Plan a Trip to the Big Hole Battlefield

The last days of the Wild West took place in the late 1800s. This is when the last of the Indian Wars concluded and the last connections were made between the east and the west in the form of telegraph wires and railroad tracks. One of the final battles that took place during this era was the battle at Big Hole. Today you can tour this battlefield and learn about who fought here and why they fought so fiercely.

Big Hole Battlefield

The Big Hole Battlefield is a National Park. It can be found about ten miles to the West of a small Montana town called Wisdom. You will need to take State Highway 43 to get to the park. Here you will find the site where the Nez Perce Indian Tribe, one of the last who refused to be forced onto a reservation, fought against the 7^th U.S. Infantry and a group of Bitterroot volunteers.

Another related battlefield is called the Bear Paw Battlefield. It is found about 16 miles to the South of Chinook, another small Montana town, this one is on Highway 240. This is the site of the final battle site of the 1877 Nez Perce War.

Places to Stay Near the Big Hole Battlefield

Finding a place to stay near the Big Hole Battlefield can be a challenge, especially during the summer months when this area is overrun with tourists. Your first option, however, is the Nez Perce Motel. It can be found on Montana Highway 43 in Wisdom, Montana. Your second option is the Dillon Super 8 Motel, which can be found at 550 North Montana Street in Dillon, Montana. Both lodging options are very affordable with rooms starting well under $100 a night.

Things to Do Near the Big Hole Battlefield

There is a lot to do near the Big Hole Battlefield. After you tour the battlefield you can go to the Wisdom River Gallery. It is located at 1 Main Street in Wisdom, Montana, and is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. If you are interested in a campout then you can go to the Two Lakes Campground in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. This campground is open between mid-June and the first week of September. It offers a boat launch, campsites and other amenities. If you are interested in hiking then you will want to try out the Nez Perce Nee-Me-Poo Trail, which is located inside the Bitterroot National Forest in Sula, Montana. Finally, if you would like to sit in on a mass given at a local historic church, then you will want to stop by the St. Rose of Lima. It is located inside the Community Hall in Wisdom, Montana. Masses are held on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.