Reviews of Minidoka National Historic Site (Tourist Attraction)

Snoopy

My family was there during the war. It was never spoken of much, and its not really something you learn about in school... but it shaped my dads life in countless ways even as a young child. It was a terrible thing that happened and it should be taught to every American so we never forget or make this mistake again.

London L.

I went here on a school trip for a grade so I'm a bit biased and didn't get to enjoy the place for its' historical value more than the fact I was graded for it, but it is definitely a good historical site if you want to learn about internment camps in general. Take a tip from me though and don't go in the dead of winter, finding a place to eat lunch will end with your rump frozen to whatever place you decide to sit.

Rodeoff Smith

Important part of American history. Self tour. No bathrooms available off season.

Sheryl Schowengerdt

We were able to go on the guided tour - led by Emily and Keagan. Both extremely knowledgeable and personal family experiences added impact to the information shared. It is absolutely worth visiting.

Samuel Griffin

It's under construction, and that's the only reason it didn't get 5 stars. Friendly staff and a vitally important piece of American history.

Linda Brugger

Greatly expanded exhibit. Guided tours on the weekends. Sad part of history, but worth the visit.

Angela DeHaven

This National Historic Site is still being developed. I wish the locals would support it more, such an important part of our history. Definitely worth the drive through farmland to get there. Don't forget your National Parks passport stamp.

Smash Tobin

Unfortunately we were not able to get our passport stamp because the visitor center is in town and was not open the day we visited the Historic Site. But the site itself offers interpretive signs along a very short walk. I would read ahead, to understand more about the place, because I don't think the signs truly explain the magnitude of what happen there.

Karl Hussey

A piece of history. Not too much left of what once was, but worth the visit if you are already in the area. Boards with descriptions posted in many areas. Short walk to visitors center from parking.

Danielle Raichel

If you like history GO! you do have to walk a lot, so take water in the warmer months, you will walk away feeling different, it is an experience. They are in the process of a new visitor center as of this post 5.23 18 the small visitor center is still in use. Tours are given, wear closed toe shoes. I am not going to say much more to not spoil anything. Just Go!

Mark Boyer

Be sure to check opening times. This was an entertaining look into a dark chapter in our Nation's history. They were constructing a new visitors center when we visited. If construction is not completed by the time you wish to visit, parking is limited. This is especially true for larger vehicles.

Kevin Wolters

If you love American History this is a must visit. It was not our proudest moment when President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, the removal of all Japanese Americans into internment camps. There were 10 total, and Minidoka was one of them. Although most of the original buildings have been relocated or raze, an awesome effort has been made to have some reconstructed buildings (including the blue Visitors Center which looks like a small house) and a boat-load of informative markers, plaques and monuments. This was great to visit. Beware, the large site can only be accessed on foot. Bring some solid kicks and plenty of water.

Darlene Fenescey-Leto

Concept is great. What it represents is history. But...you park and walk a mile if you want to go to visitor center, even though there is a road to it. Did not walk it due to weather so very disappointing .

Brenda Losey

I learned something new this day!

Nancy Robinson

A very sad place considering why the government decided to inter these Japanese people under very inadequate conditions. The Ranger was a descendant and supplied much information adding to my experience there.

Robyn Millar

America, remember the injustices we have allowed so that they never happen again!

Charles Berkler

Place needs work but a powerful message.

Nati Valdez

Its a nice place for people that enjoy the outdoors. There are trails u can walk on. No motorcycles or 4wheelers.

Becky McColley

amazing new visitors center! I was lucky enough to be a part of the pilgrimage and the ribbon cuttimg ceremony

Julie Stuart

5 stars not because I loved it but because it's That important that we remember this ugly chapter in our own country's history. The only thing I have to say about the experience of being at such a place, especially in America, is ....Go there yourself. Just Go. And if you haven't already, go see George Takei's Broadway musical, Allegiance. Take tissues. One last thing - if the visitor center isn't open there are no facilities out there, only one porta potty. Go before you go.

