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.
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.
A Greyhound Bus Station is located in Lewiston, ID 10 miles west of the park.
Public transportation is not available; however, car rentals are available in each of the nearby communities with greyhound stations and airports.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Restrooms and picnic tables are available.
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 (208) 843-7001 or email us to request your reservation.
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 (208) 843-7001 or email us.
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.
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: (208) 843-7001
email us
Visitors are asked to respect the tribal cemeteries within park boundaries. Please heed the following regulations:
