Big Hole National Battlefield
Designation: National Battlefield
Location: Montana
📘 Park Overview
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 nimí·pu· were dead, along with 31 soldiers and volunteers. Big Hole National Battlefield was created to honor all who were there.
🌤 Weather Information
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. Wisdom has a humid continental climate.
🚗 Directions
Big 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 Chinook in north-central Montana.
Images
Today tepee poles stand sentinel at the site of August 9th, 1877 dawn attack at the Big Hole.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Nez Perce chose their camp site in the Big Hole in part due to the Camas, whose roots they gathered prior to the August 9th attack.
Credit: NPS Photo
Nez Perce warriors captured and dismantled the Mountain Howitzer cannon before the US army could use it effectively at the Battle of the Big Hole.
Credit: NPS Photo
In 1883 the United States Government erected this monument in honor of the soldiers and volunteers that served and died at the 1877 Battle of the Big Hole.
Credit: NPS Photo
This monument, erected on the Big Hole Battlefield in 1928, reads; "To the everlasting memory of the brave warriors Chief Joseph's Band who fought on these grounds in the Nez Perce War of 1877."
Credit: NPS Photo
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Friday, May 29
Patchy rain nearby
High: 71.6°F | Low: 42.1°F
Humidity: 48%
Wind: 15.2 mph
Rain Chance: 79%
UV Index: 7.8
Sunrise: 05:49 AM
Sunset: 09:12 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 44.8°F
Cloud Cover: 79%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, May 30
Moderate rain
High: 51.7°F | Low: 39.3°F
Humidity: 89%
Wind: 7.4 mph
Rain Chance: 90%
UV Index: 2.1
Sunrise: 05:49 AM
Sunset: 09:13 PM
Moon: Full Moon (100%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 43.1°F
Cloud Cover: 90%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, May 31
Patchy rain nearby
High: 54.2°F | Low: 36.4°F
Humidity: 66%
Wind: 8.7 mph
Rain Chance: 63%
UV Index: 5.5
Sunrise: 05:48 AM
Sunset: 09:14 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 37.9°F
Cloud Cover: 63%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (1)
Hydrologic Outlook issued May 29 at 12:23PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
Effective: May 29, 2026 2:23pm
Expires: May 30, 2026 2:00pm
ESFMSO
What: Widespread Moderate to Heavy Precipitation
Where: West-Central Montana Counties: Missoula, Ravalli, Granite and
Powell.
Timing: Saturday May 30 through Monday June 1, 2026
Relevant factors:
Total precipitation amounts of 0.5 to 2 inches with locally
higher amounts possible in higher terrain along the Divide.
Ongoing snowmelt and recent precipitation has kept stream and
river levels rising. Anticipate further rises in local
waterways, rockfall and mudslide potential in steep terrain,
as well as possible urban and low-land flooding.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Ranger Talk
Join us for a half-hour Ranger Talk to gain a deeper understanding of Big Hole National Battlefield. These programs offer stunning views of the battlefield and bring the history of this site to life. Our rangers share stories of the people and events of the 1877 battle, and the enduring significance of this sacred ground.
Programming subject to change. Check at the visitor center for the latest schedule.
Location: Visitor center deck or visitor center observation room, weather dependent.
Date: May 23, 2026 12:00am to May 23, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Talk
Join us for a half-hour Ranger Talk to gain a deeper understanding of Big Hole National Battlefield. These programs, held either on the Visitor Center deck or in the viewing room (weather dependent), offer stunning views of the battlefield and bring the history of this site to life. Our rangers share stories of the people and events of the 1877 battle, and the enduring significance of this sacred ground.
Programming subject to change. Check at the visitor center for the latest schedule.
Location: Visitor center deck or visitor center observation room, weather dependent.
Date: May 23, 2026 12:00am to May 23, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Battlefield Tour
Step back in time with a guided tour of Big Hole National Battlefield, led by our dedicated rangers, across the very ground where people camped and fought during the tragic events of August 1877. Along the way, rangers share stories of bravery, resilience, and cultural significance, painting a vivid picture of the lives affected and the legacy that endures.
