Multiple tepee poles and a river are silhouetted against a dawn sky.
Today tepee poles stand sentinel at the site of August 9th, 1877 dawn attack at the Big Hole. NPS Photo

Big Hole National Battlefield

National Historic Site · Montana · National Park Service

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.

Plan your visit

Trails & hiking

Hiking · Snowshoeing

Know before you go

Phone
4066893155
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

Things to do

Highlights: Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite · Military · Infantry and Militia · US Army · Indigenous and Native Warrior · Battlefields · Monuments and Memorials · Native American Heritage · Tragic Events · Massacres · Wars and Conflicts · Tribal Conflicts · Indian and Frontier Wars · Westward Expansion · Trails

Activities & features: Arts and Culture · Cultural Demonstrations · Fishing · Freshwater Fishing · Food · Picnicking · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Front-Country Hiking · Junior Ranger Program · Skiing · Cross-Country Skiing · Wildlife Watching · Birdwatching · Park Film · Museum Exhibits · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store · Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Photos

  • Blue camas flowers dot a green field with tepee poles in the background.
    NPS Photo
  • a cannon overlooks a valley and distant mountains
    NPS Photo
  • A large squared-off granite monument standing in a forest clearing
    NPS Photo
  • Stone carving of a Nez Perce Warrior's head in full regalia.
    NPS Photo
  • Three large stone monuments and four interpretive signs overlook a series of low hills.
    NPS Photo

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61 parks mapped in Montana

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Guides for the trip

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12