The Minidoka National Historic Site was a war relocation center where Japanese Americans were evacuated during 1942 to 1945, the war years. Minidoka was home to some 9,000 residents, all Americans with Japanese descents coming from the states of Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

Construction in the camp began in 1942 and at the end of the year, a total of 10,000 internees were housed at the camp. By the end of 1943, population dwindled to 8,500 and decreased to 6,950 at the end of 1944. On the 10th of February, 1946 the camp was used to provide shelter to the war veterans.

In 2001, it was established as one of the latest units in the National Park System. A transitory exhibit and data regarding the monument is open to the public.

Today, tourists and guests, both local and foreign, can view the ruins of the guard station at the entrance, the Jerome County Museum, and the Idaho Farm and Ranch Museum. The museums showcase different displays and artifact during the World War II.