Yuezhou Wang

It is site still under developing. There is a temporary visitor center which is off the paved street. The GPS could lead you into the site but there is no sign of visitor center. Stop as soon as you enter the park and there is a map to guide.

Tess Shellenbarger

History at its most poignant. It is the Japanese Internment camp in Idaho and the 6 acres and what is left of the buildings are now a national park. As I walked amongst the reminders of the American Japanese experience post Pearl Harbor I could only wonder at the fear of the American people and the incredible tenacity of those who survived in such dire circumstances. It is a place for adults and pre teens to understand the effects of war and the regrettable choices made in the name of national security.

Pearl Oppliger

A part of history we should not forget. I was amazed that so many that were incarcerated fought for the US in the war. So many died. Not much of the camp still exists.

Megan Berry

Loved bringing our kids and teaching them new perspectives. I think spring was the perfect time- not too hot.

Nicolas Van Tomme

Not a lot to set but a I live birds there is a little road along the river that was full of ducks, pelicans and other birds. Otherwise i would have to give this site a 2 star.

Aeriel King

It was fun!!

Mark Bishop

Small and new, but informative. Take the time to visit and walk around.

Scott harwell

Places like this must be preserved. Excellent walking tour. There are several original buildings still standing though I wish they would restore one that we could walk through.

Isabel Ayala

The best thing in the World /a little sad

Floyd Aranyosi

This is an amazing site of historical interest. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and they really help visitors understand what the internment of our fellow citizens was like, and why it should never happen again. Highly recommended.

Ross H.

This place has odd hours but you can still self tour some of it in your own. Many of the areas are replicas and don't offer much context. I wouldn't go out of your way. Still though, the history of japano internment camps during WWII. Spoilers... It's a little bit sad.

Brian Perriman

Middle of nowhere place of sad WWII history. A humbling place to stop.

Dave Hunt

A must see. American shame. I'm so sorry.

Rich Greenland

Small, but interesting. We went on Labor Day and they only had one person working. He was great, but he wasn't able to do tours of the buildings because he had to man the visitor's center. Apparently, they usually only do tours on Saturdays and Sundays, though you can call ahead and set an appointment for a tour most days. It was still fun to walk around on our own and see the site. One word of caution to those with small kids: you park and then walk a ways to get to the visitor's center. Bring a stroller or be prepared to carry your child.

Katie Carmichael

A moving place where Japanese and Japanese-Americans were imprisoned during World War II. You are greeted by a guard tower when you approach. There in not much left of the original camp, but you can feel the sadness and resolve of the brave people that were held here. Be sure to talk with the rangers, who are a deep well of knowledge. The visitor center is across the road from the small parking lot. The new visitor center is expected to open in early 2020.

Bev Lauritzen

Creepy and interesting

Robert Kervian

Awesome history here. I didn't know what really happened at these camps. Not much to see, but a good walk around the camp with storyboards. About 1.6 miles in total.

Jeff Bates

Not much at this site, but they are building a new visitors center in 2019

Robert Kokrda

Off the beaten path, it's a small but important historical site that documents and preserves the facility used to house Japanese Americans following the attack on Pearl Harbor. While there are very few elements of the internment camp left, those that are there are preserved very well and give you an idea just how large this facility was - the 7th largest population in Idaho at its peak. Take the time to visit this monument. A new Visitors Center is under construction.

Pat Hubof

Never found it. GPS kept sending us on a five block circle..

J Lamb

This site marks a low point in American history where during 1943-45 fear and racism won out over bravery and compassion when order 9066 was given, authorizing Japanese Relocation to concentration camps. Camp hunt was one of the largest camps. A great number of Japanese volunteered to serve in the military from this camp. An honor board is still at the site and comemerates their patriotism and sacrifice. The site needs more work but it's still interesting and one can imagine what they went through. It's a beautiful drive to the area if you take the back country. In these farms many Japanese worked during the war when there were not enough other men around. They were very successful.

