I came out here on a field trip with a class I'm taking this summer. It's 95 degrees, windy and arid. Even as a visitor, I find these conditions to be uncomfortable, so I could not imagine being forced to live out here in subhuman conditions for an indefinite period of time. However, that is what over 120,000 Japanese Americans and Japanese Nationals living in the USA were forced to do during WWII - and 10,000 men, women, children and babies were forced to do just that at Manzanar. The Visitors Center is only open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday - so we were not able to see it, but we were able to eat our lunches in the Mess Hall. I also explored the barracks, and saw the rest of this historic site by bus and on foot. Don't miss seeing Merritt Park, the Children's Village area, and the Issei Obelisk. This site is a powerful reminder that History repeats itself, and visiting Manzanar is an extremely moving and meaningful experience for everyone. Peace. read more

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I have driven past the turnoff for Manzanar over a dozen times. I have known about it since I was in middle school but never went. My sister and I have been taking my nephew to significant sites of WW11 over the years starting with Pearl Harbor and Auschwitz. Being part Japanese, we felt this was an important stop. The grounds are very well maintained. The educational aspect of it is great. The rangers have taken great care to show an accurate representation of what "camp" life was like. The recreated rooms, shacks and monuments have been meticulously built. The rangers were great about sharing knowledge. The book store has some great books that are not available on Amazon. The parking is a breeze. The entrance is free. When entrance is free to somewhere like this I like to support by donating or buying items that help support the cause. I bought my nephew and I each a book and a couple other little things. I also really like that they participate in the Junior Ranger Program. It was a great way for not just my nephew but myself to learn too. It was a great family activity. I highly recommend visiting. It can be a little emotionally draining but it is an important part of American History that we cannot forget. read more

Manzanar National Historic Site - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Independence, California

I first saw the signs for Manzanar over 20 years ago while driving along 395. I never stopped but had always wanted to visit. My son is in middle school and learning at WWII. We had taken my son to Pearl Harbor and Auschwitz within the last few years and I felt this was another great learning experience, especially since we have some Japanese heritage. We specifically drove here to visit this site. I was impressed by how much there is to see. The visitor's center has a fairly large museum of the history of the area and how the camp came to be. There is a lot of history what occurred and living conditions for the people that were held here. There are a few buildings that are re-creations of what would have existed. Intake areas, living quarters, mess hall, guard tower, baseball field, etc. There is also a great driving path that takes you near the gardens and the cemetery. It's a very moving place to visit and learn. We spent about 2 hours onsite, but I think you could easily spend more time. The employees were very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our visit. It really amazes me how many people have no idea that camps like Manzanar exist. I'm glad this historical site is open and partially preserved so history can be learned, shared, and not repeated. read more

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I was driving back home from Mammoth Lakes and saw the signs for this historic site so made an impromptu stop and so glad I did. This is a great historic site and everyone ought to visit to learn US history. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, our country decided to intern people of Japanese ancestry into these camps between 1942- 1945. Over 125,000 people of Japanese ancestry were places in 10 camps across the US and Manzanar being one of them. It wasnt the biggest camp, but did house over 10,000 people. The interning of people of Japanese ancestry is a sad and embarrassing part of our US history. Many of these persons had to leave their homes between 48 hours and 1-2 weeks. I stopped in and did know some of this history already. The visitor center is beautiful with a very nice exhibition so you can see how people lived. Its only open on certain days so I lucked out it was open on the weekend. Ranger was very knowledgeable and answered a lot of my questions. Nice gift shop with lots of books, and other gifts. I bought a Manzanar T shirt and magnet. I then did a car tour of the Manzanar internment camp, and lots of good signage and labeling of what everything was, tragic history honestly. Overall, an exceptional historic site and highly recommend you come see this if you havent already! read more

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Explore a piece of American history. This historic site preserves the history of the Manzanar War Relocation Center, where over 11,000 Japanese Americans were prisoned during WWII. This place also provides earlier history of the Owens Valley Paiute and homesteaders. This place is easy to drive to and has free admission. There are reconstructed barracks and some of the gardens still remain. You are able to drive up to each of structures. read more

