Nez Perce National Historical Park

Nez Perce National Historical Park is a federally protected area in Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington. It was established in 1965 to preserve and interpret the history and culture of the Nez Perce people. The park spans a total of 38 sites, covering approximately 4,337 acres of land.

The park is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, with its primary sites situated in remote areas of Idaho. These sites are of great historical significance as they were once the ancestral homeland of the Nez Perce tribe. The Nez Perce people have a rich history that dates back thousands of years, and the park aims to honor and share their heritage.

One of the notable historical events associated with the Nez Perce tribe is the Nez Perce War of 1877. This conflict between the tribe and the U.S. government arose due to disputes over land and rights. Visitors to the historical park can learn about this event and its impact on the Nez Perce people through informative exhibits, guided tours, and interpretive programs.

Nez Perce National Historical Park offers visitors a range of activities and attractions. The park features numerous trails, providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the park's unique landscapes, including prairies, forests, and river valleys.

Nearby attractions include the Big Hole National Battlefield, located in Montana. This site commemorates the battle that took place between the Nez Perce tribe and the U.S. Army in 1877. The battlefield offers visitors a chance to learn about the valiant efforts of the Nez Perce people during the war.

Additionally, the park is in close proximity to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which follows the journey of the famous explorers across the United States. Visitors can trace the footsteps of Lewis and Clark and learn about their interactions with the Nez Perce tribe along their route.

Overall, the Nez Perce National Historical Park serves as a significant place to explore the culture and history of the Nez Perce people. Its location amidst beautiful landscapes and nearby attractions make it an appealing destination for history enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Location

Nez Perce National Historical Park is situated in the northwestern region of the state of Idaho. This captivating park spans over four separate locations: Spalding in the eastern part, Lapwai Creek in the central area, Bear Paw Battlefield to the west, and Big Hole National Battlefield located in Montana. Encompassing a total area of approximately 4,000 acres, the park showcases the history, culture, and legacy of the Nez Perce tribe. Nestled within the undulating terrain of the Clearwater River and the breathtaking mountains of Idaho, the park provides visitors with a truly stunning and immersive geographical experience.

Address & Contact

Nez Perce National Historical Park
39063 US Hwy 95
Lapwai, ID 83540-9715
Driving Directions
Phone: 208-843-7009
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Nez Perce National Historical Park would be during the months of May, June, July, and August. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 73°F to 92°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. These months also have lower precipitation levels, with average monthly precipitation ranging from 0.3 inches to 1.5 inches. Additionally, visitor counts during these months are relatively high, indicating the popularity of the park during this time. By visiting during these months, one can enjoy the park's natural beauty while avoiding large crowds.

Things to do and learn in Nez Perce National Historical Park

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Nez Perce National Historical Park are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Hiking Horse Trekking Self-Guided Tours - Auto Cultural Demonstrations Craft Demonstrations

Topics

Learn about these topics at Nez Perce National Historical Park: Animals Birds Geology Archeology Native American Heritage Westward Expansion Fish Canyons and Canyonlands River and Riparian Colonization and Settlement Explorers and Expeditions Military The Gold Rush Watersheds Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Religion and Spirituality Churches Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Grasslands Meadows Mountains Scenic Views Forts Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Cavalry Indigenous and Native Warrior Tribal Conflicts Indian and Frontier Wars Homesteading Missions Colonial/European Contact Conflicts

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center

Contains a museum, park film, junior ranger program, and various maps and brochures.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Nez Perce National Historical Park

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Nez Perce National Historical Park

Affiliate disclosure: When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, Expedia and Amazon.

Quality Inn

Located in Lewiston, Quality Inn is within a 5-minute drive of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts and History. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2128 8th Ave, Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Web: Link

Cedars Inn Lewiston

A stay at Cedars Inn Lewiston places you in the heart of Lewiston, within a 5-minute drive of Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts and History and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1716 Main Street, Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Lewiston

With a stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Lewiston in Lewiston, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Clearwater River Casino and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3120 North South Highway, Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Web: Link

Inn America - Lewiston

Located in Lewiston, Inn America - Lewiston is within a 5-minute drive of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts and History. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 702 21st St, Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Lewiston, an IHG Hotel

Located in Lewiston, Holiday Inn Express Lewiston, an IHG Hotel is within a 10-minute drive of Hell's Gate State Park and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2425 Nez Perce Drive, Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Web: Link

Hell Canyon Grand Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

A stay at Hell Canyon Grand Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection places you in the heart of Lewiston, within a 10-minute drive of Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts and History and Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours), and a cruise ship terminal shuttle is also provided at no charge.
Address: 621 21st St, Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Web: Link

FairBridge Inn & Suites Lewiston

A stay at FairBridge Inn & Suites Lewiston places you in the heart of Lewiston, within a 5-minute drive of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts and History. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1325 Main Street, Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Lewiston, ID

When you stay at Hampton Inn Lewiston, ID in Lewiston, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts and History. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Lewiston? This hotel has 720 square feet (67 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 2701 Nez Perce Drive, Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Web: Link

El Rancho Motel

Located in Lewiston, El Rancho Motel is within a 5-minute drive of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts and History. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2240 3rd Ave N, Lewiston, Idaho 83501-16
Web: Link

Seaport Inn and Suites

A stay at Seaport Inn and Suites places you in the heart of Lewiston, within a 5-minute drive of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts and History. Featured amenities include luggage storage and laundry facilities. This hotel has 5 meeting rooms available for events. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request).
Address: 701 21st Street, Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2024-05-08Nez Perce National Historical Park will celebrate its grand opening
Nez Perce National Historical Park will celebrate the grand opening of its newly remodeled Spalding Visitor Center on Friday May 31, 2024, at 10:00 am. opportunity to view the new exhibits. More
2024-04-02Nez Perce National Historical Park News Release
Nez Perce National Historical Park will close the parking lot for the Heart of the Monster site on April 4-5, 2024 More
2023-11-22Nez Perce National Historical Park Hosts 25 th Annual Beadwork Bazaar
LAPWAI, ID – Looking for unique and special gifts for the holidays? Nez Perce National Historical Park is hosting its 25 th Annual Beadwork Bazaar on Saturday, December 2. Local artists will sell their crafts at the Spalding Visitor Center from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event is free to the public. More
2023-11-22Nez Perce National Historical Park Museum Closed for Remodel
The Nez Perce National Historical Park is closing the Visitor Center at Spalding to allow for an extensive museum remodel. The center will close Sunday, December 3, 2023, and is projected to remain closed until late spring of 2024. More
2023-10-27Nez Perce National Historical Park News Release
LAPWAI, Idaho – Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center will be closed on Thursday November 2 for staff training and will reopen on Friday November 3 at 8:30 AM. More
2023-05-13Author Review of The Shining Mountain
LAPWAI, Idaho – The Nez Perce National Historical Park will host author Alix Christie, Saturday June 10, 2023 at 1:00 pm to share her book, The Shining Mountain. More