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.
Photo: NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton
San Juan Island National Historical Park
- LocationFriday Harbor, WA
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now52°F Patchy rain nearby
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Architecture and Building
- Arts
- Birds
- Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
- Colonial/European Contact Conflicts
- Coniferous Forests
- Deciduous Forests
21 more topics
- Endangered
- Farming and Agriculture
- Fire
- Forests and Woodlands
- Forts
- Geology
- Grasslands
- Meadows
- Military
- Monuments and Memorials
- Native American Heritage
- Night Sky
- Oceans
- Photography
- Prairies
- Scenic Views
- Trails
- Unique Species
- Wars and Conflicts
- Whales
- Women's History
Alerts (1)
CautionWildlife Viewing Guidelines San Juan Island National Historical Park provides habitat for many species of animals. When you visit the park, you are… Read more
San Juan Island National Historical Park provides habitat for many species of animals. When you visit the park, you are visiting their home. Do not approach any wildlife within 75 ft/23 m (two school bus lengths).
Things to Do
23 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Biking on San Juan Island
Reservation required Fee applies
Biking is a great way of exploring the island!
Learn more about Biking on San Juan Island on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 1 of 1
All 24 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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American Camp Visitor Center
Facility
The American Camp visitor center is located on Cattle Point Road on the island's southern peninsula. This visitor center opened to the public in June of 2022 and…
4668 Cattle Point Rd, Friday Harbor, WA (360) 378-2240 Directions
Details
The American Camp visitor center is located on Cattle Point Road on the island's southern peninsula. This visitor center opened to the public in June of 2022 and features incredible new exhibits detailing the Coast Salish presence, military history of San Juan Island, and our island's ecology.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · San Juan Island National Historical Park
Hours details
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San Juan Island National Historical ParkOpen 24 hours, daily
Park grounds are open 24 hours per-day, year-round.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
4668 Cattle Point Rd.Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
52°F
Patchy rain nearby · feels like 50°
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Today
53° 51°
Overcast43% rain -
Tomorrow
55° 50°
Sunny83% rain -
Thursday
58° 51°
Sunny15% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Photos
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Reenactors fire a cannon at Encampment — NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton -
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Getting There
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
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.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 429, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
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