"The Dam is Becoming Dangerous and May Possibly Go!"

The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together to aid the "Johnstown sufferers." The story of the Johnstown Flood reminds us all, "...that we must leave nothing undone for the preservation and protection of our brother men."

Red barn building in the snow.
Lake View Visitor Center

Start your visit here! Get oriented to the park, explore two floors of exhibits and watch the park film, "Black Friday."

An 1880s farmhouse with the dam abutments in the snow.
Operating hours and seasons

Find out the hours of operation for the Visitor Center and grounds, including holiday closures.

The remains of hte South Fork Dam in the snow.
South Fork Dam

Learn about the history of the South Fork Dam and its changes throughout the years, including the different owners.

Cottage
Cottages

Drive past 9 of the original 16 cottages from the days of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club in the nearby town of Saint Michael.

Places
Places

Learn the history of the South Fork Dam, Club House and Cottages.

NPS app
NPS app

Download and learn about the NPS app!

Volunteer
Volunteer

Volunteer With Us!

Last updated: February 20, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

733 Lake Road
South Fork, PA 15956

Phone:

814 886-6171

Contact Us