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We stopped at Manzanar on our way into Death Valley. Neither my partner nor I had been here since the 1990s. Japanese-Americans, seized and thrown into concentration camps, all based on how someone looks?!!! How far we've come. ... Not!!! It is haunting, heartbreaking and absolutely sickening what fear-based humans do to other humans. And I wish we'd learn and not keep committing the same inhumane crimes against humanity over and over again. Please stop and visit Manzanar. read more

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Whether you're a history buff or not this is truly a neat place to visit. It's hard imagine that our government at time thought it was ok to lock up a certain class of people and take their rights away. This museum takes through that journey. You get a tag and through out the museum you can find artifacts of that person. It truly is touching. You can drive the camp as well a see the garden, the pond and the living conditions. read more

This is an absolute must visit for your road trip. We stopped by on our way home. The site gave us a glimpse into the past and how people were treated based on their skin color. It was heartbreaking but also inspiring. Don't let history fade. read more

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It's sad to see everything inside the museum! But very educational to know history! Outside you can walk and see inside a few buildings where everyone lived! read more

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Sad to see, but educational. Shows how desperate some are to oppress their fellow man, or demonize a whole group or race of people. Our 1941 oil embargo on Japan (who got over 80% of their oil from the U.S.) was as good as a declaration of war, and inevitably led to Pearl Harbor. read more

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I finally made the stop, and I'm so glad I did. Being Japanese American, it took me years to be mentally and emotionally ready to set foot on this site I read all about. With free parking, free admission and right off Hwy 395, everyone passing by should take a moment to visit and learn a piece of American history, albeit ugly. The Visitor's Center looks unassuming and dated on the outside, but I was very impressed with how large, thorough, and interactive the exhibit is! It starts with the Paiute natives of this land to when the federal government closed the camp. There are videos, installations, replicas of the rooms, and a giant wall of all the names of the internees. Outside, you can walk on the pathways or drive your car to see inside a barrack where they slept, the mailroom, basketball court, the mess hall and the women's humiliating latrines with no stalls. At the front of the site, you'll find one of eight watch towers where guards perched to ensure no one escaped. If you visit during the middle of winter or summer, you will feel the frigidity or sweltering heat they endured while living in barracks made of one layer of wood. The National Park Service has done a remarkable job preserving the site and providing an informative and engaging exhibit of this internment camp. It is somber and poignant, but also moving to see how Japanese Americans made the most of this situation by building a sustainable community, contributed to the American economy and remained proud to be Americans. read more

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Absolutely love visiting this historic site. Was lucky enough to meet the volunteers who shared amazing stories with me. Be sure to visit Merritt Garden right in the middle of- it's absolutely stunning. Park near the orchards and take a quick walk to smell the roses . Don't forget to visit the reservoir if your car allows - definitely a meaningful site. And of course, don't leave without paying respects at the cemetery. Thank you NPS and volunteers for all that you do to keep a an important reminder of our history alive. read more

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I have driven past many times, and I am glad that my wife suggested we stop on the way back from Mammoth, to pay respects to Grandpa. Approaching south on 395, we first saw the guard towers and stopped at the barrack that stands near the basketball court. Some boys were playing basketball. The barrack is wooden with tar paper lining the exterior. The inside is bright and neat, making my wife comment, the living conditions aren't bad - but my son said "yeah but your freedom and your home and business were taken away...". We are third and fourth generation Japanese American. I explained that my father, like all Japanese were first "assembled" at Santa Anita Racetrack before being sent to the camps. My father was imprisoned with his brother in Rohwer, Arkansas. I imagined the cold, desolate landscape against the snow capped mountains. And how the "detainees had to build much of the living quarters and furniture. There is a nice driving tour, that stops at the cemetery, and there are locations marked for mess hall, admin office, etc...It's becomes easy to imagine what the may have looked like. The compound is huge, surrounded of course by a fence, and soldiers. Manzanar is a very interesting site, and has a different meaning to me since I am Japanese. read more

