a sun setting behind historic parade grounds — The sun sets on the American Camp parade grounds NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton

San Juan Island National Historical Park

National Historic Site · Washington · National Park Service

San Juan Island is well known for its splendid vistas, saltwater shores, quiet woodlands, orca whales and one of the last remaining native prairies in the Puget Sound/Northern Straits region. But it was also here in 1859 that the United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over possession of the island, the crisis ignited by the death of a pig.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone: 3603782240
Official site: www.nps.gov
Managed by: National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Architecture and Building · Arts · Photography · Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite · Farming and Agriculture · Forts · Military · Monuments and Memorials · Native American Heritage · Wars and Conflicts · Colonial/European Contact Conflicts · Women's History · Animals · Birds · Fire · Forests and Woodlands · Coniferous Forests · Deciduous Forests · Geology · Grasslands · Prairies · Meadows · Night Sky · Oceans · Whales · Scenic Views · Trails · Unique Species · Endangered

Activities & features: Arts and Culture · Cultural Demonstrations · Biking · Food · Picnicking · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Hiking · Hunting and Gathering · Gathering and Foraging · Living History · Reenactments · Historic Weapons Demonstration · First Person Interpretation · Paddling · Kayaking · Junior Ranger Program · Swimming · Saltwater Swimming · Wildlife Watching · Birdwatching · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store · Gift Shop and Souvenirs