The Bear Paw Battlefield is the location of the final battle of the Nez Perce Flight of 1877. It was here on October 5, 1877, after an 1,100 mile journey and only forty miles short of the Canadian border, that the Nez Perce laid down arms. Following this five-day battle and siege Chief Joseph gave his immortal speech, "From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever."
This page should provide the information you need to plan your trip. If you have additional questions please call us at 406-357-3130 or contact us through email.
The sign at the entrance to the Bear Paw Battlefield on Route 240.
NPS photo
Alerts for Bear Paw Battlefield
Always bring sun protection, water, and insect repellent with you when visiting the battlefield.
During the winter months, we do not plow or shovel the roads and trail. Please consider this before visiting the site. The Montana Department of Transportation offers up-to-date information and an interactive map outlining state-maintained road conditions on their website.
Restroom facilities at the battlefield are limited to a vault toilet. This is currently CLOSED. The nearest open full-service restrooms are in Chinook, Montana, 16 miles north of the battlefield. Questions? Call the ranger at (406) 203-8259.
Getting to Bear Paw Battlefield
Bear Paw Battlefield is located on Route 240 just 16 miles south of the town of Chinook in north-central Montana. Staff offices are located in Chinook.
Physical address for staff offices in Chinook, MT:
301 Ohio Street
Chinook, MT 59523
Driving to Bear Paw Battlefield
From I-15 at Shelby, MT: Take US HWY 2 for 123 miles east to Chinook, MT. Turn south on Cleveland Rd/Route 240 and drive 16 miles south to the battlefield.
From I-15 at Great Falls, MT: Take Highway 87 for 110 miles northeast to Havre, MT. Turn east on US 2 and travel 25 miles to Chinook, MT. Turn south on Cleveland Rd/Route 240 and drive 16 miles south to the battlefield.
From I-91 at Malta, MT: Take US 2 for 66 miles west to Chinook, MT. Turn south on Cleveland Rd/Route 240 and drive 16 miles south to the battlefield.
Nearby Airports
Great Falls International Airport is 155 miles southwest of the battlefield.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is 315 miles southwest of the battlefield.
Billings Logan International Airport is 215 miles south of the battlefield.
Glacier Park International Airport, near Kalispell, MT is 290 miles west of the battlefield.
Nearby Train Stations
An Amtrak station is located in Havre, MT, 38 miles northwest of the battlefield.
Nearby Bus Stations
Not really, but a Greyhound Bus Station is located in Great Falls, MT, 151 miles southwest of the battlefield.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is not available. However, car rentals are available in each of the nearby communities with bus stations, train stations, and airports.
Operating Hours and Seasons
Bear Paw Battlefield is open from sunrise to sunset daily year-round.
Things to Do at Bear Paw Battlefield
Explore the Battlefield
A self-guided 1 ¼ mile interpretive trail winds through the battlefield. The trail is moderate in difficulty. A brochure/trail map can be downloaded, or a physical copy can be picked up at the battlefield, the staff offices in town, or at the Blaine County Museum. Picnic tables and vault toilets are available on-site. Please bring sun protection and plenty of water during your visit, especially during the summer months.
Battlefield Tours
Rangers are available Tuesdays-Saturdays during the summer season for guided tours of the battlefield. Rangers will leave the site by 1:00 PM MT. Please call ahead for an updated schedule.Tours are unavailable during the winter months. Phone: (406) 203-8259
Nearby Amenities
The Blaine County Museum in Chinook, Montana, offers an audio/visual presentation, "40 Miles to Freedom," which depicts the battle and siege at Bear Paw. The battlefield's official brochure, map, Jr. Ranger booklet, and passport cancellation stamp are also available at the museum.
The Montana Office of Tourism's trip planning website will help you locate hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and other amenities near Bear Paw Battlefield.
Respecting Sacred Ground
Burial sites are sacred to the Nez Perce. Please help us protect and respect the Bear Paw Battlefield.
Remain on the trails. Exact locations for all graves are not known, so the entire battlefield is treated as a sacred burial site.
Eat and prepare food and drinks in the picnic area.
Leave all items on monuments around the battlefield in place and undisturbed. The offerings that Nez Perce people leave in memory of their ancestors are sacred.
Pay homage to those who lost their lives here between dawn and dusk. The battlefield is closed after dark.
Report any damage or suspected violation to the National Park Service at (406) 689-3155 x 1029.
Animal and Plant Life
During your visit, be aware that you are walking through some of Montana's great grasslands. You may find many different kinds of plant and animal life within this landscape. Please respect their homes while you learn about this place. See below for possible sightings. This is not a complete list.
Some animals you may see:
Ticks
Snakes (rattlesnakes)
Deer (whitetail, mule)
Fox
Badger
Hawk
Pheasant
Pronghorn
Some plants you may see:
Natural grasses
Plains Prickly Pear Cactus
Sage
Willow
Rough Horsetail
Prairie Rose
Fees, Permits, and Reservations
Recreational Activities
The general public does not need to pay entrance fees, make reservations, or obtain permits from the National Park Service for any recreational activities at Bear Paw Battlefield including hiking, picnicking, or attending ranger programs.
First Amendment Activities
As in all units of the National Park Service, First Amendment Activities are welcome here. The Designated First Amendment Area Bear Paw it is located near the restroom and picnic shelter.
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 superintendent to obtain a permit: Phone: (208) 843-7001 Email: e-mail us
Commercial Film Permits
Permits are required for commercial operations wishing to film within the boundaries of Bear Paw Battlefield. Please contact the park superintendent to discuss your film idea and obtain a permit. Phone: (208) 843-7001 Email: e-mail us
Research and Collection Permits
The National Park Service is interested in working with researchers from a wide variety of organizations. Please contact the park superintendent to discuss your project and obtain a permit. Phone: (208) 843-7001 Email:e-mail us
Doing Business in the Park
Appropriate permits are required in order for individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other functions for members, clients, or the public that take place at least in part in Bear Paw Battlefield, that use park resources, and that result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit. Please contact the park superintendent to discuss your venture and obtain a permit. Phone: (208) 843-7001 Email: e-mail us
For More Information
Official Bear Paw Battlefield Map and Brochure
The official brochure and map for Bear Paw Battlefield is available for download below. Alternative accessible formats can be provided upon request.
The staff at the Nez Perce National Historic Trail have developed auto tours with travel instructions for retracing the route of the Nez Perce along with maps, graphics, and details about the confilct at sites you can see along the way. Download Auto Tour 8 for more details about the Bear Paw Battle.
