Manhattan Project National Historical Park

The largest plant site of the Manhattan Project, and the war, K-25 helped isolate the crucial uranium-235 from the more abundant uranium-238. To accomplish that goal, tens of thousands of construction workers relocated to Happy Valley. Learn more about the accomplishments of those workers, and the sacrifices it took to get there, at a ranger walk along the greenways through the former K-25 site. 

Distance: 1 mile out and back. Greenway is asphalt. No elevation gain. 

Join us for Ride with a Ranger Saturday, October 17 from 9:45 am to 1:00 pm (PDT). 

Ride with a Ranger is a 17-mile (27.36 km) round trip ride from Leslie Groves Park along the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, on city streets through the Richland Parkway, and then continuing along the river to the REACH museum. There will be two stops along the route for presentations on the way to the REACH Museum. Check-in begins at 9:45 and the ride leaves at 10:00 am. The bike ride will arrive at the REACH Museum by approximately 11:00 am. Participants will have one hour at the REACH Museum. At 12:00 pm, participants will have the option to ride back to the start of the route with the rangers or return to Leslie Groves Park on their own at any time. Transportation back to the starting point will not be provided.  

This event is FREE for registered participants. Event registration opens September 15 and will close on October 15 at 6:00 pm (or once filled). Registration is required. Bike Tri-Cities paid for museum admission for registrants. The suggested minimum age for this ride is 15 years old unless riding in a trailer or a tagalong. 

Manhattan Project National Historical Park will present a free program in Jackson Square. 

Jackson Square, or Town Center No. 1, formed the social and economic center of the wartime community of Oak Ridge. Stroll through the townsite to learn how Oak Ridgers created community in the atomic city.

During the walk, rangers and visitors will discuss what it took to shape Oak Ridge during World War II through routines and traditions brought from near and far.

Hike Through Time (Richland, WA). Join Manhattan Project National Historical Park rangers and REACH Museum educators on a free guided, 3.6-mile (5.8 km) round-trip moderate hike to the top of Candy Mountain on Saturday, October 24 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm Pacific time. There will be several stops along the trail up to the summit where rangers will share short histories about the events and people that shaped the mid-Columbia region. Hikers will move forward in time as the stops progress from the Ice Age Floods to the Manhattan Project and its legacies. Topics will include the Native Peoples who have lived here since time immemorial, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the arrival of settlers, and the selection of Hanford for plutonium production during World War II.

Hikers will gain 555 feet (170 m) of elevation as they hike to the top of Candy Mountain. Participants should be prepared to hike uphill, bring water and food, and plan for a variety of weather.

Meet in the Candy Mountain trailhead parking lot by 11:45 am for a 12:00 departure.

To ensure the safety of all participants, hikers will:
•Be able to go the distance. This is a moderate hike to the top of Candy Mountain.
•Be prepared to be outside for several hours and dress appropriately for the weather. Close-toed shoes, hat, and sunglasses are recommended.
•Bring water and snacks to make sure you have enough energy to complete the hike. Food and water are not provided or available for purchase during the hike.

Groups are welcome. If your group is larger than 15, please e-mail us in advance of the program. 

Join Manhattan Project National Historical Park, in partnership with Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) in exploring the peaceful uses of the atom. Utilizing the rich history and museum collection of the ORAU Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity, this program will dive into atomic culture and innovations in medicine sparked by the Manhattan Project and expanded during the atomic age. Participants will have the unique opportunity to explore the Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity, not regularly open to the public.

Bring your ghouls and goblins to the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee Visitor Center to learn more about the Halloween traditions of World War II. How does one celebrate a night of mischief and frights while the country is at war? Costumes are encouraged, but not required.