Nez Perce National Historical Park - Facilities

Nez Perce National Historical Park by National Parks Service

Bear Paw Battlefield

Open

Open All Year Dawn to Dusk

Location

The battlefield is 16 miles south of Chinook, Montana on County Highway 240 (Cleveland Road).

Special Programs

A park ranger is often available at the battlefield during the summer months.

Exhibits

A self guided trail and guide allows visitors to access the battlefield. The Blaine County Museum in Chinook has a film and exhibits about the battle at Bear Paw. During the summer, the museum is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. They close for lunch between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. Hours vary for the rest of the year, generally Monday through Friday, 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

Available Facilities

Picnic tables and primitive toilets are available.

VISITOR CENTERS

Big Hole National Battlefield

Open

Open All Year

From Memorial Day to early September, the park is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. In the winter from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Location

The Battlefield is 10 miles west of Wisdom, Montana on State Highway 43.

Closures

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's

Special Programs

Special Ranger-led programs of the Siege Area and Camp Area are done daily throughout the summer. Check at the Information Desk at the Visitor Center for times.

Exhibits

The Visitor Center houses exhibits with artifacts from the War of 1877, ranging from a military cannon to Chief Joseph's shirt.

Available Facilities

The Visitor Center has restrooms. The park also offers a picnic area, fishing, and areas for viewing wildlife.

The Visitor Center at Spalding, Idaho

Open

Open All Year

Memorial Day to Labor Day 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

November 29, 2009 to March 14, 2010, the visitor center will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Location

11 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho on Highway 95.

Closures

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

Special Programs

From Labor Day to Memorial Day, Special Ranger-led programs are held at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm daily. Programs by reservation for the rest of the year.

Exhibits

The Visitor Center has museum exhibits and films that tell the story of the Nez Perce people and their culture.

Available Facilities

The Visitor Center has restrooms and a book store. Visitor services such as accommodations, restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores are located ten miles west of the park in Lewiston, Idaho. Campgrounds can be found at Hells Gate State Park in Clarkston, Washington and Winchester Lake State Park in Winchester, Idaho.