Getting There -- From Missoula, you can reach the Big Hole National Battlefield by going south on U.S. 93 through the Bitterroot Valley 80 miles to Lost Trail Pass. Then turn east on Mont. 43 and drive 16 miles to the site. From Butte, go south on I-15 20 miles to Mont. 43, west for 51 miles to Wisdom, then continue west on Mont. 43 for about 10 miles to the site. From Dillon, take Mont. 278 west to Wisdom, then go west on Mont. 43 for 10 miles.
Visitor Information -- Located 10 miles west of Wisdom on Mont. 43, the Big Hole National Battlefield Visitor Center, 16245 Mont. 43 W., P.O. Box 237, Wisdom, MT 59761 (tel. 406/689-3155; www.nps.gov/biho), is open daily (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day) with summer hours from 9am to 6pm, fall hours of 9am to 5pm, and winter/spring hours from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free. Picnic tables are located at the lower parking lot, though there are no camping or overnight facilities on the premises. Fishing is allowed within the battlefield's boundaries and adjacent national forest, but there are restrictions on the private land adjoining the battle site.
You can obtain a pamphlet with an auto tour of the flight of the Nez Perce through the Big Hole, Horse Prairie, and Lemhi valleys from the National Park Service, Big Hole National Battlefield , or the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, 420 Barrett St., Dillon, MT 59725 (tel. 406/683-3900).
The nearest facilities -- restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and lodgings -- are located in Wisdom, 10 miles to the east.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
