North Central Idaho

Winding rivers. Deep canyon gorges. Historic expeditions. Trace the steps of Lewis & Clark as they sought a "Northwest Passage" to the Pacific. Backpacking. Jet boating. White-water rafting. Journey through the forests and rivers of Nez Perce territory. Historical museums. Wildlife centers. State parks. North Central Idaho, take a lesson in history while enjoying world-class adventure.

Bicentennial Historical Museum

The Bicentennial Historical Museum in Grangeville is open from June through September from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. And during special celebrations and by appointment.

Hells Canyon

Mammoth Exhibit

A few years ago, a group of local volunteers dug up a strange object while working in a dry lake bed near the outskirts of Grangeville...
Located on U.S. 95, adjacent to the Grangeville Area Chamber of Commerce, this exhibition provides a vivid display of these once immense animals and what this region may have looked like thousands of years ago.

Snowhaven Ski Area

The Historical Museum at St. Gertrude is located on the grounds of the Monastery of St. Gertrude in Cottonwood. Established in 1931, the museum houses a unique collection of over 70,000 artifacts with some 11,000 on display which reflect the early history of the region. Rediscover the pioneer days through exhibits from the early mining and farming era, plus a varied collection of minerals, firearms, Nez Perce artifacts and religious items. Highlights include the Rhoades Emmanuel Memorial, an extraordinary collection of fine Asian and European artifacts. The Museum hosts a dinner/dance in April and an annual Raspberry Festival on the first Sunday in August.

Whitebird Battlefield is located 15 minutes south of Grangeville, Idaho on U.S. Highway 95. The first battle of the Nez Perce War was fought here June 17, 1877 While attempting to resolve their problems peacefully, two shots from a volunteer's rifle ended the parlay. This resulted in a sharp clash between the Nez Perce bands and the U.S. Army Cavalry. Thirty-four soldiers were killed while the Nez Perce Indians lost none. A self-guided walking tour booklet of the battlefield is available at the trailhead 1.2 miles through the town of Whitebird on the Old Spiral Highway. There is an Interpretive Shelter along Highway 95 that overlooks the Battlefield and explains the sequence of events that day. See the entry for Nez Perce National Historic Park for more about the Nez Perce.

BE SURE TO BRING SWIM SUITS, LAWN CHAIRS, PICNIC LUNCH AND A BUCKET FOR WILD BLACK BERRIES

From Bearden RV, head North on US 95 approximately 13 miles to brown Weis Rock shelter sign, turn left on Twin House Rd. follow the road 1 mile until you come to Graves Creek Rd. turn left. The Rockshelter is 6 miles – pull out on the right. The Weis rockshelter was used by the ancestors of the Nez Perce Indians as a dwelling place for more than 8000 years.

 To go to the sandy beach continue on for 5.5 miles (be sure to watch for wild black berries along the way, they are delicious!) when you come to the fork in the road stay to the left following the dead end sign 1.5 miles from dead end sign you will see a road on the right which will take you to the beach. If you don’t have 4-wheel drive DON’T PARK ON THE SAND. There is parking further down on the right side of the main road.

Featured Area Events:

Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, February, Moscow

Annual Dogwood Festival, April, Lewiston

Salmon River Jet Boat Races, April, Riggins

Annual Bigwater Blowout, June, Moscow

Grangeville Border Days Rodeo, July, Grangeville

Raspberry Festival, August, Cottonwood

Weippe Rodeo, August, Weippe

Lewiston Roundup, September, Lewiston

Click here to go to Idaho's Visitor Website.