Minidoka National Historic Site preserves the stories of over 13,000 Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated here during World War II. A visit to Minidoka is a powerful experience — walking the historic grounds offers space for reflection, learning, and honoring those whose lives were forever changed.
​
Minidoka NHS, a unit of the National Park Service, is located in Jerome, Idaho.
Best Times to Visit
The grounds of Minidoka is open year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons:
​
-
Spring & Fall: Comfortable weather makes these ideal times to walk the historic grounds and reflect outdoors.
-
Summer: The most popular season to visit, with warm days and opportunities to attend special programs and events.
-
Winter: The site is quieter, and while facilities may be more limited, the stillness adds to the solemn atmosphere.
​
The Visitor Center is open May - September.
Getting Here
​Driving:
-
From Boise (approx. 2 hours). Take I-84 East toward Twin Falls. Continue to exit 194 and follow US-93 North. Turn right on Hunt Road and follow signs to the Minidoka National Historic Site.
-
From Twin Falls (approx. 20 minutes). Head north on US-93. Turn right onto Hunt Road and follow it until you reach the site entrance.
Nearby airports with driving distances to Minidoka NHS:
-
Boise​ - 2 hours
-
Twin Falls - 20 minutes
-
Sun Valley - 1.5 hours
Hours & Admission
-
Hours: The site grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
-
The Visitor Center is open May - September — check ahead for current hours.
-
Admission: There is no fee to visit Minidoka. All programs and self-guided tours are free of charge.
Things to Do
-
Visitor Center: Start your visit here to learn the history of Minidoka through exhibits, photographs, and interpretive materials.
-
Honor Roll: View the replica Honor Roll, which recognizes Japanese Americans from Minidoka who served in the U.S. military during WWII.
-
Walking Trails: Explore marked trails that take you through historic features of the incarceration site, including foundations, guard towers, and agricultural areas.
-
Interpretive Programs & Events: Join ranger-led tours, visitor engagement activities, and community gatherings that keep the stories of Minidoka alive.
-
Reflect and Remember: Many visitors take time for quiet reflection, honoring those who endured incarceration and considering the lessons Minidoka holds for today.