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An Introduction to WWII Sites in the U.S.
When considering a visit to a WWII site, the U.S. may not be your first thought. However, WWII sites in the U.S. are some of the most varied, well-preserved and important. The United States officially entered World War II on December 8, 1941, one day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The U.S. would remain in the war, fighting in both the European and Pacific Theaters until its conclusion on September 2, 1945. An estimated 16 million Americans served in the military during the war. And, countless millions more served the war effort on the home front. United States casualties as a result of the conflict included 130,000 prisoners of war, 671,000 wounded and 407,000 killed.
WWII battles were not actively fought on U.S. soil, with the exception of Pearl Harbor and the Aleutian Islands. The country contributed manpower and resources at an unprecedented rate. There was hardly an American man, woman or child who was not affected by the global conflict. Because of this, the United States is home to many WWII sites. Each state and territory is home to at least one WWII-related location. Several boast multiple worthwhile destinations.
Below, I have provided a list of the top five WWII sites in the U.S.. And, a guide to the top site in each state. This list is far from exhaustive. But, should be helpful when discovering a new WWII site for your next trip or just in your backyard!
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through any links in this post. All opinions are my own.
Top 5 WWII Sites in the U.S.
When trying to determine a list of the top five WWII sites in the U.S., I considered the site itself, its significance to the war as a whole as well as its importance to the American people. Below I have outlined what I believe to be the best options for anyone hoping to learn more about the Second World War from an American point of view.
Looking for international WWII sites? Check out my Ultimate Guide to WWII Sites in Europe.
1. Pearl Harbor National Monument
On December 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet at its base in Pearl Harbor. On December 8, the United States declared war on Japan. The nation had finally entered a conflict that would forever alter both America and the world.
Pearl Harbor is one of the most significant WWII sites in the United States. It’s a meaningful place to visit for anyone wanting to learn more about the Second World War. The site includes educational exhibits, a theatre, and several memorials to the ships sunk during the attack, including the USS Utah, USS Oklahoma and USS Arizona.
Its importance in bringing the U.S. into the conflict as well as its enduring symbol of remembrance and sacrifice ensure the Pearl Harbor National Memorial holds the top spot in a list of must-visit WWII sites in the U.S.
Learn more about the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
2. Manhattan Project Sites
There are three U.S. towns which will forever remain closely tied to the Manhattan Project. Hanford, Washington supplied plutonium for the project. Oak Ridge, Tennessee mined uranium. Los Alamos, New Mexico assembled the greatest scientists of the day in order to create the world’s first atomic bomb. Today, these three towns collectively make up the Manhattan Project National Historic Park.
Each town offers its own collection of historic sites and museums as well as active scientific research facilities. However, these are not open to the public.
The Manhattan Project has maintained an enduring legacy both in terms of its ongoing scientific applications as well as the worldwide implications of nuclear weapons. The towns built as a direct result of this unique project still stand today. They serve as a living reminder of how the war affected everyday life in the United States. Visit one or all three to learn the story of this world-changing project firsthand.
Learn more about the Manhattan Project National Historic Park.
3. United States Holocaust Museum
Described as a “living memorial to the Holocaust,” the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum opened in 1993 with a purpose far beyond providing visitors with a standard collection of objects. While the museum does present world-class displays of Holocaust artifacts, it also shines a light on genocide and antisemitism around the world.
The topics discussed at the museum are as important today as they were during the war. If people forget the horrors inflicted by the Nazis against Jews, Roma, Homosexuals, and many more, it is easy to imagine a world where such crimes could once again be perpetrated.
A walk through the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is sure to prove eye-opening and emotional. Displays such as piles of shoes and eyeglasses which once belonged to Jewish people help bring the scale of the atrocities to life. Despite the difficult subject matter, the museum is a must-visit WWII site in the U.S. Its dedication to maintaining the memory of all who have suffered under genocide and oppression is ever-present.
