At the start of Manhattan Project work, about 1,500 residents in the agricultural towns of Hanford and White Bluffs were displaced from their homesteads and orchards, along with Native American Tribes, as the government transformed the Eastern Washington desert as part of the secret war project. Sign up for a tour and learn more about the history of the mid-Columbia prior to the eviction of the homeowners and tribes in 1943.
The U.S. Department of Energy offers free public tours of the pre-WWII historic sites.
The time commitment for this tour is 4 hours. Tours begin at 10:00 am in May, June, and September. July and August tours begin at 8:00 am. Click on the Register Now button on the right to begin the registration process.
Planned tour dates for 2025 include:
- May 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-26 and 30-31
- June 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28
- July 4-6, 11-12, 18-19, and 25-26
- August 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29-31
- September 1, 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27
We are also offering a new program this summer.
- Atomic Explorations. Explore the history, science, and people of the Manhattan Project while visiting the park. Learn about the events that culminated in the development and deployment of the world’s first atomic bombs during World War II and share Hanford’s connection to this world-changing history. Programs are offered Monday - Thursday, and Saturdays at 2:30 pm in the park visitor center (2000 Logston Blvd, Richland). Programs are free, and reservations are not required. Visit Hanford Ranger Programs for more information.
- Free of charge
- Open to all ages
- Open to visitors from around the world
- Cameras, cell phones, and other recording devices are allowed
- Food and drinks (non-alcoholic) are allowed on the bus
- There is no food or drink for sale at the visitor center
- There are restrooms at one of the stops mid-way through the tour
- Tours begin and end at the visitor center located at 2000 Logston Blvd. Richland WA.
- The tour includes bus stops, interpretation, and a short walking tour at the following Manhattan Project National Historical Park resources:
- Bruggemann Warehouse
- B Reactor (Outside fence)
- Allard Pump House
- White Bluffs Ferry Landing
- First Bank of White Bluffs
- Hanford High School
- Total time commitment is 4 hours
Due to limited seating, we are unable to offer special group or school tours at this time. This option will be available again once the B Reactor tours resume.
If you have any questions, please call the visitor center, at (509) 376-1647.
Learn more about Manhattan Project National Historical Park and the places, people, and science behind the project that ushered in the nuclear age with the development of the world’s first atomic weapons.
