Our Commitment to Visitors
At Big Hole National Battlefield, we believe everyone should be able to fully experience the park’s unique history and landscape. Though we may be a small park with limited staff, we’ve partnered with various institutions to make the story of Big Hole accessible to all who visit.
Visitor Center Accessibility
- Exhibits: Fully wheelchair accessible, with audio descriptions and a braille guide available for all exhibits.
- 3-D Map: Designed to be touch-friendly, featuring a braille legend and braille map features.
- Film: Weet'uciklitukt: There's No Turning Back, Battle at Big Hole is close-captioned, with wheelchair-accessible theater seating (two designated spaces).
- Additional Support: A wheelchair is available for loan at the Visitor Center.
- Sign Language Interpreter: Available Monday through Friday, with advance request. To arrange this service, email us or call (406) 689-3155.
Observation Deck
The outdoor viewing deck is fully wheelchair accessible and features a lowered viewing scope to provide a clear view of the battlefield.
Trail Accessibility
- Nez Perce Camp Trail: A 1.6-mile round-trip trail over relatively flat terrain. Wheelchair users can often access the trail with assistance, though conditions may vary (packed earth, possible mud in early summer, ruts when dry). A wheelchair is available to borrow at the Visitor Center.
- Other Trails: While not entirely flat, sections of the Siege Area trail are wide and level enough for wheelchair use, though assistance is recommended. For more trail information, see the hiking page.
Service Animals
Qualified service animals trained to assist people with disabilities are welcome in all park facilities and on all trails. Service animals must be leashed. Note that animals providing only comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under ADA regulations and are not permitted in park facilities or on trails.
- Service Animal Verification: If the service provided is not obvious, staff may ask:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Staff are not permitted to inquire about the person’s disability, request medical documentation, require an ID card or training documentation, or ask the dog to demonstrate its trained task.
Audio-Described Park Brochure
For more information about our audio-described park brochure and access instructions, please follow this link.