Learn more about the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
4. National WWII Museum
Located in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, the National WWII Museum is a must-visit. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
The museum explores every part of the United States’ involvement in the war. It covers the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor to V-J Day and everything in between. Its world-class permanent and special exhibits (described below) help explain the war and its impact on the United States and the world. In addition to traditional museum exhibits, the campus also features themed dining and lodging as well as period entertainment and symposiums.
Learn more about the National World War II Museum.
5. Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of over 400,000 individuals, most of whom served in the U.S. military. It was originally established for the burial of soldiers from the American Civil War, but now includes veterans from every major U.S. conflict.
While not solely devoted to the WWII, Arlington ranks as one of the top WWII sites in the U.S. due to its vast amount of memorials and prominent burials. Among these are the Battle of the Bulge Memorial and the graves of General George C. Marshall and Michael Strank, one of the raisers of the flag at Iwo Jima. In addition to these two men, over 8700 WWII veterans are buried at the cemetery.
No visit to Arlington National Cemetery is complete without a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The memorial was constructed after the First World War and contains an unknown soldier from each major war, including WWII. Visit the memorial during the changing of the guard for a moving experience. Take a moment to honor those who died so we may continue to live in freedom.
Learn more about Arlington National Cemetery.
Best WWII Site in Every State
Compiling a list of the top WWII site in each state brings a certain number of challenges. Some states, such as New York or Florida have countless sites associated with the war. Others, such as Wyoming or Nebraska, have less options to choose from. However, each and every state and American contributed to the war effort in one way or another, a contribution which should never be forgotten. I have done my best to gather a list of sites that explore different aspects of the war in order to ensure there is a site for each person’s interest!
Learn about how the U.S. honors certain cities with a strong WWII connection through my WWII Heritage City series.
Alabama
Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site – Tuskegee, AL
The Tuskegee Airmen consisted of primarily African American pilots in the United States Army Air Force who served throughout the course of the Second World War. Due to the segregation of the U.S. military during the war, African American soldiers were could not serve alongside white Americans in combat. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American aviators in the history of the U.S. military and would go on to receive several accolades, including three Distinguished Unit Citations.
The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site rests on the flight training grounds of the airmen. The museum celebrates the achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen as well as other African American service members.
Alaska
Attu Battlefield – Attu Island, AK
The Battle of Attu was fought between the Americans and Canadians and the Japanese from May 11 – May 30, 1943. It was the only WWII battle fought on North American soil and the only Japanese battle fought in snowy conditions. The battle concluded with an Allied victory and the loss of over 2,000 Japanese troops.
While the Attu Battlefield is one of the most difficult to reach of all the WWII sites in the U.S., it is certainly rewarding for those who make the journey. Unlike Europe and the Pacific, the U.S. does not possess many sites where actual combat took place during the war. Additionally, Alaska’s role in the war is often overlooked and little discussed despite its strategic importance.
Arizona
Papago Park – Phoenix, AZ
Established in 1943 to hold German POWs, Camp Papago became famous in December 1944 when 25 Germans escaped through a tunnel into the Arizona desert. Finding an inhospitable environment and little hope of making it back to Germany, most of the men turned themselves in or were recaptured shortly after.
Little remains of the former POW camp. However, visitors can spot the former officers’ club as well as the remains of prisoner and guard towers. There is also a monument to the prisoner escape, the Papago POW Escape Monument.
Arkansas
MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History – Little Rock, AR
Due to its lack of battlefields or combat sites, WWII sites in the U.S. often revolve around specific figures. General Douglas MacArthur served in the U.S. military for over sixty years. During WWII he held the position of Supreme Commander of the Southwest Pacific Area. MacArthur was famously ordered to evacuate the Philippines in 1942 following the Japanese invasion. The general vowed to return to liberate the people of the Philippines prior to his departure and kept his promise when he landed on the island of Leyte in the Philippines in October 1944.
Located in the MacArthur Park Historic District, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is in the former barracks where General MacArthur was born. The museum tells the story of the famed general through various artifacts and photographs.
