Manhattan Project National Historical Park is a fascinating historical park located in three different states in the United States. The park interprets the Manhattan Project, which was a top-secret government project during World War II that developed the world's first atomic bombs.
The park is spread across three main locations: Los Alamos, New Mexico, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Hanford, Washington. These sites played crucial roles in the Manhattan Project and now serve as a testament to one of the most significant scientific and military endeavors in history.
Los Alamos, New Mexico, is home to the renowned Los Alamos National Laboratory, where scientists such as J. Robert Oppenheimer and Enrico Fermi led the development of the atomic bomb. Visitors to the park can explore the Bradbury Science Museum in Los Alamos, which provides exhibits and interactive displays that detail the science behind the project. Additionally, the nearby Pajarito Ski Area offers outdoor recreational activities, including skiing and hiking.
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, was the site where enormous efforts were made to produce enriched uranium for the atomic bombs. The American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge showcases the scientific and technological achievements of the Manhattan Project. Visitors can explore informative exhibits, watch informative films, and even take part in interactive experiments. Nearby attractions include the scenic Melton Hill Lake, offering opportunities for boating and fishing.
Hanford, Washington, was responsible for the production of plutonium, another key component of the atomic bombs. The B Reactor National Historic Landmark in Hanford allows visitors to tour the world's first full-scale nuclear reactor and learn about its critical role in the project. The nearby White Bluffs Quilt Museum showcases the history and artistry of quilting, providing a unique cultural experience.
Overall, the Manhattan Project National Historical Park offers visitors a chance to delve into the remarkable history of the Manhattan Project. Through informative museums, historical sites, and educational exhibits, visitors can learn about the scientific innovations and societal impacts of this groundbreaking project. Additionally, the surrounding areas provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural experiences, making it an excellent destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Manhattan Project National Historical Park is strategically located within three states: New Mexico, Washington, and Tennessee. In New Mexico, the park covers Los Alamos, which sits atop the Pajarito Plateau in the picturesque Jemez Mountains. This desert region showcases the majestic beauty of the Southwest and is filled with rugged canyons and breathtaking vistas. The park's Washington section is situated on the Hanford Site, along the Columbia River. This unique location offers stunning views of the river and its surrounding plains, highlighting the diverse landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Lastly, in Tennessee, the park encompasses the Oak Ridge area, nestled in the eastern part of the state. Here, visitors can explore the lush forests and rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains, providing a serene and tranquil experience. Overall, the Manhattan Project National Historical Park spans across varied geographic terrains, each offering its own distinct charm and natural beauty.
National Park Service, Manhattan Project National Historical Parkc/o NPS Intermountain Regional OfficeNational Park Service, Manhattan Project National Historical ParkDenver, CO 80225-0287Driving DirectionsPhone: Hanford: 509.376.1647Web: Link
The best time to visit Manhattan Project National Historical Park is in the months of April, May, and October. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities with average maximum temperatures ranging from 62°F to 70°F and average minimum temperatures ranging from 36°F to 44°F. The average monthly precipitation during these months is around 0.8 to 1.6 inches.
Some of the activities you can do in Manhattan Project National Historical Park are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits
Learn about these topics at Manhattan Project National Historical Park: Tragic Events Military African American Heritage Science, Technology and Innovation Women's History Wars and Conflicts World War II
Visit Tri-Cities is the tourism information center for the local area. This is a great place to stop by for helpful trip-planning advice for visiting the park and numerous other attractions in the Tri-Cities. The helpful staff can provide you with itineraries for visits to the Tri-Cities region and suggest entertainment, lodging, and dining options. You may also purchase souvenir items and stamp your national parks passport here. Visit Tri-Cities may be reached at 509-735-8486.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Tri-Cities Visitor Center.
This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).
