Skip to main content

The National Memorials

The 9/11 National Memorial Trail connects three hallowed sites of remembrance, each honoring those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

These three memorials serve as the anchor points of the 1,500+ mile trail, creating a living connection across the Mid-Atlantic region. Each site tells a unique story of courage, sacrifice, and resilience while collectively honoring all 2,977 who lost their lives.

National September 11 Memorial & Museum
New York City, NY

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum commemorates the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site. The memorial features two massive pools set in the footprints of the original Twin Towers, with the names of every person who died inscribed in bronze around the edges.

Hours

museum: Wednesday - Monday, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)

memorial: Daily, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Admission

museum: Tickets required (advance purchase recommended)

memorial: Free

Address

180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10006

Getting There

Subway: 1 to WTC Cortlandt or E to World Trade Center

Notable Features:

  • Two reflecting pools in the footprints of the Twin Towers
  • Names of 2,977 who lost their lives inscribed on bronze parapets
  • Museum with artifacts and exhibitions
  • Survivor Tree - A Callery pear tree that survived
Visitor Information

Accessibility

The Memorial and Museum are fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Museum entrance. Service animals are welcome.

Parking

Limited street parking available. Nearby parking garages include 9/11 Memorial Museum Parking (90 West Street) and Icon Parking (100 Greenwich Street). Public transportation is recommended.

Amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Gift shop
  • Café
  • Audio guides
  • Wheelchair rental
  • Coat check

Nearby Attractions

One World Trade Center and Observatory, Oculus/Westfield World Trade Center, Battery Park, Statue of Liberty ferry terminal, Wall Street and Financial District.

Visitor Tips

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Museum tickets should be purchased in advance, especially on weekends. The memorial is outdoor and open year-round, so dress appropriately for weather.

Pentagon Memorial
Arlington, VA

Pentagon Memorial

The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial honors the 184 people whose lives were lost at the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77 on September 11, 2001. The memorial features 184 illuminated benches, each inscribed with a name, arranged by age line from the youngest (a 3-year-old child) to the oldest (a 71-year-old).

Hours

memorial: Open 24 hours daily, 365 days a year

restrooms: Daily, 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Admission

memorial: Free - No tickets required

Address

1 Rotary Rd, Arlington, VA 22202

Getting There

Metro: Blue or Yellow Line to Pentagon station

Notable Features:

  • 184 memorial benches, one for each life lost
  • Age Wall marking those lost from youngest to oldest
  • Free 24-minute audio tour available
  • Accessible 24/7 with restroom facilities
Visitor Information

Accessibility

The memorial is fully wheelchair accessible with paved pathways throughout. The site features accessible restrooms. Service animals are welcome.

Parking

Free parking available at Pentagon City Metro parking garage (entrance on S Fern Street). Limited parking at the memorial site itself for visitors with disabilities.

Amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Free audio tour
  • Benches for seating
  • Drinking fountains

Nearby Attractions

Arlington National Cemetery, Pentagon City shopping, Reagan National Airport, National Mall (via Metro), Mount Vernon Trail.

Visitor Tips

The memorial is open 24/7 and is particularly moving at night when the benches are illuminated. Download the free audio tour app before your visit. The site is outdoors with no shelter, so check weather conditions.

Flight 93 National Memorial
Shanksville, PA

Flight 93 National Memorial

Flight 93 National Memorial honors the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93 who fought back against the hijackers, preventing the terrorists from reaching their intended target in Washington, D.C. The memorial includes a visitor center, a Wall of Names, and the Tower of Voices - a 93-foot tall tower with 40 wind chimes.

Hours

memorial: Daily, 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM (Summer)

offSeason: Daily, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Off-season)

Admission

memorial: Free

Address

6424 Lincoln Highway, Stoystown, PA 15563

Getting There

By car: 8.5 miles east of US Highway 219 on US Highway 30

Notable Features:

  • Visitor Center with exhibits and museum
  • Wall of Names at Memorial Plaza
  • Tower of Voices with 40 wind chimes
  • Flight Path Walkway and Overlook
Visitor Information

Accessibility

The Visitor Center and Memorial Plaza are fully wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking spaces are available near the Visitor Center. The Flight Path Walkway is paved and accessible.

Parking

Free parking available at the Visitor Center parking lot. Large vehicle and bus parking available. The parking lot can fill up on busy days and anniversary events.

Amenities

  • Visitor Center
  • Restrooms
  • Gift shop
  • Exhibits and films
  • Ranger programs
  • Picnic area

Nearby Attractions

Quecreek Mine Rescue Site, Laurel Highlands hiking trails, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater (45 minutes), Ohiopyle State Park.

Visitor Tips

Plan at least 2-3 hours for a complete visit. The Tower of Voices is a short drive from the main visitor center. Check the NPS website for ranger program schedules. The site can be windy - bring layers.

Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visitation

These sites are places of remembrance and reflection. Please be respectful of other visitors and maintain appropriate behavior during your visit.

Advance Planning

Check websites for current hours, special closures, and any ticket requirements. Some sites recommend or require advance reservations.

Accessibility

All three National Memorials are ADA accessible. Contact each site directly for specific accessibility accommodations and services.

Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use. Please be considerate of others and follow any posted guidelines at each location.

Explore More of the Trail

The 9/11 Memorial Trail offers much more to discover beyond the National Memorials.