Manzanar National Historic Site
Manzanar National Historic Site preserves the history of a Japanese-American incarceration camp during WWII, offering moving exhibits and an auto tour...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Manzanar National Historic Site
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Manzanar National Historic Site preserves the history of a Japanese-American incarceration camp during WWII, offering moving exhibits and an auto tour.
"Exceptionally well done. Centered the Japanese experience throughout. Kid-friendly."
Allow ample time
Plan for 4-5 hours to fully absorb the exhibits and auto tour. :stopwatch:
Junior Ranger Program
Encourage kids to participate in the Jr. Ranger program for an engaging learning experience. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Visitor Center Exhibits
Main Building
Engaging and thorough exhibits detailing the lives of Japanese Americans during their internment.
Auto Tour
Circumference of the site
Drive through the historic camp, stopping at key locations like barracks sites and gardens.
Reconstructed Barracks
Various locations along the auto tour
See the foundations and some reconstructed elements of the barracks where internees lived.
Orchard and Rose Garden
Along the auto tour
Remnants of efforts by internees to cultivate beauty and normalcy amidst hardship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the History
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allow ample time
Plan for 4-5 hours to fully absorb the exhibits and auto tour. :stopwatch:
Junior Ranger Program
Encourage kids to participate in the Jr. Ranger program for an engaging learning experience. :child:
Auto tour audio
The auto tour radio broadcast may not add much; focus on the visual experience. :radio:
Check visitor center hours
Visitor center may be closed during government shutdowns. :information_desk:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allow ample time
Plan for 4-5 hours to fully absorb the exhibits and auto tour. :stopwatch:
Junior Ranger Program
Encourage kids to participate in the Jr. Ranger program for an engaging learning experience. :child:
Auto tour audio
The auto tour radio broadcast may not add much; focus on the visual experience. :radio:
Check visitor center hours
Visitor center may be closed during government shutdowns. :information_desk:
Prepare for the history
This is a somber site; discuss its significance with younger visitors beforehand. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Manzanar National Historic Site to be a very interesting and exceptionally well-done historical site. The exhibits are thorough and engaging, and the auto tour provides a powerful sense of the camp's scale. It's highly recommended for learning about an important part of American history, with many finding it a peaceful yet moving experience.
"Very interesting place. We visited during federal govt shutdown and an off day for the visitor center. We did the auto tour. Looks like they have many projects going on. Right now it's a beautiful, peaceful place."
Jean Terribilini
"Okay, we visited this place during the federal government shutdown so the visitor center was closed and you could not visit the barracks on the inside, just walk around. Essentially you drive your car from spot to spot around the entire location. We stopped at the orchard and the Rose garden and the pond in progress. Then we visited the grave site. They are starting to recreate a baseball field as well. I have studied this particular part of our history and was very grateful that I had the opportunity to see it in person."
Shedowa Jennifer
"My family and I happened to come upon this place on our route to Yosemite and we're so glad we did. We visited on the 4th of July and could easily view the indoor exhibits and do the auto tour as it wasn't crowded. we easily spent 4 to 5 hours taking it all in. I would highly recommend everyone to visit to learn some important history."
Isela Rodriguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Manzanar National Historic Site is located on U.S. Highway 395 in the Owens Valley, California. It's accessible by car, and is often visited as part of a trip to or from Death Valley or Yosemite National Parks.
Yes, Manzanar is located in the Eastern Sierra region, a few hours' drive from Death Valley National Park. It's a common stop for travelers exploring the surrounding areas.
Driving conditions are generally good on U.S. Highway 395. However, be aware of potential winter weather, especially if traveling in January, which can bring snow.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the visitor center and at various stops along the auto tour route.
While possible, visiting without a car would be very challenging due to its remote location. The auto tour is a key part of the experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Manzanar National Historic Site is free to enter. There are no admission fees.
The grounds are generally open from dawn to dusk. The visitor center hours vary, so it's best to check the official NPS website before your visit.
During a government shutdown, the visitor center and interior exhibits may be closed, but the grounds and auto tour are typically accessible.
No, tickets are not required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit Manzanar anytime during its open hours.
Manzanar occasionally hosts special programs and events, especially around historical anniversaries. Check their website for current offerings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the visitor center exhibits, drive the auto tour with interpretive stops, see reconstructed barracks, visit the cemetery, and walk through the orchard and rose garden.
Yes, the auto tour is highly recommended as it allows you to see the scale of the camp and visit key historical points.
While the history is somber, the site is considered kid-friendly, especially with the Junior Ranger program. Discussing the history beforehand is advised.
Most visitors spend 4 to 5 hours to fully experience the exhibits and the auto tour.
Restrooms are available at the visitor center and at some designated stops along the auto tour.
📸 📸 Photography
The reconstructed barracks, the cemetery, the orchard, and the vast open landscapes offer compelling photographic opportunities.
Yes, photography is allowed throughout Manzanar National Historic Site. Please be respectful of the historical significance of the site.
A camera with good low-light capabilities and a versatile lens would be ideal for capturing the atmospheric landscapes and details.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Parks and Historic Sites. Check the official Manzanar website for specific regulations.
While official photography tours may not be common, the auto tour provides ample opportunities to stop and capture images at your own pace.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your children to participate in the program and discuss the significance of Manzanar before your visit. This will help them better understand the context and appreciate the stories of the internees. The auto tour allows for flexibility, so you can stop and let kids stretch their legs at various points.
History Buffs & Students
Students, particularly those in junior high and high school, will find the site incredibly impactful. It provides a crucial, firsthand perspective on a significant and often overlooked aspect of U.S. history, fostering critical thinking about civil rights and government actions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Manzanar
The site offers a poignant look into the daily lives, struggles, and resilience of these internees. Visitors can explore the remains of the camp, including the foundations of barracks, mess halls, and administrative buildings, as well as a reconstructed barracks and the cemetery. The visitor center provides a comprehensive overview through exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories, aiming to educate the public about this dark chapter in American history.
Understanding the context of Manzanar is crucial for a meaningful visit. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of fear and prejudice, and the importance of civil liberties. The site encourages reflection on themes of justice, human rights, and the enduring spirit of those who were unjustly incarcerated.
Experiencing the Auto Tour
Key stops include the Visitor Center, the site of the main gate, the cemetery, the reconstructed barracks, the orchard, and the rose garden. At each stop, you can get out of your car to explore the grounds, read about the history, and imagine life within the camp. Some visitors note that the provided audio for the tour might not add significant value, suggesting a focus on the visual and interpretive elements.
This tour offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing you to walk where internees once lived, worked, and dreamed. It’s a deeply moving experience that provides a profound sense of place and history, making it a must-do for anyone visiting Manzanar.
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