The Nez Perce National Historical Park has a total of 38 park sites in the states of Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana. These sites have been included in the park because they are important to the Nez Perce people. The Nez Perce National Historical Park protects and preserves the sites, stories and artifacts associated with the Nez Perce history and culture.

Idaho Sites are Confluence Overlook, Coyote’s Fishnet, Ant and Yellow Jacket, Spalding, Northern Idaho Indian Agency, Fort Lapwai, Craig Donation Land Claim, St. Joseph’s Mission, Cottonwood Skirmishes, Weis Rockshelter, Camas Prairie, Tolo Lake, White Bird Battlefield, Clearwater Battlefield, Heart of the Monster, Asa Smith Mission, Lewis and Clark Long Camp, Canoe Camp, Lenore, Weippe Prairie, Pierce, Musselshell Meadow, Lolo Pass and Trail, Looking Glass’ 1877 Campsite, Hasotino and Camas Meadow Battle Site.

Oregon Sites are Dug Bar, Joseph Canyon Viewpoint, Old Chief Joseph’s Gravesite and Lostine Campsite.

Washington Sites are Burial Site of Chief Joseph the Younger, Nez Perce Campsites at Nespelem and Buffalo Eddy.

Montana Sites are Big Hole National Battlefield, Canyon Creek and Bear Paw Battlefield.

The elevations in the parks range from 700 feet above sea level to over 8,000 so there is a variety of conditions. Summer months can be very warm. The spring and fall moderate and pleasant. Winter months can be severe in higher elevations with snow and ice.

Spalding Visitor Center - A film, Nez Perce - Portrait of a People, is shown at the center. Exhibits feature clothing, tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects, Nez Perce bead and leather work, bows and arrows, ceremonial clothing, a part of the collection of over 5,000 historic park photographs and a reconstruction of a sweat lodge. . At the Northwest Interpretive Association, you can purchase items about the Nez Perce and the National Park Service. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Ranger-led activities include special walks and talks, museum tours and tipi pitching demonstrations.

Big Hole National Battlefield - provides information on how to access the battlefield. A film, Weet'uciklitukt: There's No Turning Back, Battle at Big Hole about the Nez Perce War of 1877 and the tragedy that took place at Big Hole. 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.http://www.roadtripamerica.com/places/nezperce.htm

White Bird Battlefield - Where the Nez Perce fought the U.S. Army on June 17, 1877. Thirty-four soldiers were killed, and the Nez Perce did not lose a man. It was the first battle fought by the Nez Perce over the right to inhabit their homeland.

Bear Paw Battlefield - first stop at the Blaine County Museum in Chinook. A short audiovisual presentation is shown called 40 Miles to Freedom about the battle and siege at Bear Paw, exhibits on local history and paleontology. Check with the museum staff to see when the ranger will be at the battlefield.

Buffalo Eddy - short trail to the petrogylphs and pictographs.

Canoe Camp - short trail to where the Lewis and Clark expedition built canoes in 1805. Restroom available.

The Nez Perce stories say they have always lived on these lands. The land is a part of their heritage. Captain Clark first meet the Nez Perce Nation on September 20, 1805. The people feed them and treated them well. The Nez Perce say they first considered killing the white men but a woman who had seen white men before persuaded them not to do so. http://www.lewisandclarktrail.com/section4/wacities/clarkston/nezperce/index.htm The park was created on May 15, 1965. Today the Nez Perce Tribe is a key partner with the Nez Perce National Historical Park. When a major project is embarked on the Tribe is consulted and Tribal members work at the park.