without a special permit. Metal detecting, collection of natural or cultural objects, and off-trail travel in sensitive areas are also commonly restricted. Read the signs at each trailhead and ask a ranger if you are unsure.

Short or long, any visit to Flight 93 National Memorial benefits from a deliberate approach. Reflection is not a side effect; it is the point.