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Manzanar National Historic Site
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The Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of ten camps at which Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese aliens were interned during World War II. Located at the foot of the imposing Sierra Nevada in eastern California's Owens Valley, Manzanar has been identified as the best preserved of these camps. Today, an interpretive center in the restored Manzanar High School auditorium offers extensive exhibits and history. A 3.2 mile auto tour road will take you past the sentry posts, camp auditorium, ruins of the administrative complex, concrete foundations of many types, rocks gardens, portions of the water systems, and the camp cemetery.
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Some More Things to Know |
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A walking tour of the Manzanar Camp takes one to two hours. A self-guided tour booklet is available at the Manzanar Interpretive Center, at the Interagency Visitor Center in Lone Pine, and at the Eastern California Museum in Independence.
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Directions |
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Manzanar is located just off of U.S. Highway 395, 9 miles north of Lone Pine, California and 6 miles south of Independence, California.
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Climate |
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Manzanar is located in the Owens Valley at 4,000' elevation, at the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada. It receives little precipitation but does have four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures can soar over 100°. Winter highs are usually in the 40's. Nighttime temperatures year round are 30 to 40° less than daytime highs. High winds are common in any season.
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Link to our Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park Weather coverage for more information.
Link to our Sierra Nevadas Weather coverage for more information.
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Fees |
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Things To Do |
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If You Only Have an Hour Come inside the Interpretive Center and watch our 22 minute film. Spend some time looking at our exhibits which offer insight into what camp was like. If You Only Have Half a DayVisit the Interpretive Center to see the movie and exhibits. Then take the 3.2 mile auto tour around the site to experience the Manzanar landscape. Bring a picnic lunch and get out and explore. Rock gardens, foundations, historic orchards, and other remains await you if you explore on foot beyond the tour road. If You Are Lucky Enough to Have a Long WeekendManzanar is one of many exciting places to visit in the Owens Valley. Investigate our nearby attractions for ideas suited to any taste. Outdoor Activities Auto Tour: A 3.2 mile self-guided auto tour takes you past the sentry posts, camp auditorium, ruins of the administrative complex, concrete foundations of many types, rock gardens, portions of the water system, and the camp cemetery. Stop in the Interpretive Center for our brochure which contains the tour description. Mountain Biking: Bike the main tour road or gravel roads north and south of the site. Explore the Site: Visitors are encouraged to explore the site on their own. Although cars and bicycles are restricted to the tour road, you are free to explore the entire site on foot. You can visit the gardens in block 22, the chicken ranch, the orchards, or any of the other features of the site not on the main tour road.
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Guided Tours |
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Park Rangers offer guided talks and tours on a regular basis, from 15 to 90 minutes in length. Please wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and be prepared for the season's weather. Schools and tour groups may request reservations for special programs as staffing allows.
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Nearby Attractions |
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Manzanar lies in the heart of the Owens Valley of Eastern California. This area is rich in layers of human history as well as being dramatically beautiful. Bordered on the west by the Sierra Nevada, boasting Mt. Whitney - the highest peak in the contiguous United States - and on the east by the Inyo/White Mountain range, this is the deepest valley in the country. Activities abound for anyone interested in exploring a diverse landscape.
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Link to our Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park Attractions coverage for more information.
Link to our Sierra Nevadas Attractions coverage for more information.
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