Minidoka National Historic Site

Minidoka National Historic Site, located in southern Idaho, commemorates the history and experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II. The site is situated in Jerome County, about 18 miles northeast of Twin Falls.

During the war, Minidoka War Relocation Center was one of ten internment camps where over 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated. Opening in August 1942 and operating until October 1945, it housed approximately 13,000 people. The internment of Japanese Americans was a result of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066, which aimed to protect national security after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Today, Minidoka National Historic Site preserves some of the original camp structures, including the Honor Roll, Mess Hall, and barrack ruins. Visitors can tour the site and learn about the daily lives of the incarcerated Japanese Americans through exhibits, interpretive panels, and audio recordings. The site offers insight into the challenges faced by the interned individuals and the resilience they demonstrated in adversity.

Apart from exploring the historic site, visitors can take part in ranger-led programs and educational activities that provide a deeper understanding of this dark chapter in American history. There are also opportunities for personal reflection and contemplation at the site's memorial garden.

For those interested in exploring the surrounding area, there are several attractions nearby. Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, known for its rich fossil deposits and fascinating geological history, is located to the southeast. Twin Falls, a vibrant city with scenic waterfalls and recreational opportunities such as hiking and fishing, is a short drive to the southwest of Minidoka National Historic Site. Visitors can also take the opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, which lies about 70 miles to the northwest.

Minidoka National Historic Site provides an important opportunity for visitors to learn about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and to reflect upon the importance of protecting civil liberties and human rights for all.

Minidoka National Historic Site is located in south-central Idaho, within the picturesque Snake River Plain region. Situated approximately fifteen miles northeast of the city of Twin Falls, the site rests on the arid high desert plateau through which the Snake River flows. Surrounded by vast stretches of sagebrush and framed by the distant Sawtooth Mountains to the north, its geographical location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The area's terrain is characterized by gently rolling hills interspersed with basaltic lava flows, creating a captivating landscape for visitors to explore.

Address & Contact

1428 Hunt Road
Jerome, ID 83338
Driving Directions
Phone: 208-825-4169
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Minidoka National Historic Site would be in the months of May, June, July, August, and September. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 70°F to 90°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average monthly precipitation during these months is relatively low, ranging from 0.1 in to 1.3 in, indicating less likelihood of rain.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Minidoka National Historic Site are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits

Topics

Learn about these topics at Minidoka National Historic Site: Tragic Events Asian American Heritage Wars and Conflicts Incarceration Japanese-American Internment World War II

Visitor Centers

Minidoka Visitor Center

Located at 1428 Hunt Road. Start here for visitor information, the passport stamp, the park film, museum exhibits, and the park bookstore. The visitor center is open Fridays through Sundays, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. If the visitor center is not open during your visit, please check the After-Hours box for brochures and the passport stamp. The historic site grounds are open year-round for self-guided walking tours. Restrooms are only open during visitor center hours.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Minidoka Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Minidoka National Historic Site

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Minidoka National Historic Site

Red Lion Inn & Suites Jerome Twin Falls

Located in Jerome, Red Lion Inn & Suites Jerome Twin Falls is within a 10-minute drive of Snake River Canyon and Perrine Bridge. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities. Planning an event in Jerome? This hotel has facilities measuring 187 square feet (17 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1200 Centennial Spur, I-84 Exit 173 Hwy 93, Jerome, Idaho 83338
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Twin Falls, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Holiday Inn Twin Falls, an IHG Hotel in Twin Falls, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Snake River Canyon and Snake River Canyon Trail. Featured amenities include express check-out, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1586 Blue Lakes Blvd N, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Web: Link

Quality Inn & Suites

With a stay at Quality Inn & Suites in Twin Falls, you'll be a 3-minute walk from Snake River Canyon and 12 minutes by foot from Snake River Canyon Trail. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1910 Fillmore Street North, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Web: Link

Red Lion Hotel Twin Falls

When you stay at Red Lion Hotel Twin Falls in Twin Falls, you'll be in a shopping district, within a 5-minute drive of Snake River Canyon and Snake River Canyon Trail. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Twin Falls? This hotel has facilities measuring 4984 square feet (449 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1357 Blue Lakes Blvd N, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Web: Link

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Twin Falls

Located in Twin Falls, SureStay Hotel by Best Western Twin Falls is in a rural location, within a 5-minute drive of Snake River Canyon and Snake River Canyon Trail. Featured amenities include a computer station, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1260 Blue Lakes Boulevard N, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Twin Falls Id

Located in Twin Falls, Hampton Inn Twin Falls Id is in the business district, within a 5-minute drive of Snake River Canyon Trail and Perrine Bridge. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Twin Falls? This hotel has facilities measuring 1110 square feet (100 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1658 Fillmore Street North, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Web: Link

Comfort Inn & Suites Jerome - Twin Falls

Located in Jerome, Comfort Inn & Suites Jerome - Twin Falls is in a national park, within a 10-minute drive of Snake River Canyon and Snake River Canyon Trail. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-in. Planning an event in Jerome? This hotel has facilities measuring 600 square feet (56 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 379 Crossroads Point Blvd, Jerome, Idaho 83338
Web: Link

Motel 6 Twin Falls, ID

Located in Twin Falls, Motel 6 Twin Falls, ID is within a 5-minute drive of Snake River Canyon and Snake River Canyon Trail. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1472 Blue Lakes Blvd N, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Web: Link

Best Western Plus Twin Falls Hotel

With a stay at Best Western Plus Twin Falls Hotel in Twin Falls, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Snake River Canyon and Snake River Canyon Trail. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1377 Blue Lakes Boulevard N, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Web: Link

Amber Inn Motel

Located in Eden, Amber Inn Motel is within a 15-minute drive of Snake River Canyon and Snake River Canyon Trail. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1132 E 1000 S, Eden, Idaho 83325
Web: Link