California
Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park – Richmond, CA
The image of Rosie the Riveter is one of the most enduring of the Second World War. Wearing a red, polka-dotted bandana, a powerful American woman flexes her muscles under the phrase “We can do it!” Americans instantly recognise the poster, and it remains one of the most widely reproduced pieces of wartime artwork today. This makes it one of the most culturally important WWII sites in the U.S.
The Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park celebrates the women behind the famous posters. The education center explains the daily life of a riveter, welder, or any other traditionally male job taken up by women during the war years. The museum celebrates the Rosies across the U.S. as well as takes the time to explain the struggles experienced by these women both during the war years and after.
Colorado
Amache National Historic Site – Granada, CO
Between 1942 and 1946, the United States detained over 120,000 people of Japanese descent, the majority of whom were U.S. citizens. Nearly 2,000 of the individuals died while residing in these camps. Today, the U.S. internment of Japanese individuals remains an underdiscussed aspect of the war.
The Amache National Historic Site tells the story of the 10,000 people interned during the war years. It is a sobering reminder that even the United States was not immune to committing atrocities during the war. The site allows visitors to gain a better understanding of the camp system as well as the reasoning behind it.
Connecticut
Fort Trumbull State Park – New London, CT
Not everyone who served the U.S. overseas during the war was a member of the United States military. The U.S. Merchant Marines were a civilian group whose primary role during the war was to provide valuable supplies to combat zones in Europe and the Pacific. They also moved soldiers, playing a pivotal role in the transport of men and supplies to the Normandy beaches on D-Day. From 1939 to 1946 Fort Trumbull served as the Merchant Marine Officer Training School.
Today, the park provides opportunities for outdoor activities including hiking and fishing. It also contains a museum that showcases the extensive military history of the site, which features a special exhibit on German U-boats during WWII.
Delaware
Fort Miles Museum – Lewes, DE
The Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area is home to Battery 519. It includes heavy guns, barracks and a control tower. The site holds a strategic position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. soldiers kept constant watch from this location. They were always aware of the threat from the German navy. Many people think the fight with Germany stayed in Europe. But the danger to U.S. ships was very real. German U-boats often targeted vessels near the American coast. Some U-boats even reached a few hundred yards from the eastern shore.
The Fort Miles Museum helps visitors understand this history. It shows the vital role played by Americans at defensive positions. Their efforts helped keep the U.S. coastline secure during the German threat.
Florida
Camp Gordon Johnston – Carrabelle, FL
With its miles of coastline, Florida is the perfect location to train soldiers for amphibious operations, and that is just what they did at Camp Gordon Johnston. Over a quarter of a million men trained in all things related to amphibious assaults, including ship to ship maneuvers, ship to shore maneuvers, obstacles and much more.
The museum focuses on amphibious campaigns throughout the war both in Europe and the Pacific. While the large operations such as Operation Overlord are always on display, special rotating exhibits focus on lesser known landings such as the invasion of Leyte in the Philippines.
Georgia
Camp Toccoa at Currahee – Toccoa, GA
For fans of the book and miniseries, Band of Brothers, Camp Toccoa should be high on the list of the top WWII sites in the U.S. In July 1942 a group of would-be paratroopers arrived at a small camp in Toccoa, GA. They would go on to become the men of Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division. Before the men of Easy Company and the rest of the 101st could drop into Fortress Europe, they had to complete training at Camp Toccoa.
The camp honors the men of the 101st through a well presented museum complete with an authentic army barracks occupied by the men and brought over from England after the war. In addition to viewing aircraft and artifacts, no visit to Camp Toccoa is complete without a walk, run or drive up Currahee Mountain (“three miles up, three miles down!”)
Hawaii
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific – Honolulu, HI
Often referred to as “Punchbowl,” the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is the final resting place of over 61,000 Americans. The soldiers buried here lost their lives in battles across the Pacific Theater, including Guam and the Wake Islands. There are also service members from various other conflicts including the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Many famous men of WWII are buried here including famed war correspondent Ernie Pyle and Henry Oliver Hansen, one of the flag raisers on Iwo Jima.
Idaho
Farragut State Park – Athol, ID
On the grounds of the current state park once sat the Farragut Naval Training Station, the site of basic training for nearly 300,000 U.S. sailors. In addition to its role in training, the site also served as a POW camp, housing around 900 Germans. The military shut down the site shortly after the war. The state converted it into a park in the 1960s.
You can explore the site’s WWII history at the Museum at the Brig. The museum sits inside one of the few remaining wartime buildings. It explains the boot camp and the training facilities used by the sailors who trained at the original station.
Illinois
Illinois Holocaust Museum – Skokie, IL
Despite not occurring within the United States, the Holocaust has continued to have a large impact on the American people, making the Illinois Holocaust Museum one of the most important WWII sites in the U.S. What began as a response to an attempted march by a local Neo-Nazi chapter has blossomed into one of the best Holocaust museums in the country. The Illinois Holocaust Museum stands by its mission statement of “Remember the Past; Transform the Future,” by providing visitors a mixture of artifacts and technology to fully tell the story of the Holocaust.
Indiana
The Ernie Pyle World War II Museum – Dana, IN
Ernest Pyle was a celebrated war correspondent known for his ability to bring the story of the everyday soldier home to the American public. He actively experienced the horrors of war as he reported on the North African and Italian Campaigns. He came ashore with the men on Omaha Beach on D-Day and witnessed the liberation of Paris before traveling to the Pacific theater. Pyle was killed during the Battle of Okinawa and was buried between two U.S. soldiers on the island. A memorial erected on the site of his death reads, “At this spot the 77th Infantry Division lost a buddy, Ernie Pyle, 18 April 1945.”
Located in the very home in which Pyle was born, the Ernie Pyle World War II Museum honors the legacy of the man that meant so much to so many. The museum showcases the life of Pyle as well as the men he covered in his role as a correspondent.
Iowa
The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum – Johnston, IA
The term “Gold Star Mother” was first used by President Wilson during the First World War and has since been used to honor both the soldier who gave his or her life in defense of the United States as well as the family they left behind.
The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum upholds this designation by honoring those service members lost in wars ranging from the Spanish-American War to current global conflicts. The site contains displays dedicated to those lost in the Second World War with memorabilia and vehicles from the conflict.
Kansas
World War II History Center – El Dorado, KS
Far from simply being another museum dedicated to WWII displays, the World War II History Center is known for its dedication to bringing the war to life for a new generation. The museum works with local reenactors to stage everything from battles to military parades. They also showcase WWII-era weapons demonstrations. With reenactors playing the part of both American and German soldier, the museum provides a great way to better understand the war from a practical perspective.
Kentucky
General George Patton Museum of Leadership – Fort Knox, KY
Another important figure from the war gave his name to a museum, ensuring its place as one of the top WWII sites in the U.S. On a list of iconic WWII generals, one name will always hold a place near the top. Nicknamed “Old Blood and Guts,” General George S. Patton was known for his gruff personality and decisive leadership skills. Patton commanded troops in nearly all of the major European theater campaigns from North Africa to the Allied occupation of Germany.
The General George Patton Museum of Leadership honors the legacy of one of the more divisive generals of the Second World War. Exhibits dedicated to the general include personal weapons, letters and vehicles. Whether you love him or hate him, you will leave the museum with a much greater understanding of the man behind the helmet.
Louisiana
National WWII Museum – New Orleans, LA
Originally opened in 2000 as the National D-Day Museum, the National WWII Museum has expanded significantly to cover all aspects of the war. The museum was placed in New Orleans due to the city’s connection with Andrew Higgins, the man responsible for creating the Higgins Boat. This landing craft proved so crucial to the war effort that General Eisenhower credited Andrew Higgins with being, “the man who won the war for us.”
The National World War II Museum hosts permanent exhibits on the European and Pacific Theaters, the home front, and the Holocaust. It is also home to many 1940s themed restaurants and a hotel to provide a fully immersive experience.