Wow! What a great museum in the middle of nowhere. The tour really starts when you start driving there. You realize how far of a ride the people were taken. Completely away from civilization. I would leave around 1-3 hours depending on how fast you want to run through it. We spent 2 hours skimming through texts. I think we needed 3 hours if we wanted to watch/read everything. Excellent staff members that answered any questions with a smile. It was a beautiful museum and experience all for free! Thank you! read more

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Amazing but sad to experience the old American history about Manzanar! I was conflicted to visit but decided to explore at the last minutes as I was driving by. It's important to know about the history. Sometimes, ignorance is not bliss! read more

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I recommend starting at the theater and watching the very informative video. They have a nice gift shop with a lot of books and things to purchase. read more

Manzanar National Historic Site - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Independence, California

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There are two entrances! I entered coming from Lone Pine and there's a booth that tells you to stop! But you don't really need to stop and wait. Just head to the visitor center to the right of you. I was confused, but after a while (and some pictures) I headed toward the actual visitor center. It was actually a drive yourself tour. The drive was okay since there was some renovations going on. So not much stopping and getting out. It was overall a nice little drive thru :) read more

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It's been several years since I've visited Manzanar. Gayle and I had the recent opportunity on our way to Death Valley. The remains of the old Japanese Internment Camp were as bleak, isolated, depressing, and Constitutionally outrageous as ever. This time around, we had the chance to visit a nicely and historically restored community center building and several recreated barracks, that portrayed various living conditions, food and dining, and education among other subjects. The displays are all well considered and worth anyone's time who cares to dive in as deeply as one would like. This visit taught me that the Japanese population interned here featured more complicated class, cultural, and political layers than I had previously remembered. I specifically noted the "loyalty survey" time and the confusing "No No" answers to 2 questions, that led to many "troublemakers" being shipped off to a sister camp at Tule Lake. Of course, my next visit will reveal even more layers and thought than I would have expected. In any event, you need to come here at least once. read more

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Sunday was a day of evil. having spent much of the day getting to the last hiding spot of Charles Manson, the Barker Ranch, I doubled down in the fading daylight made it to Manzanar.... I knew about Manzanar and its history. In nursing school, one member of our small study group's parents had been forced there as children. I had a bit of insight of what it was like to be incarcerated there. Despite all of this I was unprepared for the range of emotional impact this horrible, shameful piece of US History had on me. While I could talk about the layout, the auto tour, the displays, It simply will not do. The cemetery was particularly rough. I will let my pictures of the place do the talking with one small exception. I was really struck by a plaque on one of the bare bone graves in the main cemetery: Midori Susan Furuya Born August 13, 1943 Died August 14, 1943 Born incarcerated and died incarcerated. Haunting...... Words matter. When we give in to fear and xenophobia and allow our worst instincts to take over we get Manzanar. They were citizens who had done nothing wrong. read more

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Manzanar. A very heavy and real experience. Learn a little history in one of the most beautiful place in Cali, The Eastern Sierra Mountains. The interpretative areas with simulated sounds is eye opening and troubling. Crazy to think what these people had to endure. Expansive outdoor areas of a very large complex, essentially an entire base makes for an exceptional drive tour. The gun towers off the highway and the guard shack at the entrance with MT Whitney in the backdrop pose a stark reminder of what fear can do, especially when your country is attacked with no prior warning. I would recommend this to any and every one who passes. Nice indoor area as well. Basketball courts, schools, gardens and the like paint a surreal picture of a time not so long ago. A must see. read more

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Very powerful. Poignant, sad, and rich with so many colorful stories. For all those who walked through these grounds and for all those that never left, their memories live on through the remnants of the few remaining barracks and loads of volunteers who labor in the desert heat to honor their tribulations. So next time you're on the 395, and haven't been or noticed this hidden gem, pull off on the Highway and visit for just a bit; you'll be glad you did. read more

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Made the trek to Manzanar for the 54th Annual Pilgrimage! Hosted by the Manzanar Committee. The event is located close to the monument with the Japanese Kanji . The inscription reads "soul consoling tower " in case anyone was wondering.. The condition's can be harsh and unpredictable so come prepared. Sunblock was a must for me . Activities started at 1130am and ended close to 330pm .The program featured speakers , musical entertainment , an interfaith service and ondo dancing . The pilgrimage is open to the public and free. There are no food or drink vendors so folks are encouraged to bring water and snacks . Manzanar itself is a National Historic site so guided tours are offered via reservation. The Visitor center has a reconstructed barrack on display as well as an info center and gift shop . The ranger's and staff are some of the nicest people I've ever met in my life . Not to mention knowledgeable.. Highly recommended ! read more

