Weippe Discovery Center

Lewis and Clark met the Nez Perce tribe in this area

Courtesy U.S. National Parks

Quick Facts

Location:

Weippe, ID

MANAGED BY:

Clearwater County Free Library District

Amenities

10 listed

Accessible Sites, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Internet/WiFi Available, Parking - Auto, Restroom, Tactile Exhibit, Trailhead, Wheelchair Accessible

Lewis and Clark NHT Visitor Centers and Museums

This map shows a range of features associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which commemorates the 1803-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. The trail spans a large portion of the North American continent, from the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington. The trail is comprised of the historic route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, an auto tour route, high potential historic sites (shown in black), visitor centers (shown in orange), and pivotal places (shown in green). These features can be selected on the map to reveal additional information. Also shown is a base map displaying state boundaries, cities, rivers, and highways. The map conveys how a significant area of the North American continent was traversed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition and indicates the many places where visitors can learn about their journey and experience the landscape through which they traveled.

It was in Weippe, Idaho, where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark met the Nez Perce Indians after trekking through the treacherous Lolo Pass in 1805. This meeting was instrumental in the explorers’ success. Had it not been for the friendly Nez Perce, the Corps of Discovery would have ended here.   

Today, the area remains the heartland of the Nez Perce Nation. The Weippe Discovery Center is dedicated to sharing their story and the tale of their encounter with Lewis and Clark. It is housed in the basement of the local library, and features interactive exhibits and artifacts from the Nez Perce Tribe, along with a collection of taxidermied animals found in the local area. Visitors can also follow the covered deck leading out from the center to explore hand-painted murals which depict key events from Lewis and Clark’s journals. The descriptive plaques long the winding path around the center will guide you in identifying local plant life discovered on the journey. 

For more information call [phone] or visit http://ccfldatweippe.lili.org/weippe-discovery-center/.