Maine
Battery Steele – Peaks Island, ME
Battery Steele is one of the more remote and rewarding WWII sites in the U.S. Located in Casco Bay, Battery Steele is one of several fortifications created to protect the east coast during the war. It consisted of two 16″ guns and was designed as part of a coordinated system of watch towers on neighboring islands. Today the remains of the battery are located on a 140-acre nature preserve.
Maryland
Maryland WWII Memorial – Annapolis, MD
As home to one of the most revered military schools in the United States, Annapolis is a logical location for one of the finest memorials to the Second World War in the nation. The Maryland WWII Memorial honors the men and women of Maryland who gave their lives during the war. The site overlooks the Severn River and features a stunning display of monuments depicting the name of each of the 6,454 Marylanders who died in the conflict.
Massachusetts
Battleship Cove – Fall River, MA
Located where the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay converge, Battleship Cove is home to the world’s largest collection of WWII-era vessels. Visitors are able to step aboard a submarine, PT boat, LCM and many more.
The flagship vessel of the museum is the USS Massachusetts, a battleship which saw action in North Africa, the Marshall Islands, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Nicknamed “Big Mamie,” the ship was saved due to the commitment of her crew, who held annual reunions in her honor in order to have her designated as a memorial. Their dedication and donations from local schoolchildren assured that “Big Mamie” would become a permanent museum and centerpiece of Battleship Cove.
Michigan
USS LST 393 Veteran’s Museum – Muskegon, MI
A Landing Ship, Tank was a WWII vessel designed to carry tanks and other vehicles ashore during an amphibious assault. They were a critical component of the U.S. war effort and are particularly well-known for their involvement in the Normandy landings. Throughout the war years, over 1,000 of these vessels were built. Today, only two survive.
One of these surviving LSTs is the focal point of the LST 393 Veteran’s Museum. Following several changes to the vessel both during and after the war, including the addition of a camo paint job in anticipation of the invasion of Japan, the craft is being restored to its original state by dedicated volunteers. It is a unique piece of WWII history that has thankfully survived for future generations.
Minnesota
Fagen Fighters WWII Museum – Granite Falls, MN
This family-run museum is dedicated to the memory of Ray Fagen, a decorated veteran who served in several crucial battles including the invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.
The museum has expanded over the years to occupy four aircraft hangars. It contains several unique exhibits including a reconstructed Quonset Hut and control tower. Perhaps most unique of all, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to fly over the Minnesota River Valley in a restored WWII trainer aircraft.
Mississippi
Camp Van Dorn World War II Museum – Centreville, MS
The 99th Infantry, known as the “Checkerboard” division, experienced some of the heaviest fighting during the Battle of the Bulge before crossing the Rhine into Germany at the end of the war. The 63rd “Blood and Fire” Infantry Division came ashore in Marseille, France and also ended the war across the German border. Both of these divisions trained at Camp Van Dorn.
Today the Camp Van Dorn World War II Museum tells the story of the men of these and other divisions who trained at the camp from 1942 to 1945.
Missouri
Harry S Truman National Historic Site – Independence, MO
Harry S. Truman took office as the 33rd president of the United States in 1945 following the death of Franklin Roosevelt. He served as commander-in-chief during the critical final months of WWII during the German surrender and the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. Truman was also responsible for implementing the Marshall Plan, the post-war rebuild of Western Europe. Though he was only briefly president during the war itself, he was involved in many of its biggest moments.
The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site includes the home Truman occupied from 1919 until his death in 1972 as well as the Truman family’s farmhouse where Truman worked as a young man.
Montana
Lewistown Satellite Airfield – Lewiston, MT
Built in 1942 as a training facility for B-17 crews, the Lewistown Army Airfield trained an estimated 1,000 soldiers. In addition to providing training, the site was also used as a storage location for the Norden Bombsight, a top secret weapon designed to allow bombs to be dropped with “precision accuracy.”
