Perched on Mount Ballyhoo in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, the concrete remains of the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area speak silently of a time of war. This place was the stage for two American tragedies: here, servicemen fought both the Japanese and the extreme weather, as hundreds of native Unangan people were interned a thousand miles away, longing to return to their island homes.
The Basics
Hours:
The best time to visit the park is May through October, but the park is open year-round. Visitors may access the area at any time but overnight camping is not permitted. The Aleutian World War II National Historic area can be accessed in the summer via an unimproved gravel switchback road from the city of Unalaska. In the winter you'll need snowshoes or skis.
Address:
PO Box 149
Unalaska, AK 99685
Phone:
907-581-1276
Phone:
907-581-9944
Directions
Getting There
Plane The park is located on Amaknak Island in the Aleutian Island Chain, 800 miles west of Anchorage, the nearest large urban center. It can be reached by air through commercial and charter flights from Anchorage.
Public Transportation Alaska Marine Highway (Ferry System)
Climate
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° F. Early summer and fall often have clear sunny days with spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes.
A Land Use Permit must be obtained to visit this privately owned park.
Things To Do
The Aleutian World War II National Historic Area follows the historic footprint of the U.S. Army Fort Schwatka located at Ulakta Head on Mount Ballyhoo. The fort is one of four coastal defense posts built in 1942 and 1943 to protect the Dutch Harbor Naval Operating Base. The army built over a hundred buildings at Fort Schwatka. At 897 feet above sea level, the installations on Mount Ballyhoo were the highest coastal defenses built in the United States. The fort was named for Lt. Frederick Schwatka, who conducted several military surveys of Alaska, including Unalaska, in the 1880s. Engineers designed the concrete observation posts and command stations to withstand earthquakes and 100 mile-per-hour winds. The fort overlooks Dutch Harbor and was key to its protection. Although today, many of the bunkers and wooden structures of Fort Schwatka have collapsed, the gun mounts and lookouts are among the most intact in the country.
Visitors to the area may explore the remaining structures and ruins, and sense the scope of the War effort mounted in the Aleutians to protect the United States from the Japanese invasion.
