Heart Mountain Interpretive Center | Cody

The Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, located near Cody, Wyoming, commemorates the history of the World War II Japanese American internment camp that operated at Heart Mountain from 1942 to 1945. The center preserves the stories of the approximately 14,000 Japanese Americans who were forcibly relocated there, highlighting the challenges they faced, their resilience, and the broader context of civil liberties during wartime America.

Exhibits and Collections

The interpretive center features a combination of photographs, artifacts, oral histories, and multimedia displays that document life in the camp. Visitors can explore reconstructed living spaces, including barracks and community areas, and learn about education, labor, recreation, and daily routines under confinement. Exhibits also explore the legal and political circumstances leading to the internment, connecting personal narratives with national history.

Educational Programs

The center offers lectures, guided tours, and educational workshops that provide deeper insight into Japanese American history and civil rights. Special programs for students and community groups emphasize tolerance, social justice, and the importance of remembering this chapter of American history. Seasonal events often include storytelling sessions and survivor talks, adding a personal, human dimension to the historical content.

Outdoor Features

The surrounding grounds feature interpretive trails and markers that trace the layout of the former camp, including the original guard towers and infrastructure. Walking these paths allows visitors to visualize the scale of the internment site while reflecting on the lives of those who lived there. Informational signage provides context and encourages respectful observation.

Atmosphere and Experience

The Heart Mountain Interpretive Center fosters a reflective and educational atmosphere. The combination of preserved artifacts, survivor stories, and the open Wyoming landscape creates a powerful connection between history and place. Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the hardships endured by Japanese Americans, the importance of civil rights, and the enduring lessons of resilience and community in the face of injustice.