Annual Amache Pilgrimage will be May 15-17, 2026
Pilgrimages to former WWII concentration camps for those of Japanese descent were started in the late 1960s. It took nearly a quarter century for former prisoners and their descendants to question why they had been imprisoned and begin searching for answers. The first formal pilgrimage to Amache was one of the official events commemorating the state of Colorado’s centennial from 1975-76, which coincided with the United States bicentennial celebration. After pilgrims arrived at Amache, they cleaned the cemetery site. Learn more on the Pilgrimage History page. Since then, the annual Pilgrimage has taken place on the weekend before Memorial Day weekend for the past 50 years. While it was originally limited to only Saturday, in recent years it has grown to a longer event.
2026 is another milestone year, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, and 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood. This year, the Full Amache Pilgrimage will take place from the afternoon of Friday May 15 to midday Sunday May 17, with events hosted by Amache Alliance, the University of Denver Amache Project, National Parks Conservation Association, Colorado Preservation Inc., and the Sand Creek Massacre Foundation. PLEASE NOTE: you will need your own transportation and lodging to attend the full weekend events.
The Saturday One-day Bus from Denver will run as usual on Saturday May 16. Nikkeijin Kai of Colorado and Amache Preservation Society will coordinate the core Pilgrimage memorial services at the cemetery and potluck lunch much as they have been held for 50 years for pilgrims coming on the bus from Denver. PLEASE NOTE: those taking the bus will only have time to participate in the CORE EVENTS on Saturday.
The Amache Museum and site will be open all weekend. Scroll down for the draft schedule and detailed planning information as of 3-7-2026.
Registration is now live! You can jump to the sections for the Full Amache Pilgrimage or Saturday One-day Bus from Denver below for registration information.
Pilgrims will need to cover costs of transportation and meals outside of the Pilgrimage potluck. Additional details are included in the sections below describing the Overview, Food and Lodging, Family Block Tours, Saturday Driving Route, and Sunday Remembrance at Sand Creek Massacre NHS.We have also included some highlight photos from 2025 and news stories from recent Pilgrimages at the bottom of the page.
Full Amache Pilgrimage – Personal Transportation Required
If you have your own transportation or are flying in and renting a car, be sure to register for the full weekend activities. Registration is still free but pre-registration will help us plan and is required for some events with limited space or where additional information is needed. Meals will require payment at the door by cash or check.
Please note that it is approximately a 3 1/2 hour drive from Denver airport to Amache.
Full Amache Pilgrimage Draft Schedule of Events as of 3-7-2026
Friday May 15, Amache NHS
| 9 AM | Volunteers meet at the Granada Community Center for assignments. 103 S. Main Street, Granada, CO. 81041. |
| 2-4 PM | NPS rangers will be present to answer questions at the Reconstructed Barrack in Block 12H. |
| 4:30-6 PM | Cook-out dinner hosted by Granada High School, 201 S Hoisington St., Granada, CO. $10 cash or check only. Pre-registration required. |
| 6-7:30 PM | Evening program at Granada High School Auditorium, 201 S Hoisington St., Granada, CO. |
| 7:30 PM | Social with Celebration cake, Granada High School gym. |
Saturday May 16, Amache NHS
Please note the alternate driving route due to the Lamar Days parade, found below.
