Things To Do

Visitor Center

The park's visitor center offers museum exhibits, a film, and a book sales area. The award winning film Weet'uciklitukt: There's No Turning Back, Battle at Big Hole provides an introduction to the Nez Perce Flight of 1877 and the battle that took place at this site. The film is shown throughout the day and is close-captioned. Audio and braille guides are available upon request.

Viewing Deck

The outside observation deck provides an opportunity to explore the battlefield year round. Viewing scopes allow close inspection of the tipis, the 1883 granite monument, and the howitzer cannon from afar. The viewing deck is open sunrise to sunset daily.

Trails

Experience the sacred nature of this battleground by hiking a trail out to the camp where the Nez Perce lay sleeping when the battle began, over to the grove where the Nez Perce warriors held the soldiers and Bitterroot volunteers under siege, or up to the site where the Nez Perce warriors capture the army's mountain howitzer cannon. Trails are open sunrise to sunset daily.

Commemoration 2024

On Friday August 9, 2024, at 10AM, members of the nımí·pu· (Nez Perce) tribe will host their annual Commemoration along the Camp trail here at Big Hole National Battlefield. This event is open to the public and will be attended by members of numerous tribes, descendants of survivors, and staff. We hope you are able to join us in remembrance on this important day.
Along with Commemoration, we will host Waap'h qah qun Drum (Nez Perce Nation Drum). They will perform on Friday, Aug. 9, at 1:00PM at the visitor center and at 6:00PM at May Creek Campground (8 miles west of the battlefield along Highway 43). On Saturday, Aug. 10, they will perform at 11:00AM at the visitor center.
The 147th Commemoration will take place on the valley floor, which does not have sun protection or seating. Please bring sunscreen, bug spray, camp chairs, and water.