Today tepee poles stand sentinel at the site of August 9th, 1877 dawn attack at the Big Hole.
Big Hole National Battlefield
National Battlefield · MT
On August 9, 1877, gunshots shattered a chilly dawn on a sleeping camp of nımí·pu· (Nez Perce). By the time the smoke cleared on August 10, almost 90 nımí·pu· were dead, along with 31 soldiers and volunteers. Big Hole National Battlefield was created to honor all who were there.
Park report
Hours Exceptions
NoteThanksgiving; Christmas Eve; New Year's Eve; Christmas Day; New Year's Day
Current Alerts
How this is rated
Good: no active alerts or closuresNo active alerts
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Visitor Centers
Good1 visitor center
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available21 activities
Park Name
InfoBig Hole National Battlefield
Designation
InfoNational Battlefield
State(s)
InfoMT
Phone
Info406-689-3155
biho_visitor_information@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoThe grounds and trails at Big Hole National Battlefield are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Visitor Center: Visitor Center at Big Hole National Battlefield
InfoSee park for hours
Themes & Topics
InfoBurial, Cemetery and Gravesite, Military, Infantry and Militia + 12 more
Weather Info
InfoThis region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. By definition, Wisdom is considered a subalpine climate.
Getting There
InfoBig Hole National Battlefield is located on Highway 43 ten miles west of the town of Wisdom in southwestern Montana. Bear Paw Battlefield is located on Route 240 sixteen miles south of the town of Chi
Location
Info45.6465° N, -113.6458° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website