| 9-10 AM | NPS rangers available at the Reconstructed Barrack in Block 12H. |
| 9-10 AM | Guided Tours of Family Blocks 6G, 7E, 7K, 8G, 9E, 10E, 10H, 12E, 12K, 10G. Meet at Amache Site Entrance. Pre-registration required, select one block to visit. |
| 10 AM | Shuttle from Granada High School to Amache Cemetery for those not participating in tours. There is plenty of paved parking at the High School. |
| 11 AM | CORE EVENT: Pilgrimage Memorial Ceremony at the Amache Cemetery. Shuttle will return to Granada High School after the ceremony. |
| 12:30 PM | CORE EVENT: Pilgrimage Potluck Lunch at Granada High School. Please allow Denver bus participants to get their food first. |
| 2-5 PM | NPS rangers available at the Reconstructed Barrack in Block 12H. |
| After 2 PM | Social gathering and activities at Granada Community Center – air conditioned. 103 S. Main St., Granada, CO 81041. |
| 2-3 PM | Guided Tours of Family Blocks 6E, 7F, 7H, 8E, 8K, 9K, 11G, 11H, 12H, 12F. Meet at Amache Site Entrance. Pre-registration required, select one block to visit. |
| 3-4 PM | Guided Tours of Family Blocks 6F, 6H, 7G, 8F, 9H, 9L, 11E, 11F, 11K, 12G. Meet at Amache Site Entrance. Pre-registration required, select one block to visit. |
| 5-6:30 PM | 1st Seating, Dinner by Shorty’s Cafe at the historic Newman’s Drugs building, 24 N. Main St., Granada, CO 81041. $20, cash or check only. Pre-registration required, limited to 100 people. |
| 6:30-8 PM | 2nd Seating, Dinner by Shorty’s Cafe at the historic Newman’s Drugs building, 24 N. Main St., Granada, CO 81041. $20, cash or check only. Pre-registration required, limited to 100 people. |
| 8 PM | Social at the Granada Community Center, 103 S. Main St., Granada, CO 81041. |
Sunday May 17, Sand Creek Massacre NHS
| 9 AM | Meet at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site entrance for a remembrance program and guided tour. Note: The site is approximately 1 hour northwest of Amache or northeast of Lamar. There are no food/beverage concessions available, the Denver Airport is a little over 3 hours away. |
Overview
For those arriving by Friday, NPS staff will be available at the reconstructed barrack in block 12H starting at 2 pm. There will also be an optional dinner cook-out at Granada High School ($10 cash or check only) followed by presentations and a social. Note there are few options for food in Granada. The Amache Museum will be open Fri and Sat until 5 pm, except during the ceremony at the cemetery and luncheon on Saturday.
On Saturday before the Pilgrimage ceremony at the Amache site, there will be free time to visit the site or Amache Museum on your own or sign up for a tour of specific blocks. Most blocks look similar and have only foundations remaining, but the location of individual family units within barracks can be identified. You can search for your family’s barrack and block information on the Interactive Directory Map. After lunch, there will be additional time to visit the Amache Museum, as well as opportunities for additional family block tours or informal activities at the Granada Community Center.
In the evening, there will be a casual Mexican buffet dinner by Shorty’s Cafe at the historic Newman’s Drugs building in Granada, cost: $20 cash or check only. Join other Amache survivors and community members for a time of sharing food and stories. Newman’s Drug Store was where Amache families went to shop, have ice cream or a soda. Next door was the Granada Fish Market started by Frank Tsuchiya. Using his Los Angeles connections, he brought in sashimi grade fish to Granada and sold Japanese food hard to come by in camp such as soy sauce and noodles. Wrap-up the evening with a social at the Granada Community Center.
Food and Lodging Information
No lodging is available in Granada, CO. 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, CO, about 10 miles east of Granada, where there are limited restaurants and a small grocery store. A wider variety of lodging, restaurant, and grocery options are available in Lamar, CO, 18 miles west of Granada, where you can pick up items for the pot luck or if you wish to bring your own meals, snacks, and drinks to the Pilgrimage.
A limited number of rooms are available at reduced rates at local hotels. Note: To reserve lodging with the Amache Pilgrimage rates, guests will need to call each hotel directly. All nightly rates listed are before taxes and fees.
Lodging in Lamar, CO (18 miles west of Amache NHS)
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites (about 50 rooms) Address: 1304 N Main St., Lamar, CO 81052 Phone: (719) 931-4010. POC: Rachel Flores, General Manager Group Rate: Standard room $147/night; Suite: $162/night Reference: “rooms on behalf of Colorado Preservation, Inc. and the annual Amache Pilgrimage” Book by May 1 |
| Historic Cow Palace Inn (40-50 rooms) * has a restaurant Address: 1301 N Main St., Lamar, CO 81052 Phone: (719) 691-6167. POC: Dolores Rate: $100/night Reference: “Amache Alliance” Book by May 1 |
| Days Inn by Wyndham Lamar (20 rooms reserved for May 15-17; May 14 can be added if needed when making reservation) Note: There is no elevator at this 2-story hotel Address: 1302 N Main St., Lamar, CO 81052 Phone: (719) 249-3928 Rate: $109/night if booked before April 30; $113/night after April 30 Reference: “Amache Alliance block of rooms” |
Lodging in Holly, CO (10 miles east of Granada, CO)
| Holly Inn Suites Suites (8 rooms) * kitchenettes available Address: 128 S Main St., Holly, CO 81047 Phone: (719) 244-1529 Rates: 1 Queen $79/night; 2 Queens $89/night |
| Miles Court Motel Address: 716 Colorado St., Holly, CO 81052 Phone: (719) 537-6030 Rate: 1- and 2-bed rooms $115/night |
In addition to Denver, Colorado Springs is an optional airport that can save close to 100 miles driving distance vs. arriving in Denver. Pilgrims can drive from Colorado Springs south on Interstate 25 to Pueblo, Colorado, then due east on Highway 50 to Amache.
