Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area

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Group of people around a Russian cross in tall grass
In September 2009, Nick Lekanoff, Sr., former Makushin resident, traveled with his daughter and other descendants of Makushin on the Tiglax to visit the village site, which had been left behind in the evacuation of 1942 and never permanently resettled.
People crowd at the railing of a ship
Pribilof villagers, here lining the railing of the USAT Delarof on the day of their departure (June 15, 1942), were evacuated with only a few hours notice and no idea of their ultimate destination.
Six men with guns carry a person on a stretcher in a valley.
U.S. wounded are gathered from the battlefield on Attu Island. The battle on Attu, lasting nearly 20 days, was the second most deadly in the Pacific Theater.
A uniformed man holds up a broken Russian cross
The Aleutian campaign brought together Russian, Native Alaskan, Japanese, and Euroamerican cultures. During the war 7 historic churches were damaged or destroyed. Villages were unrecognizable or burned to the ground and personal belonging lost or stolen.
a rusty, large gun sits on a grassy bank overlooking a coastal bay.
The Aleutian Islands WWII National Historic Area preserves historic landscapes that evidence war.
Photos: National Park Service

About Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area

The remote Aleutian Islands, home to the Unangax̂ (Aleut) people for over 8,000 years, became a fiercely contested Pacific battleground in World War II. Some Unangax̂ were taken from their homelands as Japanese prisoners of war while the others were evacuated from the islands by the government. Both groups suffered greatly during the war, and some would never return to their villages.

Quick Facts

State Alaska
Designation National Historic Area
State Code AK
Weather The Aleutian Islands are known for unpredictable and stormy weather. Rain, fog, and wind are common. Dress warmly and carry rain gear even in summer. Summer temperatures range from 45…

Location & Map

Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area is located in Alaska.

Operating Hours

Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Activities

Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Self-Guided Tours - Auto Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits

Getting There

The park is located on Amaknak Island in the Aleutian Island chain. The island is located 800 miles west of Anchorage. The island can be reached by ferry or by commercial or charter air flights from Anchorage. If you choose to fly, the Aleutian World War II Visitor Center is conveniently located next to the Unalaska airport.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address Aleutian Islands WWII Visitor Center, Unalaska, AK, 99692
Phone 907-581-9944
Email anch_web_mail@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Archeology Aviation Colonization and Settlement Forts Incarceration Maritime Coastal Defenses Maritime - Military Ships and Shipwrecks Military US Army US Navy US Marines US Coast Guard US Air Force (Army Air Corps) Indigenous and Native Warrior Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Native American Heritage Religion and Spirituality Tragic Events Forced Marches Massacres Wars and Conflicts World War II Arctic Tundra Coasts, Islands and Atolls Mountains Scenic Views

Things To Do

Self-Guided Tour of Fort Schwatka

Self-Guided Tour of Fort Schwatka

Explore National Historic Landmark, Fort Schwatka and Battery 402, by foot or by vehicle.

Take a self-guided auto or walking tour to Fort Schwatka on Mount Ballyhoo. 

Airport Beach Road (North)

Airport Beach Road (North)

Starting at the Aleutian World War II visitor center, this route follows the Airport Beach Route (north) and highlights 5…

Summer Bay Road

Summer Bay Road

Starting at the Aleutian World War II visitor center, this route follows along Iliuliuk Bay and along the Summer Bay…

Upper Unalaska Valley

Upper Unalaska Valley

Starting at the Aleutian World War II visitor center, this route follows the Unalaska Valley road and highlights 4 military…

Unalaska Town Site

Unalaska Town Site

Starting at the Aleutian World War II visitor center, this route crosses the river to Unalaska Island and highlights 5…

Airport Beach Road (South)

Airport Beach Road (South)

Starting at the Aleutian World War II visitor center, this route follows the Airport Beach Route (south) and highlights 5…

Visitor Centers

Aleutian World War II National Historic Area Visitor Center

The visitor center for Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area is located on Amaknak Island, a nearby island easily accessible from the major…

Hours: In the summer, the visitor center is open 8 am to 5 pm daily. Additional hours may be available when a cruise ship or ferry is in Unalaska.

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