Today, several original structures from the period remain including the original storage shelter for the Norden Bombsight. This is the only known storage building of this type remaining in the U.S. Many of the WWII sites in the U.S. collect artifacts from other locations in order to display them. Lewistown Satellite Airfield preserves is able to showcase its unique piece of history where it originally stood.
Nebraska
Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles – Lexington, NE
The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles is an impressive collection of vehicles used by every branch of service in the war. It also contains vehicles and memorabilia used by both German and American troops. What started as a passion project by a group of friends has grown into an extensive collection of helicopters, jeeps, half-tracks and more. In addition to seeing these vehicles up close, the museum offers the opportunity to climb into many pieces from their collection.
New Hampshire
Wright Museum of World War II – Wolfeboro, NH
When WWII broke out, museum founder David Wright was too young to travel overseas, but this did not stop him from serving the war effort. Like millions of other Americans, David discovered he could be just as valuable to winning the war at home. David’s desire to highlight the home front experience of Americans such as him during the war inspired him to open the Wright Museum of World War II.
In addition to displaying an extensive collection of military items, the museum offers a unique look into the war years through its Home Front Gallery, which offers visitors a glimpse into what life was like for the everyday American in the 1940s.
New Jersey
World War II Lookout Tower – Cape May, NJ
Officially known as Fire Control Tower No. 23, this structure was built in 1942 as a part of a coastal defense system. One of 15 towers built during the early days of the war, Tower No. 23 is the only one remaining in New Jersey. These defenses were used to spot potential German activity along the eastern coast of the United States.
The tower was modified in more recent years with modern safety features to allow visitors to climb to the top. Along the way up, you can learn about the history of the towers and honor local veterans through rotating displays.
New Mexico
Manhattan Project National Historical Park – Los Alamos, NM
The military shut down the site shortly after the war. The state turned it into a park in the 1960s.
You can explore the site’s WWII history at the Museum at the Brig. The museum sits inside one of the few remaining wartime buildings. It describes the boot camp and the training facilities used by the sailors who trained at the original station.
New York
Located in Battery Park with the Statue of Liberty standing proudly in the background lies the Museum of Jewish Heritage. The museum tells the story of Jewish life “before, during and after the Holocaust.” While the Jewish suffering under the Nazis is certainly a primary focus of the museum, it also does a great job of incorporating the story of Jewish culture and tradition in the 20th and 21st centuries. This theme is even carried into the museum’s restaurant which specializes in traditional kosher foods with beautiful views of the New York Harbor.
North Carolina
Battleship North Carolina – Wilmington, NC
Guadalcanal, Marshall Islands, Philippine Sea, Iwo Jima, Okinawa…these are just a handful of battles that the North Carolina took part in. Throughout the course of the war, the Battleship North Carolina participated in many of the most important campaigns of the Pacific Theater, including transporting American men and women home following the surrender of Japan.
The battleship became a museum in 1962. Rarely has one vessel experienced as much as the North Carolina and lived to tell the tale. To step foot onto this ship is truly a step onto a great piece of WWII history.
North Dakota
Dakota Territory Air Museum – Minot, ND
While there are many museums dedicated to WWII aircraft, few can boast that a huge portion of their collection is still airworthy. From Thunderbolts to Mustangs and Spitfires, the Dakota Territory Air Museum has an extensive collection on display. The museum also participates in restoration work which can be viewed in one of their many hangars.
Ohio
WWII Museum of the Atlantic Wall – Conneaut, OH
Between 1942 and 1944, the Germans oversaw construction on a complex series of defensive fortifications intended to stretch from the south of France all the way up the Norwegian coast. When the Western Allies set their sites on invading Europe in June 1944, the Atlantic Wall was one of the obstacles lying in their way.
The WWII Museum of the Atlantic Wall features a collection of artifacts all related to this infamous fortification. It stages events throughout the year complete with era vehicles. Additionally, reenactors perform in order to bring this aspect of the war in Europe to life.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma National Guard Museum – Oklahoma, OK
In September 1940, the entire U.S. National Guard was called into service in order to prepare for the growing threat of war facing the United States. These 300,000 soldiers would go on to serve in both theaters and every major campaign.