David Crane

Visitor center doesn’t open until June but good information about the history available. No dogs allowed on trails doesn’t make sense. We did not walk the trails because of our dog.

Linda Anthony

Can't wait for the new admission center and movie. There are so many lessons here. Learning from history is important .

Keith Crook

They have done a wonderful job at restoring a good portion of this tragic part of our history for the Japanese

Lynn Sasaki

There has been tremendous development of this site during the past decade. It's a place to absorb an event in our recent American history that should not be forgotten. The National Park Service has done an amazing job to recreate parts of the camp that became home to over 9000 American citizens. Bring water and sunscreen if you plan to walk the interpretive trails. It's pretty hot out there, especially during the summer season.

Rachael Carlson

Wonderful staff. Very informative. Quite moving.

Jack O'Lantern

A sad piece of American history that should be visited.

07hog

Interesting and informative piece of history. Not a whole lot to see here as just about everything is gone. Remnants of the main gate and MP shack are still standing at the entrance. Good signs highlighting the events, history, and layout of the camp are posted along the walking trail. You can visit anytime, but the visitor center and ranger tours address only on weekends.

Addison Quam

What a worthwhile place to go and learn about one of the darkest moments in American History. Just being able to see and feel what life was like for the 13,000 interred Japanese Americans during WWII is worth the slight detour. You can read all about it but to be there just gives such a deeper sense of wonder and awe that something so blatantly at odds with American values happened so close to home and not all that long ago in the grand scheme of things.

Catherine Russell

This historical site has a spiritual side, that gives a feeling of one of the great wrongs that has happened in this country. Brings to life an experience of a race or group of people.

David Chester

Awesome and moving

Larry Harris

Everyone must be aware of this shameful episode in American history.

Megan Cox

Chilling to see, so much history there that I never knew. The signs are nice for a self guided tour and the visitors center was a nice place to ask questions because it is a lot to take in.

John Clark

Fascinating piece of our American history. Sites such as this needs to be preserved and restored, so errors in judgement are not repeated.

Brian Coffey

The park ranger, Hanako, is amazing. She brought the reality of being incarcerated by your own government for no good reason to life. It will be great to see the site develop over the years as they reclaim original buildings.

Mike Lucas

Built water tank there

Mary Straka

Nothing fancy but the parks service is working hard to continue their work here. Definitely a must see for history

Mary-Margaret DelliCarpini

Great self guided tour. It is nice that some of the original buildings are still there. The improvements that in in the future will really make this a true learning spot. Everyone should visit and learn about this sad time in history.

Matt Twogood

Sadly, we did not have energy for the walking tour in the >100° heat and we were not smart enough to to find our way to the house/visitors center. Really glad to see the existence of the historical society.

Michael Berry

This is one of the gems in Idaho and I wish more people knew about this and the history behind it. I'm very glad this monument is here to help us remember the, many times, tragedies that happened both in far away lands and near that affected so many lives. I was touched to see how the Japanese people who were sent here made the best of the situation. Running the bases on the baseball field and reflecting on their circumstances made it real for me.

Leland Meitzler

Found the names of several former neighbors, and a friend on the Honor Roll!

Brooke Penney

What an amazing piece of history. We only wish we could have walked around, unfortunately we picked an extremely cold winter day to visit. We'll be back when we can actually walk around and see things when they're not covered in snow.

That7 Dude

Great piece of history

Jason Lalanne

Sad part of America history but it should never be forgotten. Most of the buildings are gone but it's worth seeing our mistakes as well as our triumphs.

Sherrie Feist

The Minidoka National Historical Site is an important part of our history as a nation. It's isolation is part of the experience. There's not much to see your do. The Visitor Center is a very small house. However I'm very glad I took the time to go.

Lisa Flores

Definitely take the tour if you can plan to be there on those days they do tours. New visitor center looks like it will offer so much more, but in the meantime, ask the interns. They have a lot of info to pass on.

