Big Hole National Battlefield

Big Hole National Battlefield is a memorial to the people who fought and died here. Just before daybreak on August 9, 1877, military forces attacked the near 750 non-treaty Nez Perce as they rested after six weeks of conflicts and flight from military forces. They charged the US Army troops in pursuit of enforcing the US governments demands that all Nez Perce move to a reservation a fraction the size of their traditional homeland.

Stop first at the visitor's center. A 26-minute video program and a museum of photographs, quotations, and belongings of some of the battle participants and non-combatants provide orientation to the park and its story. Self-guiding trails take you to points of interest on the Battlefield. A short drive to the lower parking area connects with foot trails to the Nez Perce Camp, the Siege Area, and the Howitzer Capture site. The walks each take about an hour. We offer Ranger conducted programs in summer; introductory presentations and exhibits are available year-round.

Please check the website for current hours of the park and information on camping and fishing.