The Oklahoma National Guard Museum chronicles the history of the state’s National Guard from its beginnings in 1890 to the present day. One exhibit of interest to WWII visitors is the story of the 45th Infantry Division. This highly decorated division is most well-known as the liberators of the Dachau Concentration Camp in April 1945.
Oregon
Fort Stevens Historic Area – Hammond, OR
Fort Stevens was built during the Civil War to defend against a feared English invasion from Canada. During World War II, 2,500 men were stationed at the fort. On the night of June 21, 1942, a Japanese submarine fired on the fort. The shells caused no damage, but the attack made Fort Stevens the only location in the contiguous United States to come under enemy fire during the war.
Today, the fort is open to visitors and lies within the Fort Stevens State Park, a section of the larger Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. The fort’s unique involvement in two major American conflicts makes it one of the most interesting WWII sites in the U.S.
Pennsylvania
Camp Michaux – Newville, PA
During the war, authorities set up the Pine Grove Furnace Prisoner of War Interrogation Camp in a remote area of Pennsylvania, not far from Washington, D.C. The top-secret camp assessed incoming German POWs to determine whether further interrogation would be useful. Prisoners did not stay long-term at the camp. Today, visitors can explore remnants of the original site on a self-guided walking tour.
Rhode Island
Chopmist Hill Listening Post – Scituate, RI
The FCC established listening posts across the country to monitor radio traffic during the war. The Chopmist Hill post became the largest and most effective due to its high sensitivity to radio signals. Staff set up the post in an abandoned farmhouse. They reported anything that could aid the war effort, including messages from German spies or war-related distress signals. The post gathered enemy information from Africa, Germany, the Pacific, South America, and beyond.
South Carolina
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum – Mt. Pleasant, SC
Patriots Point is home to many impressive vessels including a destroyer, submarine and countless WWII-era aircraft. However, the star of the museum is the USS Yorktown. This aircraft carrier participated in most of the major campaigns of the Pacific Theater. She also served as a filming location for several projects including the Pearl Harbor film Tora! Tora! Tora!
Visitors to the Yorktown can explore nearly every corner of the carrier. The museum also hosts several events throughout the year aboard the deck of the Yorktown. The museum’s overall size and collection earns it the designation of one of the top WWII sites in the U.S.
South Dakota
USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial – Sioux Falls, SD
The USS South Dakota launched on June 7, 1941. It remained in action throughout the war, participating in battles in the Philippines, Marshal Islands, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. With her participation in so many pivotal battles, the South Dakota became the most decorated battleship of World War II. Despite her record in the war, the ship was sold and broken down for scrap in 1962.
The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial hopes to preserve the legacy of this mighty ship. It integrates artifacts and pieces of the vessel into a stunning memorial.
Tennessee
International Friendship Bell – Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, was built as a direct result of the Manhattan Project. The site was chosen for its natural uranium deposits. The town was created to house workers for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Today, Oak Ridge is called the Atomic City. The nickname keeps its link to the atomic bomb alive. This history made it the ideal place for the International Friendship Bell. The bell was cast in Kyoto, Japan. It weighs 8,000 pounds and stands as a symbol of peace and unity between the United States and Japan. It reflects the dark past shared by both nations. Also, it also represents hope for their future.
Texas
National Museum of the Pacific War – Fredericksburg, TX
Alongside the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, the National Museum of the Pacific War is one of the best WWII museums in the country. Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz commanded the entire U.S. Pacific Fleet during the Second World War. Today, this museum lies in his hometown of Fredericksburg, TX.
The museum spans six acres and takes visitors through every aspect of the Pacific War. Exhibits range from an in-depth gallery devoted to telling the life story of Admiral Nimitz to to a multi-sensory gallery devoted to the American rescue in the Philippines. It is certainly a can’t miss WWII site in the U.S.
