Big Hole National Battlefield

Plan Your Visit NPS.gov

Blue camas flowers dot a green field with tepee poles in the background.

a cannon overlooks a valley and distant mountains

cross country skis rest against a large granite monument on a snowy day.

Stone carving of a Nez Perce Warrior's head in full regalia.

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About Big Hole National Battlefield

On August 9, 1877, gunshots shattered a chilly dawn on a sleeping camp of nımí·pu· (Nez Perce). By the time the smoke cleared on August 10, almost 90 nımí·pu· were dead, along with 31 soldiers and volunteers. Big Hole National Battlefield was created to honor all who were there.

Things To Do

Explore the Walking Trails

Explore the battlefield through 3 different trails: the Nez Perce camp trail (1.6 miles round trip with no elevation gain, the Howitzer capture site (0.8 miles round trip with 320ft elevation gain) and the Siege area trail (1.2 miles round trip with 50ft elevation gain). Allow approximately 2 hours to complete all 3 trails.

Available Activities

Arts and Culture

Cultural Demonstrations

Fishing

Freshwater Fishing

Food

Picnicking

Guided Tours

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Hiking

Front-Country Hiking

Junior Ranger Program

Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing

Snowshoeing

Wildlife Watching

Birdwatching

Park Film

Museum Exhibits

Shopping

Bookstore and Park Store

Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Weather

This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. Wisdom has a humid continental climate.

Getting There

Big Hole National Battlefield is located on Highway 43 ten miles west of the town of Wisdom in southwestern Montana. Bear Paw Battlefield is located on Route 240 sixteen miles south of the town of Chinook in north-central Montana.

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