Michael Scarlett

This is a place you need to visit. It's not about the beauty of a given spot like other monuments and parks. The history of who was forced to live here serves as a stark reminder of what our country is capable of doing. We aim to be a people of freedom, working to build a more perfect union, and Minidoka calls us to be people who see past any prejudice based on nationality, creed, or religion. Remember to bring your National Park passport book to get stamped.

Regena Britton

This place is a real gem.. never full tucked away in Rupert Idaho

Brian Gardner

Really educational. The signs make it emotional and INSPIRATIONAL! Well done

Jordan Mendler

Very interesting and important place. Disappointed though that it seems like the new visitor center seems to have been under construction for years, and not much is left in terms of structure or signage

Julie Ransom

The tour guide was not historically accurate and very biased in her presentation. However, it was a great opportunity to show the importance of research bias control to my college students. The facility was interesting; I look forward to the ongoing improvements.

Spencer Saito

Park Rangers are very friendly. Great walking trails and story boards along the way. Baseball field very well maintained.

Andrew Hess

Kurt is a great, passionate ranger!

María Guadalupe Santana Cuevas

Really informative place

Rebecca Welch

Gave you pause to see an injustice perpetrated onso many people for no other reason but their ancestors. Hope it never happens again

Handyman Dan

Great place to learn about the atrocities committed to our own people by our government.

Javier Luna

Staff and interns are fantastic and very knowledgable.

Bob Roberts

Great place to learn about our history

Christopher L Hansen

This National Monument brought alive the reality of the camps, their creation, and what transpired there in a way that nothing else can. It was especially poignant to see the names of those who were interned at the camp and later served with my wife's grandfather in the 442nd. The site has markers and trails for a self-guided tour. The visitor center and ranger can help answer any questions you may have.

Debra Chojnacky

Not much to it right now. There's somebody on Duty but it's just a house, and you have to kind of guess the directions. We learned only by driving around and going into the visitor center what the layout used to be. They need to put more resources into this National Monument area and figure out what to do. Loved the boards and monuments out on the highway, that was very nice and very emotional.

Thomas Johnson

Amazing and haunting place, knowing the history of shame that occurred here. Learn from our past. Well worth going off the beaten path to see this.

Sharon Carrell

New visitors center. Historic site.

poor amy

I went and had a blast

Skip Jenkins

Fantastic place for the history buffs to visit. It shows a lot about the fears the US had after Pearl Harbor.

Lori Phipps

This location is still being built. But there is a small off of the road, signs and lookout tower that one could see now. Getting there you have to drive on a little road that feels like is taking you no where. But it's along a river and there are some great birds to see. Plus the signs and memory wall go a long way in explaining what took place here. I can't wait to see it again when it's finished.

Protomorph

am i famous i have a YouTube account its called hoak the picture is like this

Byron Olson

There is a lot of conflicting information on the internet about this site. It looks like there is a lot of work going on to make this a much better site, but as of May 2019 this is not a place to visit. You can take a walk around the camp and see some foundations of old buildings with a few informative signs describing life in the camp. There are also reconstructions of part of the perimeter fence, a guard tower, and a baseball field. Overall, skip this and see if it improves in the future. NOTE: there were no services available when we visited.

Jane Doyle

Great visit. We've passed here dozens of times and didn't even know it was here.

JHS Savedby grace

Great place to visit and be educated about a sad chapter in our country's history

Ali Cornpoo

It's very small, but has a lot of power if you just imagine yourself being there as an a Japanese American during the internment.

Ellie B

Well worth a visit to experience a little bit of some mostly forgotten United States WWII history. Very powerful to see some of the existence those imprisoned in the internment camps experienced. Highly recommend.

Cynthia P

Minidoka National Monument is at the site of a WWII Japanese internment camp and tells the story of a devastating and shameful part of American history. We just happen to go on the sneak preview of the site. I expect this will be even better once the new visitors center is completed. We found it an emotional experience, not only due to the content but having so many people of Japanese descent present.

Marty Lowder

Excellent place to go see what history was like

Sara Stephens

Hours are wrong.

Klixi Jacob

Always good to learn of our history.

