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Nez Perce National Historical Park
Bear Paw Battlefield
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Bear Paw Battlefield
Located 15 miles south of Chinook, MT on Highway 240, the Bear Paw Battlefield commemorates the final battle of the Nez Perce War of 1877.
Following the breakout of war in Idaho, nearly 800 Nez Perce spent a long and arduous summer fleeing U.S. Army troops first toward Crow allies and then toward refuge in Canada. Forty miles short of the Canadian border and following a five-day battle and siege, the Nez Perce ceased fighting at Bear Paw on October 5th, 1877, in which Chief Joseph gave his immortal speech: “From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”
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Visiting the Battlefield
The battlefield is open daily, year-round, during daylight hours.
The first stop should be the visitor center located at the Blaine County Museum, 501 Indiana Street in Chinook. (406) 357-2590 The museum offers the audio/visual presentation, “40 Miles to Freedom,” which depicts the battle and siege at Bear Paw. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the museum is open Monday through Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed noon to 1 pm) and on Sunday from Noon to 5:00 pm.
A brochure/trail map is available at either the museum or the battlefield. A self-guided 1 ¼ mile interpretive trail winds through the battlefield.
The trail is moderate in difficulty. Please bring a hat and plenty of water during the hotter summer months. Picnic tables and vault toilets are available on site.
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![Nez Perce National Historical Trail Nez Perce National Historical Trail](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090507181235im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/NEPE_Nez%20Perce%20Trail.jpg) Explore the Nez Perce Trail link to the trail web site more... | | ![Petroglyphs at Buffalo Eddy. A priceless resource that provides a window to our past Petroglyphs at Buffalo Eddy. A priceless resource that provides a window to our past](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090507181235im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/NEPE_Petroglyphs.jpg) Help Protect our Shared Past Things to remember when visiting the park more... | | ![Friends of Nez Perce Battlefields Website Friends of Nez Perce Battlefields Website](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090507181235im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/NEPE_Friends.gif) Friends of Nez Perce Battlefields Help us protect the battlefields for future generations. more... | |
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![Original art work by Roy Anderson depicting Lewis and Clark meeting the Nez Perce for the first time. Original art work by Roy Anderson depicting Lewis and Clark meeting the Nez Perce for the first time.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090507181235im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/NEPE_NEPE_Lewis%20and%20Clark.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
In September of 1805 Lewis and Clark crossed into Nez Perce country. A debate ensued among the Nez Perce. Should they assist these strangers or attack them? A female Nez Perce elder, Wetxuuwíis (Wet-k'hoo-wees)urged her people to do them no harm. Her words were heeded; the expedition was welcomed.
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Last Updated: June 20, 2006 at 16:57 EST |