Place

Weippe Discovery Center

A white building with wooden columns with murals along the sides.
Lewis and Clark met the Nez Perce tribe in this area

Courtesy U.S. National Parks

Quick Facts
Location:
Weippe, ID

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

Visitor Centers (shown in orange), High Potential Historic Sites (shown in black), and Pivotal Places (shown in green) along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

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 (208) 435-4058 or visit http://ccfldatweippe.lili.org/weippe-discovery-center/.

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Last updated: May 18, 2021