The Flight 93 National Memorial

The Flight 93 National Memorial, administered by the National Park Service, serves as a permanent homage to the 40 heroes on United Flight 93 who valiantly lost their lives thwarting a planned attack on the nation’s capital on September 11, 2001. This memorial safeguards the crash site of the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93, situated in a serene field just outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Designed by Paul Murdoch Architects of Los Angeles, the memorial was chosen in 2005 following an extensive year-long international design competition. Notably, it is the first national park to be created entirely through an open, public competition. Importantly, family members of the Flight 93 passengers played a vital role in the design selection process.

The essence of the Flight 93 National Memorial is to convey the significance of ‘Sacred Ground,’ which serves as the final resting place for Flight 93’s passengers and crew. Visitors entering the memorial first observe this area from a vantage point above, before stopping at the indoor Visitors Center. Subsequently, they can follow a gracefully descending mile-long walkway leading to the Sacred Ground area. Along this path, forty memorial groves of both red maple and sugar maple trees introduce an element of beauty and tranquility to the somber setting. Additionally, the plaza within the Sacred Ground allows visitors to closely view the crash site and pay their respects to the fallen heroes.

Operating Hours

The Flight 93 National Memorial Visitor Center welcomes guests daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including holidays. However, it remains closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

The grounds of the memorial are accessible every day from sunrise to sunset throughout the year. Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that adverse weather conditions may lead to unexpected closures. Therefore, it is advisable to check the National Park Service website prior to your visit.

Admission & Fees

The Flight 93 National Memorial, under the management of the National Park Service, is open to all visitors and does not impose any admission fees.

Location and Directions

The Flight 93 National Memorial is situated at 6281 Lincoln Highway in Stoystown, PA. This location resides within Stonycreek Township, a part of Somerset County, in southwestern Pennsylvania, approximately 65 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The nearest exit off the Pennsylvania Turnpike is Exit 110, which is located about 15 miles southwest of the memorial.