Nez Perce NHP Visitor Center

The Spalding area is home to the Nez Perce National Historical Park's visitor center, museum, and park headquarters along with several historic sites, including the Watson's Store, the Indian Agency's cabin and agent's residence, remnants of the Spalding Mission, and archelogical remains of the gristmill, sawmill, and associated millraces.

 

This is the sign at the entrance of the park's visitor center off of U.S. Highway 95 South.

NPS Photo

Getting to Nez Perce National Historical Park's Visitor Center

Nez Perce National Historical Park's Visitor Center is located 10 miles east of Lewiston, ID on U.S. Highway 95 and 3 miles north of Lapwai, ID on U.S. Highway 95.

Location:

• Latitude/Longitude:
  46°26'50.51"N 116°49'23.78"W
• Physical address for the visitor center
  39063 US Hwy 95
  Lapwai, ID 83540-9715

Driving to Nez Perce NHP Visitor Center

• From Highway 128 in Lewiston, ID take U.S. Highway 12 E/ Route 95 seven miles east. When the highway splits, turn right onto U.S. Route 95 S and continue for 2 miles. The entrance to the visitor center will be on your left.
• From 1-90 in Coeur d'Alene, ID take U.S. Route 95 south one-hundred twenty-three miles south, passing through Lewiston, ID before reaching the park.
• From I-90 in in Missoula, MT take Highway 93 U.S thirteen miles south (you will drive through Missoula). At Lolo, MT take highway 12 one-hundred ninety-six miles east. When the highway splits, keep left onto U.S. Route 95 S and continue for 2 miles. The entrance to the visitor center will be on your left.
• From I-84 in Boise, ID take the exit for I-184 north, then Route 44 west to Highway 55. Follow Highway 55 one-hundred ten miles north to U.S. Route 95 in New Meadows, ID. Follow U.S. Route 95 one-hundred thirty-seven miles north. The entrance to the visitor center will be on your right.

Nearby Airports

• Lewiston, Idaho has a regional airport that is located 11 miles west of the park's visitor center.
• The communities of Moscow, Idaho and Pullman, Washington are both served by a regional airport that is approximately 40 miles north of the park's visitor center.
• Spokane International Airport is approximately 115 miles north of the park and is the largest airport in the region.

Nearby Bus Stations

A Greyhound Bus Station is located in Lewiston, ID 10 miles west of the park.

Public Transportation

Public transportation is not available; however, car rentals are available in each of the nearby communities with greyhound stations and airports.

Operating Hours and Seasons

The historic district at the site is open from sunrise to sunset daily year-round.

The visitor center for Nez Perce National Historical Park in Lapwai, Idaho, is open all year, 7 days a week during the summer season (May-Sept) and Tuesday through Saturday during the winter season (Oct-Apr). The hours of operation are 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The visitor center is closed each year on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

 

Watson's Store has been preserved through the years. You can see it on a walking tour of the Spalding site.

NPS

Things to Do

The Visitor Center

Throughout the year, the park film, Of One Heart, is shown. It provides an introduction to the Nez Perce story and is also available for purchase. Museum exhibits feature an outstanding collection of clothing, tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects.

The park store is operated by Discover your Northwest, an official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to supporting the educational mission of Nez Perce National Historical Park. The park store has a wide range of books, media, educational games, and other items available for retail sale. These products complement the interpretive themes you experience when visiting the park. The park store is located at the visitor center, or you can visit the online park store.

Ranger Programs

Generally, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the park staff provides walks and talks that include museum tours and tipi pitching demonstrations. Please call [phone] or email us for more information on daily programs, or to request a program for your group.

Exploring the Historic District

There are four short interpretive trails that run through the historic area. A map is available of the trail system and a guide for the river trail. Along the hiking trails you can see these other historical sites: the Watson's Store, the Spalding Presbyterian Church, the Northern Idaho Indian Agency's cabin and agent's residence, remnants of the Spalding Mission, the Lapwai Mission Cemetery where Henry and Eliza Spalding and many Nez Perce people are buried, and archeological remains of the gristmill, sawmill, and associated millraces.

Picnicking

Restrooms and picnic tables are available.

Fees, Permits, and Reservations

Recreational Activities

The general public does not need to pay entrance fees for any recreational activities at including hiking or picnicking. However, reservations are needed for the group picnic area in some cases. Please call [phone] or email us to request your reservation.

School and Tour Groups

Primary, secondary, and home-school teachers interested in educational programs can visit our education page for more details about what the park offers. Other groups, including Road Scholar, scout troops, etc. should contact us ahead of time by calling [phone] or email us.

First Amendment Activities

First Amendment Activities are welcome here. There are two designated First Amendment areas at the Spalding site. The first is located on the lawn near the visitor center. The second area is located in the former ballfield / current Spalding picnic area.

• Map Indicating Spalding Visitor Center First Amendment Activities Area.
• Map Indicating Spalding Picnic Area First Amendment Activities Area.

First Amendment activities must not interfere with other permitted activities or regular park programing. Groups of less than 25 people are exempt from filing a permit request. Groups of 25 or more must contact the park to obtain a permit:
Phone: [phone]
email us

Respecting Cemeteries

Visitors are asked to respect the tribal cemeteries within park boundaries. Please heed the following regulations:

• Walk or stand on pathways or between graves, not directly atop of them.
• Prepare and consume food and drinks outside of cemetery boundaries.
• Resist taking rubbings or markings from headstones.
• Avoid handling the headstones.
• Leave all items on the graves in place and undisturbed.
• Dogs are not allowed within the cemetery boundaries.
• Recreate outside of cemetery boundaries.
• Adults, please accompany children in your care into the cemetery.
• Pay homage to those buried here between dawn and dusk. The park is closed after dark.
• Report any damage or suspected violation to the National Park Service at [phone].