Explore below to get answers to some frequently asked questions about the Interpretive Center, visiting northwest Wyoming, and the history of Heart Mountain.
Visiting the Interpretive Center:
Yes! However, please note that there is no overnight parking at the Center.
Group rates are available if arranged in advance. A group consists of 10 or more persons, and must be scheduled at least 24 hours ahead of your visit. Groups can fill out a reservation form and learn more information HERE.
This can be arranged for times when we are not open to the public. Read about details HERE or contact us with more information about your event.
No. We do not offer food or drinks of any kind at the Center. Also, there is limited space for outside picnics. Please plan on eating in either Cody or Powell. Please note that since we have historical artifacts on display, only sealable water bottles are allowed in the exhibit–no other food or drink is allowed. Thank you for your understanding!
Service animals are welcome to accompany visitors when they are needed, but general pets or animals are not allowed inside the Interpretive Center. Since this is a museum, we have historical artifacts on display to protect and specific safety protocols to uphold. The outside areas of our site are available to walk around with your pets, which include two different walking trails. Thank you for your understanding!
YES! If you have an artifact that you believe is related to our story, we want to know about it. Please send an email to info@heartmountain.org to discuss your object and options.
We have an active list of pen pals for school-aged children. If you are doing a school project and would like to interview someone, contact us and we will connect you.
Limited visitation and research of the Heart Mountain archives can be arranged by special appointment. Please email info@heartmountain.org for more information.
Planning your visit to the general area:
No. The Heart Mountain Relocation Center site is designated as a National Historic Landmark Site. However, we are managed entirely by the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, a private foundation.
We are located 65 miles from the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park (the entrance closest to Cody, WY) and 93 miles from the North East Gate (closest to Cooke City, MT). Drive time varies but is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Center to the East Entrance and 2 hours from the Center to the NE Entrance.
The Heart Mountain Interpretive Center is half-way between Cody and Powell, WY. Both towns have several accommodation options including hotels, motels, camping, and RV parks. Click HERE for suggestions.
The trailhead for the Heart Mountain hike is located approximately six miles from the Interpretive Center, off of Road 19. Please note, we are not affiliated with the Heart Mountain Ranch or the Nature Conservancy of Wyoming, and we do not organize or sponsor hikes to the summit of Heart Mountain. Visit the Nature Conservancy website for more information about the hiking in the area.
History of Heart Mountain:
A total of 14,025 people lived at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center, making it the third largest city in Wyoming from 1942 to 1945. 556 babies were born, and 148 people died.
Over 800 men and women served in the Armed Forces, while 85 protesters who believed drafting incarcerees was unfair were charged with resisting the draft at Heart Mountain. Learn about those who served in the Armed Forces HERE. Meet the draft resisters and learn more about the Fair Play Committee HERE.
We call the first generation of immigrants to America Issei (pronounced “ee-say”). The Nisei are the children of Issei, born in this country. Nisei (pronounced “knee-say”) were the first Japanese American citizens. Some second generation were sent back to Japan for schooling. We call them Kibei (pronounced “key-bay”). Sansei (pronounced “sawn-say”) are the children of Nisei, and Yonsei are the children of Sansei.
While many families opted for cremation of their loved ones, there were some buried at Heart Mountain. Once permitted to leave the camp, bodies were sent home with their family members. Six unclaimed bodies were reburied in the Powell (WY) Cemetery.
Yes. Please click HERE to find the lists (arranged alphabetically by last name).