Amache is located far from urban centers in southeastern Colorado. Like the other Japanese American confinement sites, the location was selected by the War Relocation Authority in 1942 in part due to its remoteness. Although the hastily built temporary buildings were removed or demolished after Amache closed in 1945, the surviving historic road network and the substantial concrete building foundations give an unusually clear picture of the original layout and design of the center. The 12H barrack, guard tower, 11F recreation hall, and water tower have been restored to the Amache site and can be visited from the historic roads. The Amache water tower, the tallest structure for miles, was a regional landmark on the vast landscape. The surviving trees around the barracks blocks were planted by Amache residents.
The high plains environment can be harsh and unforgiving.
Prepare and plan ahead for a rewarding visit.
You can also download a printable version of the information on this page to bring with you for easy reference.
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Setting
Amache is 1.5 miles southwest of Granada, Colorado. This part of Colorado is on the High Plains, an arid, windy, and sunny environment. Summer temperatures average in the 90s, but can peak into the 100s. The site is home to many scratchy plants like cactus and yucca, as well as rattlesnakes. The footing can be quite uneven. There is a self-guided driving tour with interpretive signs, although the roads are not labeled. The Amache museum is on Highway 50 in Granada.
Schedule
If you plan to visit the site in the summer, try to avoid being on-site during the heat of mid-day. Visits are best planned for the early morning or evening, but do pay attention to the weather predictions. Hazardous thunder and hailstorms are common and you should avoid being onsite during a lightning storm!
During the heat of the day is a great time to visit the museum. Check the Amache Museum page to find out current open hours of the museum, any operating notes (currently the museum is under COVID restrictions), and schedule a tour. Please schedule as far in advance as possible to help the Amache Preservation Society plan for your visit.
What to bring and wear
Always have drinking water with you during site visits as there is none available on-site. Also consider bringing sunscreen, a hat, and snacks. If you intend to walk anywhere on-site besides the welcome kiosk or the cemetery, you should wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. A walking stick will help you navigate the uneven terrain and flush out snakes.
Field logistics
There is no bathroom on-site at Amache, but there is one at the museum or at the Stop2Shop store in town.
Leave no trace, and leave it in place!
Like all other national park sites, you should take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints. Learn about the Leave No Trace 7 Principles.
At Amache, you are also visiting an active archaeology site that has been studied for almost 15 years. As you tour Amache, you may see objects the residents left behind, called artifacts. By leaving artifacts where you find them, you help to make sure they continue to tell the authentic story of the people who lived here.
Lodging & Restaurants
There is one restaurant in Granada (Shorty’s, which serves Mexican food—cash only), a food truck (also Mexican food), and convenience foods are available at the Stop2Shop. The nearest lodging to the site is in the town of Holly, about 10 miles east of Granada. A wider variety of lodging and restaurant options are available in Lamar, 18 miles west of Granada.
Transportation
Denver International Airport is the nearest major airport to Granada, which is approximately a 4-hour drive. Colorado Springs airport is another option, and approximately 3 hours by car. Lamar is served by Amtrak.
A special note for those with a personal or family connection to Amache
If you or a family member were confined at Amache and you wish to find your family barracks, the online directory will help you do so. You may wish to have these results available to you in hard copy or as a saved image while visiting. Individual barracks blocks are not marked on site, so finding a specific block can be challenging. One way to assure that you can find them is to plan your trip during a planned community event. Check the Current News and Events page for upcoming events.