Minidoka National Historic Site

07/26/2026

As July comes to a close, we would like to highlight the 2026 Minidoka Pilgrimage that took place Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12. Through the combined care and thoughtful planning of the Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee, Friends of Minidoka, and the National Park Service (NPS), the annual Pilgrimage offered a healing experience to 240 survivors, descendants, families, and friends.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary as a National Park unit, we are mindful of the dedicated work done before us to preserve this history for future generations and committed to continuing those efforts. Guided by the NPS mission to educate and inspire this and future generations, the annual Pilgrimage provides an opportunity to learn about the trauma incarcerees endured and recognize the importance of Issei (first generation Japanese immigrants) phrases such as “Kodomo no tame ni,” for the sake of the children, and “Ni do to nai you ni,” let it not happen again.

We sincerely thank each and every one of our community members who journeyed to the Minidoka National Historic Site to participate in the Pilgrimage this year. Okagesame de, we are because of you.

07/17/2026

07/17/2026

07/17/2026

06/29/2026

Minidoka National Historic Site will be hosting the annual Pilgrimage July 10 through 12. While rangers take care of the 300 Pilgrims visiting the site, the Visitor Center will remain open for normal hours. However, the Saturday public ranger guided tour will be held at 1 pm instead of 11 am. During this time, please plan accordingly. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this important weekend.

Visitor Center schedule for Pilgrimage Weekend July 10 - 12, 2026:
Friday 7/10 – Visitor Center open 10 am – 5 pm.
Saturday 7/11 – Visitor Center open 10 am – 5 pm. Ranger guided tour at 1 pm.
Sunday 7/12 – Visitor Center open 10 am – 5 pm. Ranger guided tour at regular time, 11 am.

05/20/2026

May is an important month at Minidoka National Historic Site. On May 1, we opened our visitor center for the season and began observing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

This month offers an opportunity to honor the diverse histories, cultures, and communities of AANHPI people in Idaho and across the United States. It also invites reflection on the experiences of the approximately 13,000 people of Japanese ancestry who were unjustly incarcerated at Minidoka during World War II. Despite forced removal and confinement, many demonstrated resilience, building community, sustaining families, and contributing their labor in southern Idaho and beyond.

AANHPI people have played a profoundly important role in American and Idaho history. Here at Minidoka, many incarcerees helped transform the high desert of southern Idaho into arable, productive farmland. They worked at farm labor camps in Kooskia, Rupert, Shelly, and Paul and helped to build the Anderson Ranch Dam. The contributions of Minidoka incarcerees were vital to the development of Idaho’s agriculture industry, which remains a top sector of the state’s economy.

We invite you to explore the stories preserved at Minidoka and throughout the National Park System, representing people with roots in India, China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Hawaiʻi, Samoa, Tonga, and many other nations and Pacific communities. Learn more at Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (U.S. National Park Service).

05/01/2026

Today is the day! The Minidoka National Historic Site visitor center opens for the summer season at 10 am. The visitor center is open May 1 - September 27, 2026, Fridays - Sundays, from 10 am - 5 pm. With ranger guided tours at 11 am on Saturdays and Sundays.

04/24/2026

The southern Idaho parks Integrated Resource team has planted native, water-wise basin big sagebrush and rubber rabbitbrush in the parking islands at the visitor center to stabilize the soil and help prevent invasion of non-native plants. Native species have a better chance of success in this dry, arid landscape and provide valuable habitat for the creatures who call this place home. You can help us protect park resources by staying on designated trails and sidewalks!

04/17/2026

It’s almost time! The Minidoka National Historic Site visitor center will open Friday, May 1st for the summer season. The visitor center will be open from May 1 – Sept. 27, 2026, Fridays – Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with ranger guided tours at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Please arrive around 10:30 a.m. if you’re interested in signing up for a ranger guided tour as they are first come, first served.

Weather conditions at Minidoka can vary from extremely windy to hot and sunny. Please dress appropriately in layers, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, and hats. Please also bring water, a bottle filling station and water fountains are located by the restrooms. Restrooms are accessible only while the visitor center is open.
Also:
Rattlesnakes and other wildlife may be present on or near trails.
Pets are not allowed on any park trails.
Help protect this important historic site by staying on trails and practicing Leave No Trace principles. Take only pictures, leave only footprints!

For more information visit nps.gov/miin.

04/09/2026

Saturday, April 25th will be our third annual volunteer day with Friends of Minidoka! Join us for a morning of beautifying the site in preparation for our summer season. For registration and more information, please go to minidoka.org. We hope to see you here!

We'd love your help getting Minidoka National Historic Site ready for the summer season! Come join us as we assist National Park staff with both weeding, cleaning, and general prep work before opening day on May 1st. Snacks and lunch will be provided. RSVP for the event: https://www.minidoka.org/event-details/volunteer-day-at-minidoka

🗓️: April 25 from 9:30am - 12:30pm
📍: Minidoka National Historic Site (1428 Hunt Road Jerome, ID)