Amache National Historic Site - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Amache National Historic Site is located in Prowers County, Colorado. The site was established as a way to remember and educate the public about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. There are several things to do at the site, including visiting the museum, touring the grounds, and attending educational programs. The museum contains exhibit galleries that tell the story of the internment camp through artifacts, photos, and artwork. The tours of the grounds take visitors through the different barracks and other buildings that were used during the camp's operation. Educational programs are offered throughout the year and cover topics such as civil rights and social justice. These programs provide a unique opportunity to learn about this dark period in American history.

Amache National Historic Site is located in Prowers County, Colorado. The site was established in 1965 to preserve the history of the World War II-era Amache Japanese Internment Camp. More than 7,000 Japanese Americans were held at Amache from 1942 to 1945. The camp was one of 10 internment camps that were built in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor. The camp occupants were forced to live in makeshift barracks and were not allowed to leave the site. Despite the difficult conditions, the internees made the best of their situation and formed a close-knit community. Today, Amache is a reminder of the prejudice and discrimination that Japanese Americans faced during World War II. Visitors can tour the remains of the camp, including the internees' barracks, and learn about this dark chapter in American history.

The best time to visit Amache is in the summer, when the weather is warm and dry. However, the site can be extremely crowded during this time of year. If you're looking for a more quiet experience, consider visiting in the spring or fall. The weather will be cooler during these months, but you'll still be able to enjoy all of the site's amenities. 

1. Stop by the Amache Visitor Center to learn about the history of the site and pick up a map.
2. Take a self-guided tour of the Amache Museum to see artifacts from the internment camp.
3. Walk or bike along the 3-mile interpretive trail to see highlights of the site. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic areas on the grounds.
4.  Visit on a Saturday or Sunday to take part in ranger-led activities like hikes and talks. Join a ranger-led tour of the Granada War Relocation Center Cemetery, where internees are buried.

5. Attend a special event like Interpreting Amache, which is held each September.

6. Take your time. There is a lot to see at Amache, so don't try to rush your visit. Take your time and explore all that the site has to offer at your own pace.

7. Take a hike  For those who want to explore more deeply , there are several hiking trails available throughout Amache National Historic Site . These trails range in difficulty from easy to moderate , so there's sure to be something for everyone.

1. The site was established in 1994 to preserve the site of a World War II Japanese-American internment camp. The camp was in operation from 1942 to 1945 and housed nearly 10,000 internees. 
2.  Amache is one of ten camps where Japanese-Americans were interned during the war. 
3. Today, Amache is a National Historic Site managed by the National Park Service. Visitors can tour the remains of the internment camp and learn about its history through exhibits and ranger-led programs."

4. The site includes the Amache archaeological site, which is the largest prehistoric settlement in Colorado.

5. The Ancestral Pueblo people at Amache were farmers, and they cultivated crops such as maize, beans, and squash.
    

The maximum time required to explore the site is two hours. However, visitors can spend much longer if they wish, as there are many interactive exhibits and opportunities to learn about the history of Amache. 

Take US Highway 50 east from Pueblo to Lamar, Colorado. Exit onto Colorado State Highway 194 north and follow the signs to Amache National Historic Site. The site is also accessible by the South Platte River Greenway. The Greenway can be reached by car, bike, or foot from Denver. Take Interstate 25 south to Denver and exit onto US Highway 6 west. Follow US Highway 6 west to the city of Littleton, Colorado. Exit onto South Platte River Drive and follow the signs to Amache National Historic Site.

 Admission to the site is free, making it an affordable and educational outing for the whole family.

The site is open to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day.