
Sergeant Floyd Monument Sioux City Iowa
A towering obelisk honoring Sergeant Floyd, the only Corps of Discovery member to die on the Lewis & Clark Expedition, with stunning river views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views & marker readability

Sergeant Floyd Monument Sioux City Iowa
Best Time
Best views & marker readability

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A towering obelisk honoring Sergeant Floyd, the only Corps of Discovery member to die on the Lewis & Clark Expedition, with stunning river views.
"A moving moment in time to reflect and think about our past and how we got here today."

🚗 Easy Parking
Small parking lot at the top for convenient access to the monument. :car:
🧐 Read the Markers
Take time to read the historical signs for a deeper understanding of the site. :memo:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Obelisk
Summit of the hill
A towering obelisk marking the burial site of Sergeant Floyd, a poignant tribute to a fallen explorer.

Panoramic River Views
Overlooking the Missouri River
Breathtaking vistas of the Missouri River and the surrounding valley, offering a glimpse of the expedition's path.

Historical Markers
Around the monument base
Informative markers detailing the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Sergeant Floyd's role and sacrifice.
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Understanding the History
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Parking
Small parking lot at the top for convenient access to the monument. :car:
🧐 Read the Markers
Take time to read the historical signs for a deeper understanding of the site. :memo:
🏞️ Enjoy the Scenery
The views of the Missouri River are spectacular, perfect for a moment of reflection. :camerawithflash:
🚫 Respect the Site
Some signs have been vandalized; please help preserve this historic landmark. :pray:
What is the name of this monument I snapped a pic of in Sioux City?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Parking
Small parking lot at the top for convenient access to the monument. :car:
🧐 Read the Markers
Take time to read the historical signs for a deeper understanding of the site. :memo:
🏞️ Enjoy the Scenery
The views of the Missouri River are spectacular, perfect for a moment of reflection. :camerawithflash:
🚫 Respect the Site
Some signs have been vandalized; please help preserve this historic landmark. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Sergeant Floyd Monument for its historical significance and the beautiful panoramic views of the Missouri River. It's seen as a poignant tribute to Sergeant Floyd and a valuable stop for understanding the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Some reviewers noted minor vandalism on informational signs.
"Tall obelisk at the top of the hill over looking Soiux city and Missouri river. Had three directional signs with points of interest marked. Unfortunately, vandals have scratched the signs, which make them difficult to read. Interesting history of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Small parking at the top of the hill for easy access."
Laurie Sneed
"Nice Monument for the burial site of Sergent Floyd who died during the Lewis n Clark expedition at this site. The view of area ia Great too!"
bswi007
"History at its best. A moving moment in time to reflect and think about our past and how we got here today."
Mike Sebastian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sergeant Floyd Monument is located at the top of a hill overlooking Sioux City. It's easily accessible by car, with a small parking area available at the summit. If driving from Des Moines, the fastest route is via I-35 and then US-20, though one Reddit user noted there isn't much to see along that specific path.
Public transportation options directly to the monument are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle. The site is a popular stop for those driving through the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit the Sergeant Floyd Monument. It is a public park and a free historical site for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
As an outdoor monument and public park, the Sergeant Floyd Monument is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific posted opening or closing times, allowing visitors to explore at their convenience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the tall obelisk monument dedicated to Sergeant Charles Floyd. You'll also find historical markers detailing the Lewis and Clark Expedition and enjoy panoramic views of the Missouri River and Sioux City.
Yes, families can appreciate the historical significance and the scenic views. It's a great spot to teach children about American history and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Absolutely! The monument itself and the expansive river views provide excellent photo opportunities. Capture the obelisk against the sky or the sweeping landscape.
The site primarily features the monument, historical markers, and a small parking area. Restroom facilities are not typically available directly at the monument itself.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful lighting for the obelisk and the river valley. Midday provides clear views but can have harsher light.
Capture wide shots of the monument with the river in the background, close-ups of the obelisk's details, and panoramic views of the landscape. The directional signs, despite some vandalism, can also be interesting subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to imagine what it was like for the expedition members traveling through this landscape. The panoramic views of the Missouri River can also spark curiosity about geography and the natural world. While there are no playgrounds, the open space around the monument allows for some freedom to move and explore within the historical context.
🚗 Road Trippers
Plan for a short visit, perhaps 30-60 minutes, to take in the monument, read the markers, and enjoy the views. The convenient parking at the top makes it an accessible stop without requiring a significant time commitment, making it ideal for fitting into a longer travel itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Sergeant Floyd
The monument, an impressive obelisk, was erected in 1901 and stands on the bluff where Floyd was buried. It serves not only as a memorial to him but also as a marker for the expedition's westward progress. Visitors can read historical markers that detail Floyd's life, his role in the Corps of Discovery, and the significance of this site in American history.
Standing at the monument offers a profound connection to the past. The expansive views of the Missouri River and the surrounding valley provide a sense of the vast landscape the explorers navigated. It’s a place for reflection on courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of exploration that defined early America.
Experiencing the Views and History
While the monument itself is the focal point, the surrounding area is dotted with informational plaques that enrich the visitor experience. These markers provide context about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Sergeant Floyd's contributions, and the historical importance of this location. Despite some signs showing wear from vandalism, they remain valuable resources for understanding the site's significance.
Many visitors find the monument to be a place of quiet contemplation. The combination of historical weight and natural beauty creates a unique atmosphere. It’s a spot where you can pause, reflect on American history, and appreciate the enduring legacy of exploration.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit