Planning Your Visit
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.
Things To Know Before You Come
A Land Use Permit must be obtained to visit this privately owned park. Permits can be purchased Thursday through Sunday at the World War II Visitor’s Center located on Airport Road or Monday through Friday at the Ounalshka Corporation Office located at 400 Salmon Way.
The Area Can Be Dangerous, Please Watch Your Step! Be Safe: Please Supervise Children and Pets at all Times!
Time has taken its toll on the features of Fort Schwatka, and visitors should be aware of the hazards that exist within the National Historic Area.
This site preserves bunkers that are still in excellent condition; however, tunnel entrances leading into the bunkers are not stable or have caved in. Many of the floors were constructed of word that has rotted over the years. There is no electricity on Ulakta Head and the underground buildings and tunnels are dark. Entrances into these tunnels and bunkers are at the visitor’s risk. Cliff edges and collapsed tunnels may be hidden by dense fog. Please remain on roads and trails.
Plan Your Visit
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.
The Aleutian World War II National Historic Area encompasses the historic footprint of the U.S. Army base Fort Schwatka. Located on Amaknak Island in the Aleutian Island Chain of Alaska, the fort was one of four coastal defense posts built to protect Dutch Harbor (the back door to the United States) during World War II, the fort is also highest coastal battery ever constructed in the United States.
The Aleutian World War II Visitor Center is located at the Unalaska airport, within walking distance of both the cruise ship dock and the Grand Aleutian Hotel. It is owned and operated by the Ounalashka Corporation and affiliated to the National Park Service.
Operating Hours & Seasons
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.
Weather
Weather
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 degrees F. Early summer and fall often have clear sunny days with spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes.
Directions
Directions
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
My relative was stationed in the Aleutians during World War II. How can I find his/her service records and other details?
- Immediate relatives of servicemen and servicewomen can get their service records through the National Archives and Records Administration.
Aleutian World War II In Depth
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January 5, 2009 - 12:21pm
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January 5, 2009 - 12:19pm
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January 5, 2009 - 12:19pm
Don't just sit there. Pick a destination and plan a vacation, maybe to someplace a little exotic, where national parks come with tropical beaches, and boats rather than big RVs are a common mode of transportation. You can enjoy all that without fretting over currency exchange rates or making sure that your passport is up to date if you head to a little paradise called the U.S. Virgin Islands.
