Visit Lenore

The nimí·pu· (Nez Perce) established permanent village sites along major river corridors. The Lenore site contains evidence of early occupation by ancestral Nez Perce dating from about 8,500 years ago. When archeologists explored Lenore in the 1960s, they found remains of pit houses. For perhaps 10,000 years the Lenore site was inhabited by the Nez Perce and their ancestors.

This page provides the information you need to plan your visit.

 

Getting to Lenore

The Lenore site is situated at a highway rest area on the north side of U.S. Highway 12 about 25 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho.

Location

• Located on U.S. Highway 12 at mile marker 28

• Latitude/Longitude for the Highway Rest Area:
  46°30'37.45"N 116°33'47.34"W

Driving to Lenore

From Lewiston, Idaho, head northwest on 21st St toward 19th Ave. Then use any lane to turn right onto U.S. Highway 12 East. Continue on U.S. Highway 12 E for 8 miles and cross the Memorial Bridge across the Clearwater River. Then use the right lane to take the U.S. Highway 12 ramp to Missoula/Orofino. Continue onto U.S. Highway 12 East for 16.8 miles. The rest area will be on the left.

Things to Do at Lenore

Explore the Site

The Lenore site is now associated with Lenore Rest Area at mile marker 28 on U.S. Highway 12. At the rest area there is an interpretive sign that explains about the Nez Perce people and the Lenore site. The area is also a popular access point to the Clearwater River for fishing and boating. The rest area also includes restrooms, picnic tables, drinking fountains, telephone, vending machines, pet area, and RV dump.

Nearby Amenities

Lenore is located approximately 18 miles east of the Nez Perce National Historical Park's visitor center where further information is available.

In addition, the Idaho Department of Commerce has a trip planning website that will help you locate hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and other amenities near Lenore.