Mining equipment is demonstrated on the weekends during the summer months. The museum is open daily from 11am to 6pm during the summer. The museum is operated under permit by the Inyo National Forest. Manzanar Natural Historic Site U. S. 395, approximately 6 miles south of Independence During World War II, thousands of Japanese Americans were interned at Manzanar. Visitors who wish to explore the the internment camp ruins can still find walls, foundations, and the remains of some of the internees' rock gardens.
Visitors can view some outstanding geological formations that include tufa towers and volcanoes.
The center operates daily during the summer, and Thursday through Monday during the winter. Built in 1880, the former Bridgeport Elementary Schoolhouse, displays exhibits of early Mono County mining and farming equipment, and a wonderful collection of Paiute baskets. Built in 1925, the school house now displays odd artifacts, photographs and equipment that chronicle the history of Mono Basin. Other exhibits include farming and mining equipment. The museum is open 12 p.m. to 8pm Thursday through Sunday during the summer.