Bear Paw Battlefield

Chinook, Montana

Bear Paw Battlefield: monument
Bear Paw Battlefield: sign
Bear Paw Battlefield: highway sign
Bear Paw Battlefield: monument
Bear Paw Battlefield: sign
Bear Paw Battlefield: highway sign
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Mailing Address:

PO Box 26, Chinook, MT 59523

Contact Info

406-357-3130

406-357-3140

stephanie_martin@nps.gov

About Bear Paw Battlefield

One of three sites of the Nez Perce National Historic Park in Montana, the Bear Paw Battlefield is located 16 miles south of Chinook on Highway 240. At this site the Nez Perce Indians surrendered to the US Army on October 5, 1877, after a 1,300 mile retreat. It was here that Chief Joseph spoke his famous words, 'From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.' Facilities include a picnic shelter and restrooms. Overnight camping is not permitted. Wayside exhibits and markers on a 1.25 mile groomed trail through the battlefield interpret this historic event. Park Ranger guided tours are available during the summer by calling 406-357-3130. Also one can do a self-guided tour.

Bear Paw Battlefield is the final stop on the 1300 mile Nez Perce National Historic Trail that traces the retreat of this tribe's non-treaty bands during the 1877 War. The Trail starts in Joseph, Oregon and passes through federal, tribal, state, local and privately owned land in four western states.

Chinook's Blaine County Museum (501 Indiana Avenue) offers a unique multi-media presentation '40 Miles from Freedom' that describes the Battle. The museum also contains an excellent book store and a variety of exhibits on local history, wildlife, and paleontology. Hours are subject to change. Call 406-357-2590 for more information.











Bear Paw Battlefield Activities

History

Bear Paw Battlefield Amenities

Parking

Public Restroom

Unescorted Tour

Bear Paw Battlefield Reservations

Season

All Year

Hours

On-site ranger at mid-day from late June to September.

About Bear Paw Battlefield

One of three sites of the Nez Perce National Historic Park in Montana, the Bear Paw Battlefield is located 16 miles south of Chinook on Highway 240. At this site the Nez Perce Indians surrendered to the US Army on October 5, 1877, after a 1,300 mile retreat. It was here that Chief Joseph spoke his famous words, 'From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.' Facilities include a picnic shelter and restrooms. Overnight camping is not permitted. Wayside exhibits and markers on a 1.25 mile groomed trail through the battlefield interpret this historic event. Park Ranger guided tours are available during the summer by calling 406-357-3130. Also one can do a self-guided tour.

Bear Paw Battlefield is the final stop on the 1300 mile Nez Perce National Historic Trail that traces the retreat of this tribe's non-treaty bands during the 1877 War. The Trail starts in Joseph, Oregon and passes through federal, tribal, state, local and privately owned land in four western states.

Chinook's Blaine County Museum (501 Indiana Avenue) offers a unique multi-media presentation '40 Miles from Freedom' that describes the Battle. The museum also contains an excellent book store and a variety of exhibits on local history, wildlife, and paleontology. Hours are subject to change. Call 406-357-2590 for more information.











Bear Paw Battlefield Activities

History

Bear Paw Battlefield Amenities

Parking

Public Restroom

Unescorted Tour

Bear Paw Battlefield Reservations

Season

All Year

Hours

On-site ranger at mid-day from late June to September.

About Chinook, Montana

Elevation: 2,411

Population: 1,154

County: Blaine

The tree-lined streets of Chinook offer a pleasant stop while journeying on US Hwy 2, dubbed Montana's Hi-Line. Chinook features parks, a municipal pool and a number of community events including a popular Sugarbeet Festival. While in Chinook, be sure to visit the Blaine County Museum. The museum... ...

Learn More about Chinook