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On our way home from camping in Mammoth, we decided to stop by Manzanar. Although the tour and walking through the buildings are closed due to Covid-19, they have auto drive thru option which actually worked out because we had our dogs and it was super hot out. The cemetery was amazing with all the origami and other special momentum's left behind on and around the statue. The stories behind where once stood these buildings takes your memory back and lets your imagination wander of how life once was. What an amazing treasure of Japanese history on this lot. You can fee the energy of the times here. I wish I was able to actually walk thru each barrack/building and read each signage. But I guess I can do that online and look through my photos. Definitely recommend if you're in the area. read more

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I did not know anything about the imprisonment of Americans BY Americans until I was in my mid-twenties. At the time I honestly thought it couldn't possibly be true. It had never been mentioned in the history books I studied in High School (in the '70s). The exhibits at Manzanar were fascinating and gut wrenching. There is a film that gives a broad overview of this period of history. (I recommend seeing this first before anything else). Viewing the personal things - beautiful furniture created from fruit crates, pictures of children learning in school, gardens created in the desert - the human spirit is truly amazing. I'm extremely glad that Manzanar is being restored and preserved. It's an incredibly sad and important part of American history. We can't ever forget this happened. read more

This was an amazing stop. I hadn't stopped in over ten years. They have done so much. Before there wasn't much to it but now there is a few bungalows to walk through to see how life was and the museum. Also there slowly repairing the old gardens and orchards truely an amazing feet in the middle of the desert. We spent almost 3 hour With everything there is to see now. They also have a junior ranger program and most of the time you fill out the booklet they give you a sticker off you go. This was the first time I've seen a ranger stop and really take time with the kids and make sure they understand what this place was all about. They made my son feel like he was the most important person in the room and they were really listening to him. read more

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This is definitely worth a stop if you are traveling along Highway 395. The site is located right off Highway 395 between Independence and Lone Pine. It is operated by the National Park Service and there is no charge for admission. The Visitors Center, which is the site of the original Recreation Center, has a very interesting museum inside. Plan on spending an hour or so inside. You can also take an auto driving tour around the entire compound. Note that almost all the original buildings are gone these days. You will see guard towers and barracks, but these are actually just recreations. What is left for the most part are just markers identifying what was originally at each location, and perhaps some of the remaining cement foundations. The cemetary at the far end of the compound is also a must see for visitors. read more

Manzanar National Historic Site - Manzanar Historic Site Visitors Center - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Independence, California

This is a stark reminder of a dark spot in our US history. Great displays and narrative pieces. There's a full auto tour of the site with many places to walk and reflect. Recreations of some of the buildings with many artifacts and audio recordings from people who experienced life in this camp. read more

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The museum exhibits were very somber. It shares the history of a very dark period in American history when American citizens were rounded up and and sent to concentration camps with only the clothes on their back and a suitcase. read more

I have always wanted to stop by and I finally did it. Unfortunately they were just about ready to close up but luckily for me the self driven vehicle tour was open till sundown. I will try to comeback to walk inside the auditorium because there is a lot going on in there. The self driven tour was nice though. Pictures to follow. read more

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Unless you're going for a specific familial or education visit, it's not worth say, the drive from LA, to visit. However, if you're passing by on your way down the 395 then you absolutely should stop for the :30 it'll take to visit the historic site of a terrible government decision. It's a self driven/walked site, with a lot of "this was here at this spot" signage, but there are some physical remnants. The main draw is the somber graveyard with its beautiful "Soul Consoling Tower" and currently only six graves contain remains; the rest of the 150 souls who died there have been relocated. Amazingly, one last body was just recover near the foothills of the Sierra Mountains in Jan 2020; In 1945, Giichi Matsumura left the infamous Japanese-American internment camp to paint in the Sierra Nevada and never returned. PS: this is NOT the place you should even consider taking a selfie. Don't do it. read more

