Skip to Main Content

Kennedy's Eternal Flame

Field review by the editors.

Dayton, Ohio

Despite its title, there is no flame at Kennedy's Eternal Flame -- although this outdoor sculpture does suggest that JFK was the Human Torch. The head at the top of the body is familiar, but the ragged form beneath it makes it look as if JFK is being consumed by his own charismatic incandescence.

Sculpted in 1964 by artist William Thompson, this artwork -- unsettling for the conventionally predisposed -- was considered so important that when the original deteriorated in 1998 it was replaced by an exact bronze copy.

Roadside Presidents
Roadside Presidents App for iPhone. Find this attraction and more: museums, birthplaces, graves of the Chief Execs, first ladies, pets, assassins and wannabes. Prez bios and oddball trivia. Available on the App Store.

Also see: JFK Grave Eternal Flame

Kennedy's Eternal Flame

Kennedy Memorial Union

Address:
E. Stewart St., Dayton, OH
Directions:
On the campus of the University of Dayton, in front of the Kennedy Memorial Union, which faces north.
Admission:
Free
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Sad Dog and Other GravesSad Dog and Other Graves, Dayton, OH - < 1 mi.
Big TrollsBig Trolls, Dayton, OH - 1 mi.
Wright Brothers FlyoverWright Brothers Flyover, Dayton, OH - 1 mi.
In the region:
Foy's Halloween Stores, Fairborn, OH - 10 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in Ohio

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Ohio.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Map and Plan Your Own Roadside Adventure ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Ohio Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings