Nez Perce National Historical Park

Nez Perce National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in 4 states.

In the park service’s words

Since time immemorial, the valleys, prairies, mountains, and plateaus of the inland northwest have been home to the nimíipuu (Nez Perce) people. Extremely resilient, they survived the settling of the United States and adapted to a changed world. Nez Perce National Historical Park consists of 38 places important to the history and culture of the nimíipuu. Explore these places. Learn their stories.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Watch the Coho Salmon Run on Lapwai Creek (10 to 120 Minutes): Coho Salmon have used the waterways of North Central Idaho for millennia to travel to and from the Ocean. In 1984 Coho Salmon were listed as an extinct species, but the hard work of the Nez Perce Fisheries Program has brought them back.
• See the Camas Flowers Bloom on Weippe Prairie (10 to 60 Minutes): The prairie has always been a traditional gathering place for the nimí·pu· (Nez Perce). Families come to dig for camas bulbs (an important staple in the nimí·pu· diet), socialize, and worship. Blooms can be seen in the springtime.
• Nez Perce Legends Tour: Three legend sites along the Clearwater river highlighting the trickster Coyote.
• Spalding Walking Tour (30 to 90 Minutes): Historic area with cultural, state and national significance.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue 8:30AM - 4:00PM; Wed 8:30AM - 4:00PM; Thu 8:30AM - 4:00PM; Fri 8:30AM - 4:00PM; Sat 8:30AM - 4:00PM; Sun Closed. Summer visitor center operating hours are 8:30 am - 4:00 pm daily. In the winter, the visitor center is open 5-days a week from Tuesday - Saturday from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. The visitor center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days.

Getting there

Driving south bound on U.S. Highway 95 you will find the Visitor Center 10 miles from Lewiston, ID. Roughly one mile after crossing the Clearwater River you will find the park entrance on your left. When driving north on U.S. Highway 95 the Visitor Center will be 3 miles north of Lapwai, ID. The park entrance will be on your right.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue 8:30AM - 4:00PM; Wed 8:30AM - 4:00PM; Thu 8:30AM - 4:00PM; Fri 8:30AM - 4:00PM; Sat 8:30AM - 4:00PM; Sun Closed

Weather

Elevations in the Park range from 700 feet above sea level to over 8,000, providing a wide range of climatic conditions, that follow the four seasons. Be prepared for very warm weather in the summer months, in particular in the river valleys. The spring and fall are moderate and comfortable. Winter conditions can be severe in the higher elevations, with snow and ice making travel difficult and dangerous. Please visit the National Weather Service for comprehensive weather information.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Glacier, about 208 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Nez Perce National Historical Park (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.