Safety

Participants wearing life jackets during the Paddle With a Ranger program in Oak Ridge.

NPS/MEYER

Be Safe

The Manhattan Project National Historical Park has visitor centers in the three main communities of the Manhattan Project: Hanford (Tri-Cities), Washington; Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Nearly all of the park’s historic properties are located “behind the fence” on secure US Department of Energy reservations. The Department of Energy provides some guided tours to these restricted sites. Each community has numerous museums and historic sites that also help share the story of the Manhattan Project.

You can explore these places through our website or by using the NPS app. The app provides information on self-guided tours, hikes, and significant Manhattan Project sites. If you explore in person, follow the general and site-specific safety guidelines. Use the site-specific links to the Department of Energy to learn more about the agency's safety guidelines in regards to their guided tours.

General Safety Guidelines

• Outside Safety: For your safety and comfort, visitors are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and appropriate footwear to all outdoor programs.Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.
• Alerts: Check out any alerts the park may have.

Hanford (Tri-Cities), WA

Manhattan Project National Historical Park offers various ranger programs in the Tri-Cities (Hanford), including Bike With a Ranger and Hike Through Time.

• Weather: Check the weather and current forecast of the Tri-Cities before you set out for the day.
• Guided Tours: Learn about safety information for Department of Energy tours at the Hanford Site.

Los Alamos, NM

Within the Los Alamos community, visitors can explore different hiking trails, walking tours, museums, ranger programs, and more.

• Altitude Sickness: At 7,320 feet (2231 m) above sea level, altitude sickness may affect some visitors. Drink plenty of water and don’t overexert yourself.
• Weather: Check the current weather and forecast of Los Alamos before you set out for the day. Weather in Los Alamos can change quickly, and visitors should plan for changing conditions.
• More Safety Information: For more information on staying safe while exploring the area, see Bandelier National Monument’s safety page.
• Guided Tours: Learn about safety information for Department of Energy tours at Los Alamos.

Oak Ridge, TN

Manhattan Project National Historical Park offers various ranger programs in Oak Ridge, including Bike With a Ranger and Paddle With a Ranger.

• Bicycling: For Bike With a Ranger, Tennessee state law requires that bicycle operators under 16 years of age must wear a helmet and child passengers under 40 pounds or 40 inches must be seated and secured in a child restraining seat or bicycle trailer.
• Kayaking: For Paddle With a Ranger, all participants must wear a life jacket or other approved personal floatation device.
• Traffic: Oak Ridge is a small yet vibrant community. Traffic can be heavy at times. Please drive carefully and obey all traffic laws during your visit.
• Weather: Check the current weather and forecast of Oak Ridge before you set out for the day.
• Guided Tours: Learn about safety information for Department of Energy tours at Oak Ridge.

 

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