Three Stars Memorial Site
Pay tribute to rock and roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper at the Three Stars Memorial Site — a powerful reminder of their legacy just miles from the Surf Ballroom.
Surf Ballroom »Remembering a Tragic Moment in Rock ‘n Roll History
For fans of rock ‘n roll worldwide, the tragic events of The Day the Music Died remain unforgettable. On this day, music legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson lost their lives in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa.
Hours after their performance at the famous Surf Ballroom on February 2, 1959, as part of the Winter Dance Party tour, the trio chartered a plane to avoid a long, freezing bus ride to their next show. Tragically, they never reached their destination, as the plane crashed into a field shortly after taking off from Mason City Municipal Airport.
The Final Stop on the Fateful Tour
The crash site is located at Gull Avenue & 315th Street, in a peaceful cornfield near Clear Lake. Today, a memorial marks the spot where the plane came to rest. Visitors from around the world come to pay their respects, leaving tokens such as flowers, trinkets, and American flags at the fence line to honor these rock ‘n roll pioneers.
Right across from the trailhead leading to the memorial is the Don McLean Parking Area. It offers free parking, restrooms, and bottled water available for donation. This convenient spot allows visitors to park and prepare for the short walk to the crash site.
Please note: If you visit during winter months, be sure to dress warmly. The crash site is on private property, so visitors are asked to be respectful.
Directions to the Three Stars Memorial Site
To reach the memorial site from Clear Lake, Iowa:
- Head north on N. 8th Street from US Hwy 18 for 4.7 miles (the road will turn into Grouse Avenue).
- When the paved road curves west, take the gravel road heading east (310th Street).
- Immediately turn north onto Gull Avenue (also a gravel road).
- Continue north for half a mile until you reach the T-intersection of Gull Avenue and 315th Street.
- Look for the large “Buddy Holly” glasses at the intersection.
- Park at the Don McLean Parking Area near the trailhead, then walk west along the fence line for about half a mile to reach the memorial.
