World War II Japanese American Internment Museum - McGehee, Arkansas

Deana K

It is important to note that there is a $5 entry fee that can only be paid by cash or check. Upon arrival at 3 p.m., we were told that it was too late to start the documentary. This was fine as we were able to walk around the museum. Nice displays and very interesting. At about 3:40, we felt as though we were being invited to leave. The person told us she was only there until 4 pm. and we watched her leave at 3:55pm. Make sure to arrive early with cash in hand or jump in your way back machine and procure a check.

Logan Sand

I drove thousands of miles to see the Rowher heritage site, and while yes, that was incredible, I thought it would make sense to visit the museum to connect with family history.

But, no, because even on a day which you were supposed to be OPEN, you were completely closed. Not a soul around. I made multiple attempts even since my trip to connect with someone at this museum, and Arkansas State University without any response. It was such a slap in the face to take time and miles out of my way to visit.

I would NOT recommend this museum and don’t hold your breath - it’s probably not open.

Shelly Walters

We happened to see the signs on the highway and decided to stop and check it out. This is a very informative museum with great articles, artifacts, and art.
Young and old should learn about this time in history. The lady at the museum was very helpful and knowledgeable about the Internment camps. The museum is well maintained. You can purchase the video that is played and postcards there. We drove around the town and there is some wonderful murals and parks there to.
Entry fee was $5 per person.
We enjoyed it as a family.

Georgia Sparling

My friends and I were so impressed by this small but well done museum. Although I have some knowledge about the internment camps, I never realized there were two in Arkansas. This museum shares the story of the people who were imprisoned at these two camps, often in their own words.

Frosty Sunbird

Saw a faded sign for this place somewhere on the north side of town. Google Maps indicated that the small museum was closed till Thursday, but walked around, looked at birds, and peeked in the windows of this museum and the railroad museum (also closed). This was Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2023.

It could use new signs outside, as well as some interpretive signs/bulletin boards outside for when it’s closed. Where exactly was the camp? What did it look like? Maybe there could be a podcast visitors could listen to while on the road. (Siri refused to read aloud from Wikipedia while in the vehicle.)

Jasmine Smith

A small hudden gem. This is a nice tucked away museum! The lady that works there is very knowledgeable and the pieces they have collected really show how much they are trying preseve the history here. My son and I were glad we found the sign for this museum while driving back home. Definitely worth the stop. It does cost five dollars but it's well spent.

David Scrivener

It was a really interesting stop, and I'm glad I visited. It's a small museum but you can spend an hour or more there if you take your time.

I believe it was 5 dollars to get in, and there was about a 15 minute documentary, worth watching even if you're a little familiar with Japanese American's being sent to concentration camps during WWII

Lori Petersen

Very interesting place. We were left speechless visiting. Be sure you drive out to the memorial in the field. Lady that runs the museum is wonderful. Really friendly and so much information.