San Juan Island National Historical Park

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.

Sunset at American Camp

The sun sets on the American Camp parade grounds

English Camp Barracks

Visitors come from all over the world to explore English Camp

Encampment

Reenactors fire a cannon at Encampment

English Camp Formal Garden

The formal garden in bloom

Grandma's Cove

Grandma's Cove is a popular spot for park visitors

RecAreaDirections

San Juan Island is served by Washington State Ferries, several private cruise and shuttle craft and two air carriers (one of which has both land and seaplane service). The Washington State Ferries terminal is 85 miles north of Seattle and 90 miles south of Vancouver, BC in Anacortes, WA.

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Facilities

American Camp Visitor Center Facility

The American Camp visitor center is located on Cattle Point Road on the island's southern peninsula. It is open Thursday-Tuesday from 9 AM-4 PM. This visitor center opened to the public in June of 2022 and features incredible new exhibits detailing the Coast Salish presence, military history of San Juan Island, and our island's ecology.

English Camp Visitor Center Facility

The heart of English Camp is situated on the shoreline located below the main parking area, accessible from West Valley Road.

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