Planning to stay in the area overnight would give you more time during the day to visit the site, go on the self-guided driving tour, and visit the Amache Museum. Internet and phone service at the site can be spotty, so you may want to download the audio files for the self-guided driving tour in advance. If you plan on spending time at the site, please come prepared with sturdy shoes, water, sunscreen, and a hat. It will be very hot and dry and there are limited amenities. The terrain is rough and uneven with low bushes, rocks, and cactus. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the information on the page Know Before You Go.
You may also visit other area attractions, including the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, located 35 miles northwest of Amache, where visitors can learn about the woman for whom the Amache Relocation Center was named and her Cheyenne sub-Chief father, Ochinee, who was killed at Sand Creek in 1864.
Family Block Tours
If you would like to learn more about the general layout of an Amache block, the NPS staff will be available to answer questions at Block 12H. This block includes a reconstructed barrack, which will help you get a sense of the small spaces people lived in and will orient you to the overview of a typical block layout.
If you would like to visit a specific barrack, the family block tours will take visitors to specific family barracks within each block. For help finding your family’s barrack, you can look up information at https://amache.org/amache-interactive-directory-map/ or reach out to the Amache Community Archaeology Project at: duamache@gmail.com.
When you register for one of the block tour time slots, you will be prompted to enter the specific block you would like to visit. Only one block can be selected per timeslot. If you want to visit two blocks in the same timeslot, you will need to choose one for the guided tour. The tour leader can help orient you to be able to find the location in the second block on your own or may be able to help you after the tour.
Alternate Driving Route for Saturday
The Lamar Days Parade will begin at 10:00 am on Saturday and is usually along the route to Granada from Lamar. To avoid the parade, you can take a back road to Granada that used to be Highway 196 but is now a county road. You will need to turn at the Big Timbers Museum on the big curve that heads to Lamar. That road will take you to a point between Bristol and Granada, Colorado. You will take that road for 17 miles, and then at the stop sign you will turn right to go into Granada. Once in downtown Granada you need to turn right and head back West to the Amache turn off. This road used to be marked but now that it is a county road, it is not marked as well. If you end up in Lamar, you will be waiting for some time. The parade route will start on Highway 50 and move slowly West towards Lamar.
Sunday Remembrance at Sand Creek Massacre NHS
On Sunday morning, there will be a remembrance and guided tour at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. The Sand Creek Massacre is one of the most emotionally charged and controversial events in American history, a tragedy reflective of its time and place. It stands as a testament to a brutality that should be learned from and never repeated, a lesson of what the rejection of conscience in the face of fear and hysteria can lead to, and the suffering that this betrayal has imparted on generations of Arapaho and Cheyenne people. The Amache community has the opportunity to share and learn from the Sand Creek Massacre community. We humbly and very respectfully honor their history and life on their lands in Southeastern Colorado.
Directions to Sand Creek Massacre NHS entrance from LamarMeet at the contact station at 9 am (NOT the NPS administrative office in downtown Eads). Gates open at 8:30 am. Please do not block gates or park along the county road. The contact station will be open 9-4.
- NOTE: Make sure you follow maps to the site, NOT the NPS administrative office in downtown Eads
- Head north US 287 N / Main St
- Bear right onto State Highway 196 (US 287 N will curve to the left with a small exit road onto State Highway 196). Drive 3 miles
- Keep going straight onto County Rd 8. Drive 7.5 miles
- Road name changes to County Road 49. Drive 11.5 miles
- Turn right onto County Road N. Drive 2.5 miles
- Turn right onto state Highway 96. Drive 2.5 miles
- Turn left onto County Road 54 / Chief White Antelope Way (dirt road). Drive 7 miles
- Turn right onto County Road W (dirt road). Drive 1 mile
- Entrance to Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is on the left.
Saturday One-day Bus from Denver for Core Pilgrimage Activities Only
Bus tickets must paid in advance, purchase your ticket now!
Thanks to generous support from Nikkeijin Kai, bus tickets are just $35 per person. You may purchase your ticket through Nikkeijin Kai of Colorado using the QR code or this link.
