• Bear Paw Battlefield - Chinook, Montana

      Bear Paw Battlefield
      Photo by Peter Thody
      Bear Paw Battlefield is where Chief Joseph and the majority of the Nez Perce people finally surrendered to the US Army troops who had been following them for four months in 1877. On deciding to surrender, Chief Joseph told his people: "Hear me, my chiefs. I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever." Nearly 150 Nez Perce did manage to avoid capture and made their way to Canada.

      If you go:
      The visitor center is located at the Blaine County Museum in Chinook at 501 Indiana Street. The battlefield is located 16 miles south of Chinook. Follow the 1 mile self-guided trail through the battlefield and take in the quiet remoteness of the site. Along the way, look out for markers highlighting the locations of some of the key events that took place on 30 September 1877.

      Links:




      Cleveland Road / Montana State Route 240
      Chinook, Montana 59523 USA

      Mailing address:
      Bear Paw Battlefield
      301 Ohio
      Chinook, MT 59523 USA

      Phone Numbers:

      Information
      +1 (406) 357-3130

      FAX
      +1 (406) 357-3140