This tour will be along the Siege Trail, which is 1.2 miles long and has about 75 feet of elevation.
Programming subject to change. Check at the visitor center for the latest schedule.
Location: Meet at the lower parking lot.
Date: May 23, 2026 12:00am to May 23, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Talk
Join us for a half-hour Ranger Talk to gain a deeper understanding of Big Hole National Battlefield. These programs, held either on the Visitor Center deck or in the viewing room (weather dependent), offer stunning views of the battlefield and bring the history of this site to life. Our rangers share stories of the people and events of the 1877 battle, and the enduring significance of this sacred ground.
Programming subject to change. Check at the visitor center for the latest schedule.
Location: Visitor center deck or visitor center observation room, weather dependent.
Date: May 24, 2026 12:00am to May 24, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Talk
Join us for a half-hour Ranger Talk to gain a deeper understanding of Big Hole National Battlefield. These programs, held either on the Visitor Center deck or in the viewing room (weather dependent), offer stunning views of the battlefield and bring the history of this site to life. Our rangers share stories of the people and events of the 1877 battle, and the enduring significance of this sacred ground.
Programming subject to change. Check at the visitor center for the latest schedule.
Location: Visitor center deck or visitor center observation room, weather dependent.
Date: May 24, 2026 12:00am to May 24, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Battlefield Tour
Step back in time with a guided tour of Big Hole National Battlefield, led by our dedicated rangers, across the very ground where people camped and fought during the tragic events of August 1877. Along the way, rangers share stories of bravery, resilience, and cultural significance, painting a vivid picture of the lives affected and the legacy that endures.
This tour will be along the Siege Trail, which is 1.2 miles long and has about 75 feet of elevation.
Programming subject to change. Check at the visitor center for the latest schedule.
Location: Meet at the lower parking lot.
Date: May 24, 2026 12:00am to May 24, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Talk
Join us for a half-hour Ranger Talk to gain a deeper understanding of Big Hole National Battlefield. These programs, held either on the Visitor Center deck or in the viewing room (weather dependent), offer stunning views of the battlefield and bring the history of this site to life. Our rangers share stories of the people and events of the 1877 battle, and the enduring significance of this sacred ground.
Programming subject to change. Check at the visitor center for the latest schedule.
Location: Visitor center deck or visitor center observation room, weather dependent.
Date: May 27, 2026 12:00am to May 27, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Talk
Join us for a half-hour Ranger Talk to gain a deeper understanding of Big Hole National Battlefield. These programs offer stunning views of the battlefield and bring the history of this site to life. Our rangers share stories of the people and events of the 1877 battle, and the enduring significance of this sacred ground.
Programming subject to change. Check at the visitor center for the latest schedule.
Location: Visitor center deck or visitor center observation room, weather dependent.
Date: May 28, 2026 12:00am to May 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Talk
Join us for a half-hour Ranger Talk to gain a deeper understanding of Big Hole National Battlefield. These programs, held either on the Visitor Center deck or in the viewing room (weather dependent), offer stunning views of the battlefield and bring the history of this site to life. Our rangers share stories of the people and events of the 1877 battle, and the enduring significance of this sacred ground.
Programming subject to change. Check at the visitor center for the latest schedule.
Location: Visitor center deck or visitor center observation room, weather dependent.
Date: May 28, 2026 12:00am to May 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Talk
Join us for a half-hour Ranger Talk to gain a deeper understanding of Big Hole National Battlefield. These programs offer stunning views of the battlefield and bring the history of this site to life. Our rangers share stories of the people and events of the 1877 battle, and the enduring significance of this sacred ground.
Programming subject to change. Check at the visitor center for the latest schedule.
Location: Visitor center deck or visitor center observation room, weather dependent.
Date: May 29, 2026 12:00am to May 29, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
16425 Highway 43 West
Wisdom, MT 59761
🏤 Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 237
Wisdom, MT 59761
📞 Voice Phone: 4066893155
✉️ Email: biho_visitor_information@nps.gov