Things To Do Near Nez Perce National Historical Park
If you are starting your visit to Nez Perce from the east, stop and explore Bear Paw, where the first battle of the Nez Perce Flight of 1877 took place. You will also go through Canyon Creek, which is where Nez Perce soldiers kept American troops pinned down long enough for many of their people to escape, and Camas Meadow before you reach the sites closer to Lapwai. To learn more about the significance of these sites, you can take the auto audio tour of the areas. There are many short hiking trails available. Stop and explore the exhibits at the visitor centers in Spalding, Idaho, Wisdom, Montana, and Chinook, Montana. Each site regularly shows films about the events that happened at their particular location.
Hiking Trails
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The Old Townsite Trail
Start The Old Townsite Trail at the bridge crossing the Clearwater River. See the Agent’s House, where one of two supervisors of the Nez Perce settlement lived. Watch for signs left when this area served as a trading post for the Nez Perce people and early homesteaders settled. You can find home foundations, an old root cellar, and other artifacts. This trail loops around through the valley with great opportunities to see wildlife.
Location
Nez Perce National Monument, Spalding, Idaho 83540
Length
1 mile
Intensity
Easy
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Heart of the Monster Trail
As you hike on the Heart of the Monster Trail, you can see where early Nez Perce people crossed the Clearwater River. Listen to the audio trail guide to hear about a Nez Perce man named Coyote who had a vision that he rose out of the earth at this point and defeated a powerful army.
Location
Milepost 68.5 Highway 12, Kamiah, Idaho 83536
Length
0.5 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Buffalo Eddy Trail
If you're interested in petroglyphs and pictographs left by the Nez Perce people, explore the Buffalo Eddy Trail. Interpretative kiosks along the short trail help you understand more about how the Nez Perce lived. This short hike offers excellent views of the Snake River.
Location
Buffalo Eddy, Snake River Road, Asotin, Washington 99402
Length
1 mile
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Canoe Camp
See the spot where the Lewis and Clark expedition worked with Nez Perce people to carve wooden canoes to continue their exploration. This 4.1-acre site has several interpretative kiosks showcasing more about the time Merriweather Lewis and William Clark spent at this location along the Clearwater River.
Location
14224 US 12, Orofino, Idaho 83554
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Bear Paw Battlefield
Take a guided tour with a park ranger at Bear Paw Battlefield. This first battle in the Flight of 1877 occurred at this location. The main action at this battlefield occurred between September 30 and October 5, 1877. The battle lasted five days and resulted in 106 people surrendering to the U.S. government and 20 escaping to Canada.
Location
US Highway 240 South, Chinook, Montana 59523
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Big Hole National Battlefield
Join a park ranger for a weekend guided hike of the Big Hole National Battlefield and learn more about how the Nez Perce warriors held the U.S. soldiers at bay until their women and children could escape. Then, sit on the deck with its commanding view of the battlefield and listen to park rangers describe the events at this location. You can often hear special speakers at this spot during the summer.
Location
16425 Montana-43, Wisdom, Montana 59761
Museums
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Nez Perce Museum
Stop at the Nez Perce Museum to learn more about the Nez Perce culture. They have many different displays, including historical photos, to help you see and understand the lifestyle of the Native Americans and early homesteaders. Special events often occur at this location.
Location
306 3rd Street, Lewiston, Idaho 83501
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Spalding Visitors Center and Museum
View woven bags of hemp and cornhusk, baskets, beaded buckskin clothing, and painted parfleches at the Spalding Visitors Center and Museum. More than 150,000 are in their permanent collection. Different groups, including the Spanish missions and the Indian Agency, controlled this area throughout history.
Location
39063 U.S. 95, Lapwai, Idaho 83540
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Moccasin Flats Trading Post
Find traditional and ceremonial Native American clothing, including moccasins, at Moccasin Flats Trading Post. Area residents make most of the pieces. You can also find supplies to make beadwork projects.
Location
302 South Main Street, Lapwai, Idaho 83540
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Snake River Arms
Select from a wide assortment of revolvers, pistols, and shotguns at Snake River Arms. They also carry many accessories and targets. This store also carries a variety of gunsmithing tools.
Location
105 Ash Avenue, Lapwai, Idaho 83540
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Drovers Run at Jacques Spur
You will love the rustic setting of Dovers Run at Jacques Spur. They serve outstanding chicken and fish sandwiches along with great burgers. Leave room for their wide assortment of house-made cheesecakes.
Location
49038 US 95, Culdesac, Idaho 83524
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El Sombrero
Deciding between the enchiladas, tacos, and other Mexican entrees at El Sombrero can be challenging, so consider one of their platters. They have a full bar, and you can get delicious margaritas. The different daily specials served with beans and rice are also fantastic.
Location
405 Thain Rd, Lewiston, Idaho 83501