Last updated: July 28, 2022
Place
Spalding
National Park Service
Quick Facts
Location:
46°26'50.51"N 116°49'23.78"W
Significance:
Historic grounds and visitor center for the Nez Perce National Historical Park
Amenities
14 listed
Beach/Water Access, Grill, Information, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Pets Allowed, Picnic Table, Restroom - Accessible, Theater/Auditorium, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Drinking/Potable, Wheelchair Accessible
The Spalding site is home to the Nez Perce National Historical Park's visitor center and park headquarters along with several historic sites, including 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 are buried, and archeological remains of the gristmill, sawmill, and associated millraces.
Getting to Spalding and the Visitor Center
Nez Perce National Historical Park's Spalding Site and Visitor Center are 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:
Physical address for the visitor center
39063 US Hwy 95
Lapwai, ID 83540-9715
Driving to Spalding and the 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.
Things to do at Spalding
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 (208) 843-7001 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.