Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the site open for visitors?
The site is open from dawn until dusk. The Interpretive Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily through October 31, 2004, and 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily beginning November 1, 2004. The Interpretive Center will be closed December 25 but the site will remain open.

2. Is there an entrance fee?
There is no fee to visit Manzanar National Historic Site.

3. Where do I get my passport book stamped?
Manzanar National Historic Site's passport cancellation stamp is available in the Interpretive Center.

4. What does "Manzanar" mean?
"Manzanar" is the Spanish word for apple orchard.

5. How far is Manzanar from Death Valley? Yosemite?
Manzanar is located on the west side of US-395 about 101 miles from Death Valley National Park and about 106 miles from the east entrance to Yosemite National Park.

6. Can you see Mount Whitney from the site?
You cannot see Mt. Whitney from Manzanar. You can see Mt. Whitney from Lone Pine, 10 miles south of Manzanar. The tall mountain directly west of Manzanar is Mt. Williamson.

7. Can you camp at Manzanar?
Camping is not allowed in Manzanar National Historic Site, but there are numerous camping
facilities in the nearby communities. Picnicking is allowed at the site, except within the
cemetery, but there are no established picnic facilities (tables, etc.).

8. What happened to all the buildings from the camp?
After the war, all but three of the camp's 800 buildings were dismantled or relocated. Former Manzanar War Relocation Center buildings can be found throughout the Owens Valley.

9. Do former internees come back to visit?
Former internees come back to Manzanar frequently. The Manzanar Committee, a non-profit
educational organization, sponsors a pilgrimage to Manzanar the last Saturday of every April.
Many former internees participate in this event.

10. Can I bring my dog to the site?
Dogs are welcome at Manzanar, but they must be on a leash and owners must clean up after their
pets. Pets are not allowed within buildings or within the fenced cemetery area.

11. Can I pick fruit from the historic orchards?
Visitors may sample the fruit from the orchards. They may gather 1 quart or less per day and no
more than 5 quarts per year.

12. If I have further questions, how do I contact the staff?
To contact the Manzanar National Historic Site Staff, call 760-878-2194 or email
MANZ_Superintendent@nps.gov