Veterans Memorial Park

On the picturesque shores of Lake Ewauna, where the city bustle meets the serenity of nature, lies Veterans Memorial Park. This 3.3-acre memorial complex in Klamath Falls is a landmark site for the state of Oregon and the entire USA. Established in 2007, the park serves as a majestic tribute to all the men and women who dedicated themselves to serving in the Armed Forces, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine.

The park's strategic location at the intersection of US Highway 97 and the Link River makes it easily accessible and popular among tourists. It is not just a memorial, but a harmonious blend of a historical monument and a recreational area. Visitors come here to honor the memory of heroes in a peaceful setting while enjoying magnificent views of the water.

One of the park's unique features is its openness to various types of leisure. Here, you can not only connect with military history through numerous monuments but also get direct access to the lake for water sports. Thus, Veterans Memorial Park fulfills an important community role, bridging generations and reminding us of the courage of the country's defenders amidst natural beauty.

To plan your visit to this commemorative site, it is helpful to check the contact details in advance. The park is managed by the city authorities and is open to the public free of charge.

A walk through the park grounds offers guests a deep immersion into history through detail. You can stroll along concrete paths that come alive in the evening with striking red, white, and blue fiber-optic lights. Be sure to notice the thousands of memorial bricks—each bearing the name of an individual who served their country. Bronze plaques and monuments placed throughout the perimeter provide detailed information about various branches of service and significant historical events.

For those interested in industrial history, a special exhibit awaits—Locomotive No. 2579. This powerful Southern Pacific Railroad steam engine, which served faithfully until 1956, is now one of the park's highlights. After viewing the monuments, you can relax in the spacious covered pavilion or stop by the information kiosk to learn more about the stages of the park's creation.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the park's direct access to Lake Ewauna. Fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are popular activities here. The park's natural surroundings are also ideal for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, turning a visit to the memorial into a complete outdoor experience. Don't forget to bring your camera: the combination of historical monuments and lakeside scenery creates perfect conditions for atmospheric photos.

Located in the heart of the city, Veterans Memorial Park is at 10 George Nurse Way. The site is easy to find: the memorial complex is situated on the southern edge of the downtown area, right where Highway 97 crosses the Link River. Travelers using GPS navigation are recommended to use the coordinates 42.2201448°N, 121.7866704°W.

Getting here by car is simple due to its proximity to the city's main thoroughfares. Additionally, being close to the city center allows guests staying in local hotels to enjoy a pleasant walk or bike ride to the park. If you prefer a taxi, the ride from the central blocks will take just a few minutes.

An interesting feature is the park's direct access to Lake Ewauna. This opens up an unusual opportunity to arrive at the memorial by boat or other watercraft. While information on specific public transportation routes is limited, its central location makes it as accessible as possible for any tourist.

The history of this memorial space began in 2007 at the initiative of a dedicated volunteer committee. The project received significant support from the Oregon National Guard's 173rd Fighter Wing, based at Kingsley Field. Remarkably, the first phase of construction, which began in August of that year, was completed in record time—the grand opening took place on Veterans Day, November 11, 2007.

The initial stage of the park's development included the construction of a covered pavilion, the installation of flagpoles, and the creation of unique concrete paths with innovative red, white, and blue fiber-optic lighting. The first bronze plaques and monuments dedicated to various military conflicts in which American service members participated were also installed.

The second phase of the park's expansion was completed by May 2008. During this period, the Blue Star Memorial Highway marker was added to the grounds, honoring all branches of the armed forces defending the country. A vital part of the memorial is the thousands of personalized bricks, which now number more than 5,000. Each brick tells a personal story and serves as a tribute to a specific individual who served in the Army, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marine.

For a standard tour of the grounds and getting to know the main monuments of Veterans Memorial Park, most visitors find 1 to 2 hours sufficient. During this time, you can take a leisurely stroll along the illuminated paths, check the information kiosk, and view the historic steam locomotive on the grounds.

If your goal includes not only a walk but also active recreation on the water, such as kayaking or fishing on Lake Ewauna, you should plan to spend at least half a day. History buffs and photography enthusiasts who wish to study the inscriptions on the memorial bricks and bronze plaques in detail may also require additional time.

Veterans Memorial Park is open to visitors daily throughout the year. The official operating schedule is tied to daylight hours: gates open at dawn and close at dusk. This ensures visitor safety and allows guests to fully appreciate the beauty of the memorial in natural light.

Since the exact times for sunrise and sunset in Klamath Falls change with the seasons, it is recommended to check the local sunset forecast before your visit. For information regarding special commemorative events or potential temporary changes to the schedule, it is worth checking the official city government website.

A visit to the memorial park can easily be combined with exploring other local attractions. Walking around the area allows you to not only experience local cuisine but also enjoy the region's natural beauty.

In the immediate vicinity of the park, you'll find cozy cafes and restaurants, as well as natural sites like the Link River, which is perfect for a stroll after visiting the memorial. Below are the nearest attractions and establishments: