• Nez Perce National Historical Park. Front Page banner photograph is of Heart of the Monster, an ancient place where the Nez Perce creation story originates. The secondary page photograph is of Nez Perce beadwork.

    Nez Perce

    National Historical Park ID,MT,OR,WA

A Park About A People For All People

For countless generations, the Nimiipuu or Nez Perce have lived among the rivers, canyons, prairies, and mountians of the inland northwest. Since the beginning of time, the Nez Perce have called this place home. Nez Perce National Historical Park offers a unique perspective of the American west -  not from the Mississippi River looking west, but from an ancient homeland looking out.

Features

  • A view of Big Hole National Battlefield from the visitor center, looking toward the village site.

    Big Hole National Battlefield

    After fleeing their homeland, pursued by the US Army, the attack at Big Hole exemplifies the hardships and tragedies of the Nez Perce flight of 1877.

    Read More
  • Bear Paw Battlefield, Chinook, Montana.

    Bear Paw Battlefield

    After fleeing over 1,000 miles, the Nez Perce flight of 1877 ended here. This quiet and compelling site is sacred ground for all who fought here.

    Read More
  • Icon for virtual museum

    Explore the Past with our Virtual Museum

    Explore objects that embody the spirituality, beliefs, and traditions of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) and offer a brief look at a vibrant living culture.

    Read More
  • Social media icon

    Join our Virtual Community!

    Come and experience new ways of bringing the park directly to you. We invite you to connect to the park's Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube sites.

    Read More
  • Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail

    Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail

    The Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail protects the 1,170 mile trail taken by several bands of Nez Perce during the flight of 1877.

    Read More

Did You Know?

Camas field in bloom at Packer Meadows at Lolo Pass.

Camas, a relative of the lily family, has been gathered by the Nez Perce for generations. The bulbs are rich in protein and are still prepared and blessed according to traditional practices.