Classy, understated memorial. Perfect. It’s −700−800 steps from the road. Big thanks to the private landowners for opening this up to the public. It’s a piece of rock & roll history that shouldn’t be missed if you have any interest in it. Suggest you also make a stop at the Surf Ballroom to complete the experience.
Matt U.
Place rating: 5 Coralville, IA
Quite the historic little spot sits just north of clear lake in an unassuming corn field off Gull Ave. The four gents that went down after a night at the surf ballroom are memorialized in a fashion that exudes Midwest class and grace. About half a mile down the road sit a pair of large iconic buddy holly glasses that face west. The only reason we know this is because pictures at sunset make for some killer shots with a setting sun skyline behind the glasses. The glasses mark the entrance to the field where the plane was found. A short hike through a field, owned by a Midwesterner gracious enough to let strangers March through, is your path to the site. A memorial plaque and some momentos mark the spot where all are welcome to pay their respects. It’s a bit of a hike, around ¼ of a mile, but worth it for sure. Muddy areas abound so bring shoes All said, this is a well done, low key and classy memorial site to arguably one of the most influential artists of the last century. If you’re in town, the drive is short and picturesque, and the visit is well worth your time.
Bob W.
Place rating: 5 Sierra Madre, CA
In this field outside of Clear Lake Iowa where the music died. We all know about the ill-fated plane trip by Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens who on a cold night died when the plane crashed just after take-off. The crash site is easy to find and a short ½ mile walk from the gravel farm road. There is a nice memorial at the spot of the crash. Please stay on the trail and pick up any trash you see on the way, we are guests on a farmers private property. Directions to the site: From U.S. Highway 18, go north on North 8th Street in Clear Lake for 4.7 miles. When the paved road(which has turned into Grouse Avenue) turns to your left(west), take the gravel road(310th Street) to your right(east), then immediately left(north) on Gull Avenue. Follow Gull Avenue to the north for one-half mile, just past the grain bins to the first fence row on your left(west). Walk along the fence row towards the west for just under one-half mile. A small memorial is located at the place the plane came to rest. Four trees were also planted along the fence row in 1999, one for each performer and the pilot Well worth the trip for every Rock N’ Roll fan.
