On August 9, 1877, gun shots shattered a chilly dawn on a sleeping camp of nimí·pu· (Nez Perce). By the time the smoke cleared on August 10, almost 90 nimí·pu· were dead, along with 31 soldiers and volunteers. Big Hole National Battlefield was created to honor all who were there.
Learn how to explore the park!
Directions to Big Hole National Battlefield.
Big Hole National Battlefield is open year-round. Visitor Center hours, as well as seasonal and temporary closures, are listed at this link.
Experience the sacred nature of this battleground year-round by hiking or snowshoeing one (1) of our three (3) trails.
On the morning of August 9, 1877, U.S. troops surprised the nimí·pu· (Nez Perce), killing 60 to 90 nimí·pu· men, women, and children.
In 1877, the non-treaty Nez Perce were forced on a 126-day journey that spanned over 1,170 miles and through four different states.
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Last updated: April 12, 2025
