Nez Perce National Historic Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nez Perce National Historic Park is located in the state of Idaho and is dedicated to the history and culture of the Nez Perce tribe.


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Summary

There are many good reasons to visit the park, including its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the opportunity to learn about the history of the area.

One of the main points of interest at Nez Perce National Historic Park is the Heart of the Monster, a geological formation that is sacred to the Nez Perce people. Visitors can also explore the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, which follows the route taken by the tribe during their flight from the U.S. Army in 1877.

Another interesting feature of the park is the Big Hole National Battlefield, which commemorates the site of a battle between the Nez Perce and the U.S. Army. Visitors can see exhibits and interpretive displays that tell the story of this important event.

The best time of year to visit Nez Perce National Historic Park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and many outdoor activities are available. However, the park is open year-round and visitors can enjoy winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the colder months.

Overall, Nez Perce National Historic Park is a fascinating destination with much to offer visitors who are interested in Native American history and culture.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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