Utah
Topaz Internment Camp Museum – Delta, UT
Between September 1942 and October 1945, over 11,000 people of Japanese descent passed through the Topaz War Relocation Center. The camp sat in a harsh desert environment. It experienced extreme temperature swings throughout the year. The builders failed to prepare for these conditions. Summers were sweltering, and winters were bitterly cold. These issues made life in the camp unbearable.
The Topaz Internment Camp Museum aims to educate visitors about the treatment of Japanese-Americans during the war, a topic which is often omitted from history lessons. In addition to the museum, you can visit the site of the original camp. It includes outlines of the original barracks.
Vermont
B-24J Crash Site – Camel’s Hump Mountain, VT
On October 16, 1944 a B-24J Liberator crashed into the side of a peak in the Green Mountains of Vermont. The incident took place during a training mission. It resulted in the death of 9 of the 10-man crew, with only the pilot surviving. The Green Mountains are no stranger to plane crashes, with the remains of several notable wrecks scattered across the range.
Hikers can visit one of the more unique WWII sites in the U.S. by heading out onto the Monroe Trail on Camel’s Hump Mountain. Remnants of the bomber as well as a memorial plaque remain accessible to visitors.
Virginia
National D-Day Memorial – Bedford, VA
Thirty-four young men from the town of Bedford, VA came ashore with the 29th Infantry Division on D-Day. By the end of the first day, nineteen of them were killed. As an honor to this community that sacrificed so much, the U.S. Congress created the National D-Day Memorial in the small Virginia town of Bedford.
The memorial opened on June 6, 2001 and is highlighted by a large pool and archway. It also features a stone landing craft, soldiers wading ashore and German defensive obstacles.
Washington
U.S. Naval Undersea Museum – Keyport, WA
There are countless museums and historical sites dedicated to the U.S. Navy and its role in WWII. Also, the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum focuses more specifically on the underwater component of naval warfare. With exhibits dedicated to naval mines, submarines and torpedoes, visitors can gain a better appreciation for the often unseen dangers faced by sailors during the war.
Washington D.C.
World War II Memorial – Washington, D.C.
The World War II Memorial in D.C. is a moving monument to the war. It is dedicated to all Americans, both military and civilian, who served the war effort. It consists of 56 granite pillars representing each U.S. state and territory involved in the conflict. The memorial also has two archways dedicated to the Pacific and European theaters.
The memorial sits between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument on the National Mall. It is a must-see for any visitor to the nation’s capital.
West Virginia
The Greenbrier Resort – White Sulphur Springs, WV
Today, the Greenbrier is a luxury resort welcoming visitors to the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. However, throughout the war years it welcomed a different type of guest. First, the resort hosted diplomats from the Axis powers of Germany, Italy and Japan. After the outbreak of war, the resort became both a hospital for wounded U.S. soldiers as well as a place for German POWs to work in maintaining the property.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Maritime Museum – Manitowoc, WI
The centerpiece of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum is the USS Cobia, a Gate-class submarine. The USS Cobia went on six war patrols and was responsible for sinking 16,835 tons of shipping. She was designated a National Historic Landmark after the war and is permanently docked in Lake Michigan.
Visitors to the museum can see the submarine as well as other maritime themed exhibits. They also offer the opportunity to spend the night aboard the USS Cobia for a unique war-themed experience.
Wyoming
Heart Mountain Interpretive Center – Powell, WY
Throughout WWII over 120,000 people of Japanese descent living in the U.S. were interned in camps across the nation. It is one of the darkest and least discussed actions committed by the United States during the war.
The Heart Mountain Interpretive Center attempts to shine a light on this chapter of the war. It does so by preserving one of the few remaining Japanese internment camps left in the country. Within these grounds over 14,000 people were confined. Today, the center hopes to ensure that their story is not forgotten.
This list represents a small selection of the countless WWII sites scattered across the nation. Please let me know your favorite lesser known or visited WWII site below!
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