Rides & Destinations: Manzanar National Historic Site

By Joe Berk
Published on August 9, 2016
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US 395 leading into the Manzanar National Historic Site.
US 395 leading into the Manzanar National Historic Site.
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Inside the restored barracks at Manzanar, as they existed at the start of the internment.
Inside the restored barracks at Manzanar, as they existed at the start of the internment.

What: Manzanar National Historic Site, 5001 Highway 395, Independence, CA, 93526, (760) 878-2194. The only National Historic Site dedicated to preserving the heritage of the 10 World War II U.S. War Relocation Centers. Entry is free.
How to Get There:
Take SR 14 from Los Angeles, California, until it runs into US 395 and continue north. From points north, grab US 395 south.
Best Kept Secret:
Don’t miss the Cottonwood charcoal kilns just a few miles south of Manzanar (watch for the signs on US 395), and Amigos Mexican Restaurant in Bishop (you can’t go wrong with anything on their comprehensive menu). There’s a lot of unusual metal artwork out in the Mojave Desert; keep an eye open on the western side of US 395 south of Manzanar.
Avoid:
Not visiting Manzanar; it adds a sense of perspective as to what well-intentioned but misguided politicians can visit upon us. Check the weather before visiting; Manzanar occasionally sees snow. Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated; it was 104 F the day I visited.
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