a sun setting behind historic parade grounds

San Juan Island National Historical Park

National Historical Park ยท Washington

NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton

๐Ÿ“ StateWashington
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Historical Park
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ EntryFree
๐Ÿƒ Activities24
Official NPS Website โ†’
San Juan Island National Historical Park

National Historical Park of the United States

San Juan Island National Historical Park, also known as American and English Camps, San Juan Island, is a US National Historical Park owned and operated by the National Park Service on San Juan Island in the state of Washington. The park is made up of the sites of the British and U.S. Army camps during the Pig War, a boundary dispute over the ownership of the island. The camp sites were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. The park was created by an act of Congress in 1966 and expanded slightly in 2013.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About San Juan Island National Historical Park

San Juan Island is well known for its splendid vistas, saltwater shores, quiet woodlands, orca whales and one of the last remaining native prairies in the Puget Sound/Northern Straits region. But it was also here in 1859 that the United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over possession of the island, the crisis ignited by the death of a pig.

Park Photos

a sun setting behind historic parade grounds
people visiting a historic building
a historic cannon being fired
flowers in bloom
a sandy beach and blue sky

Activities

Operating Hours

San Juan Island National Historical Park

Park grounds are open 24 hours per-day, year-round.

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All DayAll DayAll DayAll DayAll DayAll DayAll Day

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter San Juan Island National Historical Park?

San Juan Island National Historical Park is free to enter.

What are the best activities at San Juan Island National Historical Park?

Popular activities at San Juan Island National Historical Park include: Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Biking, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking.

What is the weather like at San Juan Island National Historical Park?

Spring: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 60 F. Wildflowers are at their peak around May. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 45 F to 70 F. On very sunny days, be prepared with water-heat exhaustion is a common complaint among park visitors who are unprepared. Fall: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 65 F. Rain is common. Winter: Temperatures range from 35 F to 50 F. Be prepared with cold and wet weather gear and numerous layers if you intend to be outside. Rain and wind are common.

How do I get to San Juan Island National Historical Park?

San Juan Island is served by Washington State Ferries, several private cruise and shuttle craft and two air carriers (one of which has both land and seaplane service). The Washington State Ferries terminal is 85 miles north of Seattle and 90 miles south of Vancouver, BC in Anacortes, WA.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

Spring: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 60 F. Wildflowers are at their peak around May. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 45 F to 70 F. On very sunny days, be prepared with water-heat exhaustion is a common complaint among park visitors who are unprepared. Fall: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 65 F. Rain is common. Winter: Temperatures range from 35 F to 50 F. Be prepared with cold and wet weather gear and numerous layers if you intend to be outside. Rain and wind are common.

Directions

San Juan Island is served by Washington State Ferries, several private cruise and shuttle craft and two air carriers (one of which has both land and seaplane service). The Washington State Ferries terminal is 85 miles north of Seattle and 90 miles south of Vancouver, BC in Anacortes, WA.

๐Ÿ“ View on Google Maps โ†’

Location

Coordinates48.5124, -123.0610

Official Resources

NPS Official Website