If you would like to pay via cash or check, please contact Hiro Hansen, 720-366-9798, hansenhiro@aol.com, or Nikkeijinkaico@gmail.com.
Please bring a dish to share for the potluck lunch or please donate $15 when you register to help cover the costs of lunch. Potluck donations will be given to the Amache Preservation Society.
Saturday One-day Bus from Denver Schedule of Events
Saturday May 16
| 6:00 AM | Bus pickup at Simpson United Methodist Church. |
| 6:30 AM | Bus pickup at Tri-State Denver Buddhist Temple. |
| 8:00 AM | Break – Limon Refreshment Stop. |
| 11:00 AM | CORE EVENT: Pilgrimage Memorial Ceremony at the Amache Cemetery. |
| 12:30 PM | CORE EVENT: Pilgrimage Potluck Lunch at Granada High School. |
| 2:00 PM | Amache Museum (if time). |
| 2:30 PM | Bus leaves for Denver. |
| 6:30 PM | Denver Arrival. |
Two bus pick-up points are available. The first pick-up will board at 6:00AM at Simpson United Methodist Church, 6001 Wolff Street, Arvada 80003; the second pick-up will be 6:30AM at downtown Denver’s Tri-State Buddhist Temple, 1947 Lawrence Street, Denver 80202. Attendees are encouraged to board at Simpson where parking is more plentiful. Snacks are provided and continuous educational programs run on overhead bus screens on the restroom equipped vehicle. There is time to share conversation with other passengers, some of whom were forcibly removed to Amache or to one of the nine other major US concentration camps. After a short rest stop in Limon, the bus will arrive at the Amache cemetery at approximately 11:00AM for a brief memorial service and oshoko (offering of incense) to commemorate those who died while imprisoned there or while serving in the US military. Attendees will then meet at Granada Undivided School, where lunch and a short program will be provided, and the bus will re-board by 2:30 for the return trip to Denver; passengers will be dropped off in reverse order of the morning, and can expect to arrive back at Simpson by 6:30-7:00PM.
Highlights from 2025
News Coverage from Recent Pilgrimages
2024 Pilgrimage weekend
- KUNC: ‘Our ancestors’ wildest dreams:’ Young Sand Creek and Amache descendants explore shared history.
- Kiowa County Independent: Annual Amache Pilgrimage Featured the Newest National Park in Southeastern Colorado.
- Rocky Mountain PBS: Amache Rose blooms for the first time at the Denver Botanical Gardens.
- CBS Colorado: Amache Roses bloom, recalling Colorado’s Japanese-American concentration camp.
- CPR news: Roses from Camp Amache just bloomed at Denver Botanic Gardens.
- NBC Nightly News: Former Japanese internment camp becomes country’s newest national historic site.
- 9news: Dedication ceremony held for Amache National Historic Site.
2023 Pilgrimage weekend
Colorado Sun: Descendants of two government-sanctioned atrocities gather in Colorado, bond over “shared identity”
The 2023 Pilgrimage included an exchange with Sand Creek Massacre descendants. Read more in an article in the Colorado Sun.
2022 Pilgrimage
9News: Survivors, descendants and families make pilgrimage to Amache
9News.com attended the Pilgrimage and produced a 30 minute special “Injustice Forever: the Story of Amache”, which aired on Sunday June 26, 2022. It tells the story of Amache and what will likely to happen to the site once the National Park Service is running it. View the 2:50 minute overview video on 9News.com, or watch the full special.
9News: Pilgrimage to Amache Returns
9News.com also interviewed Derek Okubo, Director of the Denver Agency for Human Rights and Amache descendant. View the 5 minute video on 9News.com.
Colorado Public Radio: The Camp Amache rose is blooming. Here’s what it looks like
A rose bush planted by Amache incarcerees was witnessed blooming for the first time in almost 80 years at the Pilgrimage. Learn more about the discovery of the Amache rose, propagation of cuttings at the Denver Botanic Gardens, and view footage of the bloom on CPR news.
The Prowers Journal: Historic Amache Pilgrimage
Read a brief overview of the main Pilgrimage events by The Prowers Journal.
KRDO: Remembering Amache, the story of Colorado’s WWII Japanese internment camp
KRDO produced a short video and StoryMap of the Pilgrimage, featuring an interviews with Amache survivor Bob Fuchigami and APS lead John Hopper.