Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of ten camps where the US government incarcerated Japanese immigrants ineligible for citizenship and Japanese American citizens during World War II.
Photo: Dorothea Lange
Manzanar National Historic Site
In 1942, the United States government ordered more than 110,000 men, women, and children to leave their homes and detained them in remote, military-style camps.
- LocationIndependence, CA
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
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Weather now83°F Sunny
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- Architecture and Building
- Arts
- Asian American Heritage
- Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
- Churches
- Civil Rights
- Colonization and Settlement
- Engineering
23 more topics
- Farming and Agriculture
- Forced Marches
- Homesteading
- Hospital
- Immigration
- Incarceration
- Indigenous and Native Warrior
- Japanese-American Internment
- Medicine
- Military
- Monuments and Memorials
- Painting
- Photography
- Religion and Spirituality
- Scenic Views
- Schools and Education
- Social Movements
- Tragic Events
- Tribal Conflicts
- US Army
- Wars and Conflicts
- Westward Expansion
- World War II
Alerts (1)
InformationManzanar Remains Open During US 395 Pavement Project CalTrans begins a monthslong pavement project on US 395 adjacent to Manzanar National Historic Site on Monday, May 11, 2… Read more
CalTrans begins a monthslong pavement project on US 395 adjacent to Manzanar National Historic Site on Monday, May 11, 2026. Crews will be working to ensure access to Manzanar remains open, but it will be important to travel cautiously as typical access may involve detours and map apps may be inaccurate. Though work is scheduled only during weekdays, lane closures and detours will be in place throughout the week. Currently, the site may only be accessed via the south entrance.
Things to Do
15 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Wildlife Watching
- Biking
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum Exhibits
- Picnicking
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour
- Food
- Park Film
- Road Biking
Show 3 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
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Block 14
Visitor Center
Block 14 was one of 36 blocks used when Manzanar War Relocation Center was in operation. The NPS has reconstructed 2 barracks, a latrine, and a mess hall in Block 14…
Details
Block 14 was one of 36 blocks used when Manzanar War Relocation Center was in operation. The NPS has reconstructed 2 barracks, a latrine, and a mess hall in Block 14. These buildings feature exhibits inside that help tell the story of Japanese American incarceration. -
Manzanar Visitor Center
Visitor Center
The Manzanar visitor center offers extensive exhibits, a 22-minute park film, a bookstore, a Junior Ranger program, and an information desk.
5001 Highway 395, Independence, CA (760) 878-2194 Directions
Details
The Manzanar visitor center offers extensive exhibits, a 22-minute park film, a bookstore, a Junior Ranger program, and an information desk.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, Sunrise to Sunset · Site Grounds
Hours details
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Site GroundsDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
The driving tour and grounds remain open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitor center hours are more limited. See visitor center hours section for more information.
Monday Sunrise to Sunset Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset Thursday Sunrise to Sunset Friday Sunrise to Sunset Saturday Sunrise to Sunset Sunday Sunrise to Sunset
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Weather
83°F
Sunny · feels like 76°
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Today
92° 61°
Sunny0% rain
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Tomorrow
75° 55°
Sunny3% rain
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Saturday
74° 56°
Sunny1% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
Manzanar is located in the Owens Valley at 4,000' elevation, at the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada. We get little precipitation but we do have four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures can soar over 100 degrees. Winter highs are usually in the 40's. Nighttime temperatures year round are 30 to 40 degrees less than daytime highs. High winds are common in any season.
Contact the park
Photos
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Reconstructed Manzanar Guard Tower — NPS -
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1 more photo
Getting There
Independence, CA 93526
Manzanar is located on the west side of U.S. Highway 395, 9 miles north of Lone Pine, California and 6 miles south of Independence, CA.
Mailing address: Manzanar National Historic Site, Independence, CA 93526
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