Located on the traditional land of the Shoshone-Bannock and Newe (Western Shoshone) people.
1943 Memoirs
1944 Memoirs
Minidoka Pilgrimage
Q: What is the Minidoka Pilgrimage?
A: Former incarcerees spent nearly three years of confinement at Minidoka and other camps during WWII. Today, the site continues to hold a mixture of memories and strong emotions: feelings of denial, distrust, shame, and joy. The Pilgrimage is attended by former incarcerees, their family members, friends, and allies. The pilgrimage offers an opportunity to revisit the place and the memories amidst family, friends, supporters, and National Park Service officials. The intent of the pilgrimage is to honor the first generations of Japanese Americans who suffered most under institutionalized racist laws, to deliver the message of “Never Again,” and to pass on the legacy to anyone who will listen.
PLEASE NOTE: The Minidoka Pilgrimage has a different agenda each year. Please check the Minidoka website for format (virtual or in person) and highlights.
Q: When does the Minidoka Pilgrimage take place?
A: The annual Minidoka Pilgrimage is always scheduled the weekend after the 4th of July. The program usually begins on Thursday and ends on Sunday.
Q: Do participants have to register or make reservations? Is there a fee?
A: Yes registration is required to attend. Lodging is not included in the fee.
Q: Where is the Minidoka Pilgrimage held?
A: The Minidoka Pilgrimage is held in Twin Falls and Hunt, Idaho.
Q: Is bus transportation to the Pilgrimage available?
A: The Minidoka Pilgrimage offers 2 packages that include bus transportation. 1) The Seattle Package bus departs from Bellevue College for Twin Falls, Idaho on Thursday 2) The Boise/Twin Falls Package only provides local transportation within Twin Falls to pilgrimage venues.
Q: Are food and drinks available at Minidoka?
A: Yes. Lunch and dinner will be provided. Water will be provided on site.
Q: What is the weather like at Minidoka during the Pilgrimage?
A: Be prepared for ANY kind of weather, as it can change very, very quickly, but for most part, it is very hot in Twin Falls during July. Bring a hat, sunscreen and lip balm and USE THEM, even if it's cloudy, as ultraviolet light penetrates clouds and is rather intense at higher elevations. Also, DRINK PLENTY OF WATER while you’re there. STAY HYDRATED EVEN IF THE WEATHER IS MILD. The air is much drier at higher elevations.
Q: Is there a religious service during the Pilgrimage?
A: YES. An interfaith service is a traditional part of the Pilgrimage program.
Q: Can we collect items found on the site as souvenirs or for other purposes?
A: NO. Minidoka National Historic Site is protected land. Collecting anything from the site is forbidden even if it looks like it was just trash. Many such items are actually historic. As the saying goes, “Take only photographs. Leave only footprints.”
videos
Teiko Saito was incarcerated with her parents and brother at the Minidoka site. Teiko’s nephew Spencer accompanied her to the 2017 Minidoka Pilgrimage. This was Spencer’s first time visiting the Minidoka site and his first pilgrimage.