Nez Perce National Historical Park
National Historical Park · Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
NPS Photo
Series of federally protected historic sites in the northwestern United States
The Nez Perce National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park comprising 38 sites located across the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, which include traditional aboriginal lands of the Nez Perce people. The sites are strongly associated with the resistance of Chief Joseph and his band, who in June 1877 migrated from Oregon in an attempt to reach freedom in Canada and avoid being forced on to a reservation. They were pursued by U.S. Army cavalry forces and fought numerous skirmishes against them during the so-called Nez Perce War, which eventually ended with Chief Joseph's surrender in the Montana Territory.
About Nez Perce National Historical Park
Since time immemorial, the valleys, prairies, mountains, and plateaus of the inland northwest have been home to the nimíipuu (Nez Perce) people. Extremely resilient, they survived the settling of the United States and adapted to a changed world. Nez Perce National Historical Park consists of 38 places important to the history and culture of the nimíipuu. Explore these places. Learn their stories.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Nez Perce National Historical Park, Spalding Visitor Center
Summer visitor center operating hours are 8:30 am - 4:00 pm daily. In the winter, the visitor center is open 5-days a week from Tuesday - Saturday from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. The visitor center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | 8:30AM - 4:00PM | 8:30AM - 4:00PM | 8:30AM - 4:00PM | 8:30AM - 4:00PM | 8:30AM - 4:00PM | Closed |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Nez Perce National Historical Park?
Nez Perce National Historical Park is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Nez Perce National Historical Park?
Popular activities at Nez Perce National Historical Park include: Arts and Culture, Craft Demonstrations, Cultural Demonstrations, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Self-Guided Tours - Auto.
What is the weather like at Nez Perce National Historical Park?
Elevations in the Park range from 700 feet above sea level to over 8,000, providing a wide range of climatic conditions, that follow the four seasons. Be prepared for very warm weather in the summer months, in particular in the river valleys. The spring and fall are moderate and comfortable. Winter conditions can be severe in the higher elevations, with snow and ice making travel difficult and dangerous. Please visit the National Weather Service for comprehensive weather information.
How do I get to Nez Perce National Historical Park?
Driving south bound on U.S. Highway 95 you will find the Visitor Center 10 miles from Lewiston, ID. Roughly one mile after crossing the Clearwater River you will find the park entrance on your left. When driving north on U.S. Highway 95 the Visitor Center will be 3 miles north of Lapwai, ID. The park entrance will be on your right.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
Weather
Elevations in the Park range from 700 feet above sea level to over 8,000, providing a wide range of climatic conditions, that follow the four seasons. Be prepared for very warm weather in the summer months, in particular in the river valleys. The spring and fall are moderate and comfortable. Winter conditions can be severe in the higher elevations, with snow and ice making travel difficult and dangerous. Please visit the National Weather Service for comprehensive weather information.
Directions
Driving south bound on U.S. Highway 95 you will find the Visitor Center 10 miles from Lewiston, ID. Roughly one mile after crossing the Clearwater River you will find the park entrance on your left. When driving north on U.S. Highway 95 the Visitor Center will be 3 miles north of Lapwai, ID. The park entrance will be on your right.
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Idaho
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