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Everyone needs to see this historic park to remember that we have committed atrocities to our own people. May we never again commit such atrocities! read more

While growing up, I heard alot of stories of "camp" and the great injustice right here in the USA. My family did not experience it as harshly as other Japanese families, mostly because we were in Hawaii at the time and the US War Relocation Authority realized that it was impossible and expensive to move 150k people off an island. Also, if that was accomplished, there would have been no one left to go to work. Only this past week did I find out that this historical site is located really, really close to highway 395 and you won't lose much time if you visit it as a break from your drive. The visitor's center is the from school building of the camp and when you stand on the steps facing east, even today, you get a feel of how desolate this place is. Inside is a display of stories and a table top model of the layout of the camp. You have the choice of driving the perimeter or walking the camp. There are a few barracks, but they are restored and renovated to show an example of how each unit was laid out and each family possibly lived. It explains in great detail how life there was not normal, but as normal as they could make it. Baseball teams were formed and games played where the competition was serious and intense. As much as a 100 teams within the camp. There are a also examples of the school house and administration building. There is a timeline that lays out the time of internment from start to finish with notes about different events that happened such as the Dec. 6 killing of two detainees and the survey questioning detainees loyalty being passed out. As you drive around, there are markers laid out to show where each building used to be and you get a good idea of the size of this layout. The cemetary to the rear is something to see. To think that some people's lives actually ended here in a place where they did nothing wrong to be here. I have other trips planned where I have to travel the 395 so I plan to stop each time to see something I haven't seen yet and take other things in again. I encourage anyone passing by to stop for a while to take it in. read more

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A must stop on your way up to the Sierras. Especially good for kids to see. The museum is put together very nicely and outlines the events leading up to, during and after the internment of the Japanese Americans during WWII. They have a short video viewing room recounting the events that took place and personal stories. Replicas of buildings can be seen in the visitors center as well as on the driving tour. Very educational. We must teach this, remember this and never let it happen again. read more

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While this is an incredibly painful part of American history, it is SO important to learn about it so it isn't repeated in the future. This is a very well thought out and educational national historical site with a great museum (visitor center) a large site to drive around with various things to see and clean restrooms and a gift shop. Plan to spend 90 minutes at least. It may be too hot during the summer to walk around the site much, but many things can be seen from the car. read more

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It was interesting but mostly poster boards with pics and captions. Not a place to see in 15-30 mins if you want the full experience because there is a lot to read. read more

ONLY OUTSIDE during COVID - wait to do it when open. Buildings are closed due to Covid, which is a shame, b/c I am very interested in these camps, and would have liked to have learned more. That said, you can drive through it to get a sense of the injustice here. read more

We decided to stop at this museum because my step-dad is Japanese and because we had an interest in the history of this site. I was pleasantly surprised at how amazing and interesting the museum was. If you like history, you should definitely take time to visit. It is small and nicely set up. There are also original barracks where the families lived. The space is definitely filled with a ton of emotion. I highly recommend it! read more

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It's a nice pit stop on the way home from mammoth. It was closed when we went but we walked around the grounds. I think the fever jenny funding stopped that's why it's closed now. But you can walk around try and look into the buildings or try and play basketball. It was nice to get I touch with my culture considering my grandparents were in internment camps. read more

An American concentration camp. Manzanar is a must-see for every American, yet it's one of those places that most people will probably never drive by. It's easy to spot off of the 395. Even if the visitor center andinformation center is closed, visit this place just to see it. There's plenty of research you can do online, you don't need a tour guide. Manzanar exemplifies a dark era in American history. If we forget, this will happen again. read more

I feel this is a place everyone should visit especially if you are approaching Death Valley or heading up to Bishop and/or Mammoth. The history of what happened here, the living quarters, the bathrooms and how close the toilets were with no wall, to how secluded you is completely insane. I'm glad we were finally able to visit. We will keep visiting and learning how certain groups of people have been treated in the United States. It's great to see the history it just sucks that we in the USA did this. read more

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