SaraLynn Watts

Not a whole lot left, but well marked and good information. An important part of our history. Self guided. Very thought provoking.

Chip Larouche

Imagine the Injustice in 1942!

Mechelle LaLanne

A bit out of the way, but a good reminder of our past. Plus they have a National Parks passport stamp and Junior Ranger.

Andrew Bristow

Not much left of the actual camp. Beautiful area to drive through, but the actual historical site is pretty barebones.

Big Muff Madrid

This was the first time I've been out to see this WWII Japanese internment camp. The site has a fairly long hiking trail as the site is rather large. Most of the original buildings are no longer there but there are a handful of the originals. There are really good signs with stories with pictures and some of them even had audio. Beware... We saw the largest rattlesnake that I've ever seen, about as thick as a baseball and God knows how long. Keep your eyes on your steps and keep an ear out for a rattle. The tower was reconstructed and isn't original. There is a visitor's center open a few hours on Saturday and Sundays. We went on a Friday so it was closed.

Nathan Lowder

Middle of nowhere but a good place to visit.

Jessica Ralphs

It'll be nice when its all finished

ArSha Ramiya

Nothing much of the structures remain..

Angie Pullin

Very interesting. I like how the site is growing.

Mary Kay Weidner

Beautiful new visitors center. Great representation of the slice of history

Veronica Inojosa

It was awesome to see some history here

M. Q. Smith

The first time I visited the “official“ Minidoka Historic Site, it was located within the visitor center at Hagermann Fossil Beds National Monument. On display were many photographs, detailing the life and struggles of the Japanese internments and what they were forced to endure. Since then, Minidoka NHS has recently established itself on the original site, near Hunt Idaho, where thousands of Japanese were sent during WWII to collectively reside in a US government relocation camp. Minidoka (1942-1945) was one of these many relocation centers, ten in total. Two months after the invasion at Pearl Harbor. President Roosevelt signed Executive Order #9066. In it, all persons of Japanese ancestry (whether citizens or aliens) were forced to move away from the Pacific Ocean. It was deemed necessary at the time to prevent espionage. All Japanese American citizens or those of Japanese ancestry were forced into “camps” east of the Cascade Mountain Range or east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The US government also claimed that relocation into isolated camps was necessary to protect those of Japanese descent. But many residents wondered why the guns were pointed towards them, and not defensively aimed away from the barbed wire. It wasn’t until 1988 that Congress passed Public Law 100-383 where the United States government acknowledged the stunning injustice of Japanese Internment Camps, including Minidoka (Hunt Relocation Center). With an apology, $20,000 was given to each of those interned. Unfortunately, most of those that were sent to relocation camps lost everything they owned (except the clothes on their backs plus the contents of one suitcase), including homes, cars and businesses. It negatively changed their lives forever. If visiting Minidoka, it is good to understand that construction of this National Historic Site is just beginning. There is currently a temporary visitor center located in the “Herrmann House.” The Herrmann family lived here for many years, establishing a farm within the camp’s boundaries after the closure of the Hunt Relocation Center (Minidoka). Located hundreds of miles away, near Bishop CA, east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is Manzanar National Historic Site. It, too, was established in 1942 as a Japanese Relocation Center. Manzanar NHS is exceptional in its site re-creation and the stories of the extreme hardships that those of Japanese ancestry were forced to endure. If one had to chose between these two historical sites to visit, (now) go to Manzanar. I truly hope that the eventual completed site at Minidoka will also bring its visitors to tears. And if Minidoka becomes as powerful in its message as Manzanar, it will truly deserve five stars. Be careful. Winter hours and open days (visitor center) are extremely limited.

PS Wright

Touches the heart. An important piece of history that needs more attention brought to it. There is a walking trail along the water, and through the administration and warehouse areas, and one block of the barracks. You can see the root cellar the residents built and the baseball field they held regular games at. Haunting in its isolation. You can imagine some of what they must have felt. Benches are placed for those who have difficulty walking. The honor roll of those who fought in WWII is given a prominent position.