Tule Lake National Monument is located in Northern California. The park includes Tule Lake Segregation Center and Camp Tulelake.
Tule Lake National Monument
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After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, women, men, and children of Japanese ancestry had their lives drastically changed.
Their constitutional rights were violated when they were imprisoned in ten war relocation centers. Many of these individuals were forced to give up their homes, businesses, and personal property in addition to their freedom.
Tule Lake National Monument shares their stories along with the history of the area. The park is still being developed currently. The National Park Service is working to expand the park.
I have to tell you that this park is a really quick visit right now as you head to Lava Beds National Monument.
Unless you are visiting when tours are available the only things you will be able to see are buildings and interpretive panels from the side of the road.
If you would like to learn more about the Japanese relocation centers we suggest visiting Manzanar National Historic Site or Minidoka National Historic Site. Both of these National Park Sites interpret and share more of the history.
Top things to do at Tule Lake National Monument
Tulelake Fairgrounds Museum
The Tulelake Fairground Museum houses the visitor center for the Tulelake National Monument. There is a ranger desk, computers with interpretive information and a few exhibits.
The park is hoping to expand its visitor center in the coming years and move it to a new location.
Ranger Tours
Ranger tours are offered every Saturday between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Call 530-260-0537 to reserve your spot on a tour.
Tours of the Tule Lake Segregation Center, which include stops at the jail and other areas of significance, begin at the Tulelake Butte Valley Fairgrounds Museum at 10:00 am and last approximately 2 hours.
Tours of Camp Tulelake include a walk around the remaining buildings of this original Civilian Conservation Corps Camp, begin at the Tulelake Butte Valley Fairgrounds Museum at 1:00 pm and last approximately 1 hour.
Tule Lake Segregation Center
The Tule Lake Segregation Center can only be toured on a ranger-led tour. You can take photos of the center from outside the fence.
From Hwy 139 you can stop at the California State highways monument which also sits directly in front of the jail.
Along country rd. 176, you can view a wayside about Tule Lake National Monument, and see the backside of the jail.
Camp Tulelake
You can only enter Camp Tulelake on a ranger-guided tour.
You can take pictures of the buildings and view the roadside exhibits from outside the fence.
Camp Tulelake was built in 1935 to house Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) members.
Things to know when planning a trip to Tule Lake National Monument
The visitor center is located at the Tulelake – Butte Valley Fairgrounds Museum
800 South Main Street, Tulelake, CA.
The Visitor Center is staffed Memorial Day-Labor Day seven days a week from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
The Fairgrounds Museum is open year-round Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and provides exhibits and brochures about the Tule Lake Segregation Center and Camp Tulelake.
Entrance Fee – There is no fee to visit Tule Lake NM
Tulelake – Butte Valley Fairgrounds Museum Fee – $3.00
Tule Lake National Monument was part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument until they split the parks into two parks creating Tule Lake and Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
National Park Sites near Tule Lake National Monument
Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve
Check out all of the California National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Oregon and Nevada National Parks.
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