Indoor Activities

Museum exhibits at the Nez Perce National Historical Park visitor center located in Lapwai, Idaho.

NPS Photo

 

Spalding Visitor Center

At the visitor center and museum in Lapwai, Idaho, park staff provide information on sites and activities at Nez Perce National Historical Park.

Throughout the year, the park film, Of One Heart, is shown. It provides an introduction to the Nez Perce story and is also available for purchase. Museum exhibits feature an outstanding collection of clothing, tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. The park store is operated by Discover your Northwest, an official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to supporting the educational mission of Nez Perce National Historical Park. The park store has a wide range of books, media, educational games, and other items available for retail sale. These products complement the interpretive themes you experience when visiting the park.

Generally, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the park staff provides special walks and talks, that include museum tours and tipi pitching demonstrations.

Big Hole National Battlefield

The park visitor center provides information on how to access the battlefield. The park film, Weet'uciklitukt: There's No Turning Back, Battle at Big Hole provides an excellent introduction to the Nez Perce War of 1877 and the tragedy that took place at Big Hole. There is an 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.

Bear Paw Battlefield

To get an orientation to the last battle of the Nez Perce War, your first stop should be the Blaine County Museum in Chinook. The museum offers a short audiovisual presentation 40 Miles to Freedom about the battle and siege at Bear Paw. The museum also offers exhibits on local history and paleontology. Check with the museum staff to see when the ranger will be at the battlefield.