Purchasing your tickets for the Pilgrimage:
No! When you register through the ticketing system, each ticket will list a general attendee at the top (Attendee 1, Attendee 2, etc.), whether it be for the same person or not–please disregard this, as we will be able to attribute the ticket to the correct person on our end.
Yes, please fill out this form to join the waitlist and we will contact you if a spot opens up.
No. All of these activities will be first-come, first-served. You do not have to sign up for anything in advance, or indicate a preference when you register. We do ask that people sign up for the Multigenerational Discussion groups during registration, but other than that, they do not need to be reserved.
In previous years, there have been requests to create a directory of Pilgrimage attendees so that people can stay in touch with one another. You can share as much or as little information as you like. The directory will only be circulated among those who opt-in to sharing. People who do not opt-in will not have their information included.
Registration for 2025 will not open until spring of next year. You will receive news about that opening if you are on our general mailing list, or follow us on Facebook and/or X (formerly Twitter).
Yes! All are welcome at Heart Mountain’s Pilgrimage.
Bird’s eye view of the Pilgrimage weekend:
Yes! On Thursday night, there will be a survivor meet-up and photo-op at the Holiday Inn from 5:30pm to 7:00pm.
Based on feedback from earlier Pilgrimages, our Thursday schedule now includes two optional museum trips. These are great for people who have never been to the site before, or anyone interested in having time onsite before the hubbub of Saturday. Shuttles will pick up visitors from the Holiday Inn and take them to the Interpretive Center for a three hour “field trip”. Once there, people are free to explore the museum and its outdoor features. An optional scheduled event includes a free guided tour of the root cellar.
This social is a great time to drop in and decompress after a busy first day of Pilgrimage. Come greet old friends and make new ones. Yes, there will be karaoke, but you do not have to be a singer to attend the social. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase from the Holiday Inn. Adult beverages can be purchased from the hotel bar and brought to the social as well.
These small group discussions will allow participants to reflect on the Japanese American confinement experience, to get to know fellow Pilgrimage attendees, and to express their thoughts in a safe and supportive group environment. Participants of all ages and ethnicities will be encouraged to share.
The art healing workshop will follow the Multigenerational Discussions, for those interested in participating. The workshop will create an informal space for participants to express themselves in a guided but self-directed art-making session. They can write, draw, and/or collage while having the chance to reflect on their Pilgrimage experience. Materials will be provided, though participants are encouraged to bring copies of family photographs or other personal materials they might like to incorporate.
The Sayonara Banquet is a festive dinner held at the Holiday Inn on the final night. It is completely optional, and an added cost to attend. Those who choose to eat dinner elsewhere that night can come back to the Holiday Inn for the dessert reception and closing of the silent auction (open to all Pilgrimage attendees).
Please note: The Saturday evening Sayonara Banquet is now SOLD OUT. You can sign up for the waitlist by filling out this form HERE.
The silent auction will be open for the duration of Pilgrimage weekend, and bidding will close after the Sayonara Banquet on Saturday night. Feel free to stop into the auction room throughout the weekend to bid.
Planning your visit:
The check-in desk will always be at the Cody Holiday Inn. There will be signage throughout the Holiday Inn to guide you to the correct room.
Please check the schedule on the Pilgrimage page for the times when the registration desk will be open for check-in. If you will not be able to check in before some of the events start (on Thursday, for example, or on Friday morning), please don’t worry, you may still attend everything, just let a member of staff know that you have not had a chance to check in and we will coordinate with you to get your name tag, bag, and details of the weekend all sorted out.
Our website’s accessibility page has information about audio guides, service animals, and wheelchair access, as well as a Social Story about what to expect when visiting Heart Mountain.
In late July, it is usually very hot and dry during the day. Be sure to stay hydrated and use adequate sun protection. That being said, the weather can change very quickly, so bring layers and be prepared for cooler weather as well. For those who are planning to visit Yellowstone National Park before or after Pilgrimage, know that it is much higher in altitude than Cody and tends to be cooler/wetter. When in doubt, always check ahead!
Pilgrimage days are long, so it is important to dress comfortably. If you want to explore the museum’s outdoor features, we recommend wearing closed-toed shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting dusty. Hats and sunglasses are also recommended. Some people like to dress up a little bit for the Sayonara Banquet, but it is not required.
Several of the events over the course of the Pilgrimage weekend take place at The Holiday Inn in Cody, Wyoming (most other events take place at the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center). Our host hotels in Cody are the Holiday Inn (307-587-5555), Comfort Inn (307-587-5556), and Buffalo Bill Cabins (307-587-5544). We have a discounted rate available at these three locations. Visit the Cody Yellowstone website to see a list of other places to stay in the area.
***If you plan to stay at any of the three hotels mentioned above, please call them directly to make your booking and mention that you are attending the Heart Mountain Pilgrimage to take advantage of the discounted rate. If you book online, you will not be able to get the discount.
Yes. Included will be free Pilgrimage shuttles to all events not held at the Cody Holiday Inn. The Holiday Inn also provides a free shuttle to and from the airport. So it is possible to attend all of the weekend’s events without a car!
Parking at the Interpretive Center during Pilgrimage weekend is very limited. If you would like to use your own car to get to the Interpretive Center for our Saturday event, you will need a parking pass (free for handicap, $15 for regular).
Handicap parking is available, however please note that like the paid parking, it is very limited. A drop off area is available near the entrance of the Interpretive Center for those with mobility issues.
We are not offering any guided hikes up Heart Mountain during Pilgrimage, but you are free to hike it on your own time.
Visitors are encouraged to read The Nature Conservancy’s Heart Mountain webpage which outlines what you can expect from the trail.
Yes! Please do! Volunteering is a great way for seasoned Pilgrims to help others and engage more with Heart Mountain. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Rebecca McKinley at rebecca@heartmountain.org.
Yes, please send a photo of your item(s) with a description to Rebecca McKinley at rebecca@heartmountain.org.