Minidoka National Historic Site
During World War II, over 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated without due process of law.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
About Minidoka National Historic Site
During World War II, over 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated without due process of law. Although little remains of the barbed-wire fences and tar-papered barracks, the Minidoka concentration camp once held over 13,000 Japanese Americans in the Idaho desert. Minidoka preserves their legacy and teaches the importance of civil liberties.
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Driving times from Minidoka National Historic Site, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Minidoka National Historic Site
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Activities
Getting there
Jerome and Twin Falls, Idaho, gets 10 inches of rain per year. On average, there are 213 sunny days per year here. The July high is around 94 degrees. The January low is 22. High winds are common, and little shade is available at the site.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Minidoka National Historic Site?
- Popular activities include Guided Tours, Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits, Self-Guided Tours - Walking.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Minidoka National Historic Site?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (1 h 4 min), City Of Rocks National Reserve (1 h 48 min), Golden Spike National Historical Park (3 h 2 min), Timpanogos Cave National Monument (4 h), Fossil Butte National Monument (4 h 37 min), Grand Teton National Park (4 h 47 min).