Since time immemorial, the Nimiipuu or Nez Perce have lived among the rivers, canyons and prairies of the inland northwest. Despite the cataclysmic change of the past two centuries, the Nez Perce are still here. Experience the story of a people who are still part of this landscape.
The Basics
Hours:
The Visitor Center at Spalding, Idaho, is open all year. In the winter months from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and until 5:00 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The Visitor Center at Big Hole National Battlefield in Wisdom, Montana is open all year. From Memorial Day to September 10. The park is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. In the winter from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Bear Paw Battlefield is open year round from dawn to dusk. The Blaine County Museum in Chinook has exhibits and an audiovisual program on the battle at Bear Paw. In the summer the museum is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. They are closed for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. For the remainder of the year, it is open on weekdays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. They are closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.
Address:
39063 US Highway 95
Spalding, ID 83540
Phone:
208-843-7001
Fax:
208-843-7003
Map
Directions
Given the distances between certain sites, an automobile provides the greatest flexibility in visiting Nez Perce National Historical Park. Nearly all of the sites are located on or near state highways and are identified by prominent signs.
Spalding Visitor Center, Nez Perce National Historical Park The Spalding Visitor Center is 11 miles east of Lewison of U.S. Hwy 95.
Big Hole National Battlefield is located ten miles west of Wisdom, Montana on state highway 43.
Bear Paw Battlefield is located sixteen miles south of Chinook, Montana on Route 240.
Climate
With thirty-eight sites in fours states, every season offers a wide variety of weather conditions.
Nez Perce National Historical Park offers a unique National Park experience. With thirty-eight sites in four states, the park encompasses sites that stretch across the traditional homeland of the Nimiipuu. There are activities at the parks visitor centers at Spalding, Big Hole National Battlefield, and Bear Paw Battlefield. There are also many other activities throughout the region. Join us in experiencing the story of the Nimiipuu.At a number of park sites there are short trails that allow visitors to interact with the park's resources:
Spalding Site: There is a short trail that leads from the park's visitor center to the site's historic area. Exterior exhibits tell the story of an area that has seen continuous occupation for thousands of years. Restrooms and picnic tables are available.
Heart of the Monster: There is a short trail that provides a Nez Perce and English language interpretation of the story of Coyote's battle with a monster. Restrooms and picnic tables are available.
Canoe Camp: A short trail meanders through the site where the Lewis and Clark expedition built canoes in 1805. Restroom available.
Buffalo Eddy: A short trail leads visitors to the petrogylphs and pictographs. No facilities.
Whitebird Battlefield: Walk on the site of the first clash of the Nez Perce War of 1877. Round trip is approximately 1.5 miles. The battlefield can be very hot in the summer months. Please bring plenty of water. There are no facilities.
Big Hole National Battlefield: On August 9, the U.S. Army attacked the Nez Perce camp at Big Hole, resulting in heavy losses for the Nez Perce. They rallied and besieged the troops, allowing the Nez Perce families to escape. The battlefield has a series of trails. For more information, please visit the park's website. Restrooms and visitor center.
Bear Paw Battlefield: The last battle of the 1877 war occurred here. A one mile trail allows access to the battlefield. Vault toilets are available on the battlefield.
Indoor Activities
Spalding Visitor Center
At the visitor center and museum in Spalding, Idaho, park staff provide information on sites and activities at Nez Perce National Historical Park.
Throughout the year, the park film, Nez Perce - Portrait of a People, is shown. It provides an introduction to the Nez Perce story and is also available for purchase. Museum exhibits feature an outstanding collection of clothing, tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. The Northwest Interpretive Association has a sales outlet where you can purchase items about the Nez Perce and the National Park Service.
Generally, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the park staff provides special walks and talks, that include museum tours and tipi pitching demonstrations.
Big Hole National Battlefield
The park visitor center provides information on how to access the battlefield. The park film, Weet'uciklitukt: There's No Turning Back, Battle at Big Hole provides an excellent introduction to the Nez Perce War of 1877 and the tragedy that took place at Big Hole. There is an exhibit on the battlefield and a sales center with items related to what happened at Big Hole and general works on the war and Nez Perce history and culture.
Bear Paw Battlefield
To get an orientation to the last battle of the Nez Perce War, your first stop should be the Blaine County Museum in Chinook. The museum offers a short audiovisual presentation 40 Miles to Freedom about the battle and siege at Bear Paw. The museum also offers exhibits on local history and paleontology. Check with the museum staff to see when the ranger will be at the battlefield. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the museum is open Monday through Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (The museum is closed for lunch between noon and 1 pm) and on Sunday from noon to 5:00 pm.
Nearby Attractions
Since the Nez Perce National Historical Park has thirty-eight sites spread across four states, there are other attractions that are in close proximity to park sites. Some of the high points include:
U.S. Forest Service
Clearwater National Forest, Orofino, Idaho
Nez Perce National Forest, Grangeville, Idaho
Corps of Engineers
Dworshak Reservoir, Ahsahka, Idaho
State Parks
Hells Gate State Park, Lewiston, Idaho
Winchester State Park, Winchester, Idaho
Dworshak State Park, Orofino, Idaho
Museums
Appaloosa Museum, Moscow, Idaho
Bicentennial Museum, Grangeville, Idaho
Lewisclark State College Center For Arts and History, Lewiston, Idaho
Historical Museum at St. Gertrude, Cottonwood, Idaho
Nez Perce National Historical Park offers a host of sites, activities, and facilities throughout the year. A visit the park should include a stop at a park visitor center, at the Spalding site or at Big Hole National Battlefield.
The park is unlike more traditional National Park units, with thirty-eight sites spread over four states, you should plan your visit accordingly.
