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National Historic Area · Alaska

Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area

National Historic Area in Alaska. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Historic Area
StateAlaska
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkKatmai (543 mi)
Closest airportDUT (1 mi)
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. Photo: NPS Photo

Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area is a national historic area run by the National Park Service in Alaska.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Self-Guided Tour of Fort Schwatka: Explore National Historic Landmark, Fort Schwatka and Battery 402, by foot or by vehicle.
  • Airport Beach Road (North): Starting at the Aleutian World War II visitor center, this route follows the Airport Beach Route (north) and highlights 5 military sites along the way.
  • Airport Beach Road (South): Starting at the Aleutian World War II visitor center, this route follows the Airport Beach Route (south) and highlights 5 military sites along the way.
  • Unalaska Town Site: Starting at the Aleutian World War II visitor center, this route crosses the river to Unalaska Island and highlights 5 military sites in the town site.
  • Upper Unalaska Valley: Starting at the Aleutian World War II visitor center, this route follows the Unalaska Valley road and highlights 4 military sites along the way.
  • Summer Bay Road: Starting at the Aleutian World War II visitor center, this route follows along Iliuliuk Bay and along the Summer Bay road including 6 military sites along the way. This route includes the distinctive looking Base End Station remains.
  • East Point Loop Road: Starting at the Aleutian World War II visitor center, this route follows the East Point Loop Road and highlights 8 military sites along the way.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, 8:00AM - 5:00PM

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.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Tom Madsen (Dutch Harbor) Airport (DUT) Unalaska, AK No road route 1 Regional
Cold Bay Airport (CDB) Cold Bay, AK No road route 176 Regional
St George Airport (STG) St George, AK No road route 222 Regional
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) Anchorage, AK No road route 788 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

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 to 65 degrees F.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Katmai, about 543 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area?

No entrance fee.

Where is Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area?

In Alaska. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Tom Madsen (Dutch Harbor) Airport, about 1 miles away.

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