With a stay at Motel 6 Espanola, NM in Espanola, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Presbyterian Espanola Hospital and Don Quixote Distillery and Winery. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 811 S Riverside Drive, Espanola, New Mexico 87532
Web: Link
When you stay at Comfort Inn & Suites Los Alamos in Los Alamos, you'll be in the historical district and 27.2 mi (43.7 km) from Santa Fe Opera. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2455 Trinity Dr, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544
Web: Link
Located in Santa Fe, Cities Of Gold Casino is in the entertainment district, a 3-minute walk from Cities of Gold Casino and 13 minutes by foot from Poeh Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Santa Fe? This hotel has facilities measuring 7,900 square feet (1 square meters), including a conference center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 10-A Cities of Gold Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506
Web: Link
Located in Los Alamos, Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos White Rock is within a 15-minute drive of Bandelier National Monument and Bradbury Science Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 124 State Hwy 4, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544
Web: Link
A stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton Santa Fe-North places you in the heart of Santa Fe, within a 5-minute drive of Poeh Museum and Don Quixote Distillery and Winery. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-in. Planning an event in Santa Fe? This aparthotel has facilities measuring 1100 square feet (102 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 10 Buffalo Thunder Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506
Web: Link
Located in Santa Fe, Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder is in the historical district, a 5-minute drive from Don Quixote Distillery and Winery and 6 minutes from Cities of Gold Casino. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Santa Fe? This hotel has facilities measuring 72000 square feet (6689 square meters), including a conference center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 20 Buffalo Thunder Trl, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506
Web: Link
Located in Los Alamos, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Los Alamos, an IHG Hotel is in a rural location, a 5-minute drive from Bradbury Science Museum and 9 minutes from Los Alamos Historical Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. This hotel has 2 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 60 Entrada Dr, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544
Web: Link
Located in Los Alamos, Pueblo Canyon Inn is within a 10-minute drive of Bradbury Science Museum and Los Alamos Historical Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 199 San Ildefonso Rd, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544
Web: Link
A stay at Canyon Inn - Downtown Los Alamos places you in the heart of Los Alamos, within a 5-minute drive of Bradbury Science Museum and Los Alamos Historical Museum. Featured amenities include express check-out, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 80 Canyon Road, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544
Web: Link
With a stay at Los Alamos Flats in Los Alamos, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Los Alamos Historical Museum and Bradbury Science Museum. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3055 Trinity Drive, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-03-31 | Manhattan Project National Historical Park 10th Anniversary in Oak Ridge Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Manhattan Project National Historical Park on April 30, 2026 with special events throughout Oak Ridge, Tennessee. More |
| 2025-09-30 | Manhattan Project National Historical Park Celebrates 10 Years with Special Events in Oak Ridge Celebrate Manhattan Project National Historical Park's 10th anniversary on Thursday, November 13, 2025, with special events throughout Oak Ridge, Tennessee. More |
| 2025-09-30 | Visitor Spending for Manhattan Project NHP Contributes $5.4 Million Across Three Communities A new National Park Service report shows Manhattan Project National Historical Park had a total of 74,693 recreation visits across its 3 park units in 2024. These visits led to a total of approximately $5.4 million in visitor spending in local communities parkwide. More |
| 2025-08-12 | Manhattan Project National Historical Park Marks 80th Anniversary of VJ Day With Special Program in Oak Ridge Marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, the Oak Ridge, TN unit of Manhattan Project National Historical Park is offering a special guided tour of Jackson Square on Thursday August 14, 2025 from 12:30-1:00 PM EST. More |
| 2025-08-02 | Manhattan Project National Historical Park hosting days of Peace and Remembrance in Los Alamos, NM in Observation of the 80th Anniversary of Atomic Bombings of Japan - Manhattan Project National Historical Park (NHP), in partnership with Pearl Harbor National Memorial (NM), will host "Days of Peace and Remembrance" across its three sites and at Pearl Harbor NM to commemorate and reflect on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945. This commemorative programming acknowledges and interprets the conflicting viewpoints, both historical and modern, that surround the development and use of the world’s first atomic weapons. These events provide an opportunity for somber, quiet reflection. More |
| 2025-08-01 | Manhattan Project National Historical Park hosting days of Peace and Remembrance in Oak Ridge, TN for 80th Anniversary Observance of Atomic Bombings of Japan Manhattan Project National Historical Park (NHP), in partnership with Pearl Harbor National Memorial (NM), will host "Days of Peace and Remembrance" across its three sites and at Pearl Harbor NM to commemorate and reflect on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945. This commemorative programming acknowledges and interprets the conflicting viewpoints, both historical and modern, that surround the development and use of the world’s first atomic weapons. These events provide an opportunity for somber, quiet reflection. More |