Manhattan Project National Historical Park

Things To Do Near Manhattan Project National Historical Park

Visiting the Manhattan Project National Historical Park involves touring three cities, Hanford in Washington, Oak Ridge in Tennessee, and Los Alamos in New Mexico. Having an RV ensures you can easily reach all the sites within these states for the complete Manhattan Project experience. Driving to historical sites and museums allows you to enjoy the exhibitions and learn about the nuclear development history without mismanaging your time. Additionally, the park's location within significant cities makes it more comfortable to find parking spaces around the area so you can explore the site and surrounding areas further. 

Hiking Trails

• Haw Ridge Park Trailhead 2

  You can enjoy a relaxing hike along this route that enables you to access multiple trails and explore Haw Ridge Park. It is accessible throughout the year from dawn to dusk with biking, hiking, and jogging opportunities. Moreover, you can walk to the nearby Melton Hill Lake for fun watersports with companions. 

  Location

  204-200 Old Edgemoor Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830

  Length

  5.5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Kwage Mesa

  Kwage Mesa offers a loop pathway suitable for all skill levels, making it an ideal option when touring with young ones. You can get the complete family experience since the trail permits walking with dogs. An early hike to the ridge presents breathtaking views overlooking the sunrise.

  Location

  475 20th Street, Los Alamos, NM 87544

  Length

  4.3 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Los Alamos Nature Center 

  You can take your friends and kids for an educational experience at the Los Alamos Nature Center to learn about nature and the environment. The location has a viewing room designed with one-way glass, enabling you to watch the birds and passing wildlife. This center lays out quality displays that cater to visitors of all age groups. 

  Location

  2600 Canyon Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544

• University of Tennessee Arboretum 

  This arboretum is an expanse of three forests — the Highland Rim Forest, the Cumberland Forest, and the Oak Ridge Forest — spanning about 11,435 acres. You can enjoy relaxing strolls along various hiking trails while taking in the pleasant natural views. The location has a vibrant history that you can learn about through the education programs provided by the Arboretum staff. 

  Location

  901 South Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Museums

• REACH Museum

  The REACH Museum allows you to learn about and experience the geological impact of basalt lava flows and ice-age floods. It also features educational sections covering the Manhattan Project and its ongoing influence on the region, including Kennewick, Richland, White Bluffs, and Pasco. You can also find out about the Hanford Reach National Monument and other parts of Mid-Columbia River Basin history through the museum's programs. 

  Location

  1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA 99352

• Children's Museum of Oak Ridge

  This site is a quality venue for family trips since it includes informative programs and tours for children and adults. You can also access the Environmental Center and Gardens behind the museum; this area is comprised of a meadow garden, pavilion, rock garden, and water feature. It has attractive exhibits covering various regions from around the world, including Appalachia, Oak Ridge, Japan, and Africa.

  Location

  461 West Outer Drive, Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Boomerang Consignment and Resale 

  This shop has various products, including kimono wraps, shoes, and handbags. You can also get jewelry at affordable rates to complement an exciting trip around the Manhattan Project. It provides a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance for an inclusive and comfortable experience. 

  Location

  4204, 1247 Central Avenue A, Los Alamos, NM 87544

• Roxy Theater Antiques and Gifts

  The Roxy Theater Antiques and Gifts store has a convenient layout that makes it easy to navigate, even when traveling with kids. You can find quality retro pieces, including books, furniture, and art. The site also includes a coffee shop where you can unwind before continuing your Manhattan Project trip. 

  Location

  101 W. Kennewick Avenue, Kennewick, TN 99336

• Yuan's Dumpling and Noodle House

  You can have lunch and dinner with friends and family at this site that provides dine-in and takeaway options. The restaurant has something for everyone, including those looking for comfort foods or vegetarian dishes. It has free Wi-Fi to ensure that you can contact your loved ones or search for additional information regarding the Manhattan Project tour and attractions. 

  Location

  1350 Central Avenue, Los Alamos, NM 87544

• Ann's Best Creole & Soul Food

  This restaurant offers dine-in services and an outdoor section where you can relax and enjoy tasty breakfast and lunch with companions. It has a casual and cozy setting while providing quick bites and small-plate options. You can conveniently manage a tight schedule using the restaurant's takeaway service. 

  Location

  1901 Terminal Drive, Richland, WA 99354

• Golden Oak Buffet

  Golden Oak Buffet provides kids' menus and vegetarian and healthy options to ensure that all visitors can dine comfortably. The restaurant has an all-you-can-eat menu with fast service, enabling you to have your order on time and in style. It also offers takeaway and delivery services. 

  Location

  401 S. Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830

How To Get To Manhattan Project National Historical Park

To get to the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Los Alamos from the Santa Fe Regional Airport, take Aviation Drive to NM-599 N. Follow NM-599 N and US-285 N/US-84W to the Los Alamos Highway. Exit from US-285 N/US-84 W by taking the NM-502 and continue to the park's visitor center on 20th Street. 

The Manhattan Project Park has centers in the three cities with varying operating hours depending on the seasons. You can visit the park's headquarters at the Los Alamos Visitor Center daily in summer and on Thursday through Monday during winter. The station closes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Christmas, and New Year's Day. 

Address

475 20th Street, Los Alamos, NM 87544

Fee: Entry fee $0

The Manhattan Project National Historical Park has historical sites and landmarks that show the history behind the secret development project that brought about the first nuclear weapon in the world. You can visit the different buildings that housed the reactors and learn the process that resulted in the well-known Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings of 1945. A trip around the park in an RV is a great way of experiencing the Manhattan Project because you can create a flexible itinerary. You can enjoy hikes along the different trails and reach all the landmarks hassle-free.