Manzanar. Do you know the significance? We visited Manzanar National Historic Site with the kids earlier this year during our Spring Break trip. I actually stopped at this historic site years ago when I was a kid myself when we were studying the history of World War II. With Pearl Harbor Day happening tomorrow I thought that this was the perfect time to share about our visit. Here are some reasons you should consider visiting Manzanar with your kids.
what is Manzanar National Historic Site?
When the Imperial Japanese Navy bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 it altered the course of history. This brought the US into World War II and almost immediately thousands of loyal Japanese Americans became–in the eyes of the US government–dangerous enemies. Manzanar is one of 10 “Relocation Centers” or Prison Camps scattered across the country. Although this isn’t a happy part of American History, it’s an important one to learn about.
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. 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.
https://www.nps.gov/manz/
what to do when visiting Manzanar with kids:
Our favorite activity with kids at any of the units in the National Park Service is do participate in the Junior Ranger Program. You can pick up your Junior Ranger booklet from the visitor center or email them and ask for a copy. If the visitor center is closed (like it was when we went) you can pick up your passport stamps, booklets, and brochures in boxes outside the building.
Two thirds of the Japanese Americans confined at Manzanar were under the age of 18. Today, Manzanar is very relevant to children as we introduce ideas about civil liberties and what it means to be an American.
https://www.nps.gov/manz/
Visiting Manzanar with kids is great because it’s the best preserved interment camps in the United States. Here you can tour the Visitor Center and Block 14 Exhibits. You’re able to walk through a restored Mess Hall, Barracks, and more featuring exhibits and informational placards.
The Manzanar site has a great 3.2 mile auto tour through the encampment. It’s not terribly exciting for young kids, but if it’s a particularly hot day or you’ve got little ones sleeping in the car it’s a great way to learn about the history of Manzanar. The tour even tells about the history of the area before it became an internment camp.
where is Manzanar National Historic Site?
Manzanar National Historic Site is located in Inyo County, California on Highway 395. The closest town to the south is Lone Pine, the closest town to the north is Independence. Due to its location visiting Manzanar is probably best in spring through fall, as the roads around here can become impassable in winter. Other attractions in the area are also more likely to be open. The only exception would be if you’re planning to visit Mammoth Mountain or June Lake in the winter!
other things to see in the area:
- Death Valley, 62.5 miles
- Mammoth Mountain, 94 miles
- Devils Postpile National Monument, 102.8 miles
- Yosemite National Park, 123.8 miles
- Bodie Ghost Town, 143.8 miles
Have you ever visited Manzanar National Historic Site? Had you ever heard of it before?
