A Facelift at the Nez Perce Battle Interpretive Sight Near Billings

The Friends of Canyon Creek Battlefield, the City of Billings, and Nez Perce National Historical Park invite everyone to learn about the history of Canyon Creek and view new improvements at the interpretive kiosk during a presentation on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 10 am.

According to a press release from the National Park Service, Billings Mayor Bill Cole and the Superintendent of the Nez Perce National Historical Park, Steve Thede, will talk about the history and significance of the battle and highlight the recent improvements. The improvements include new highway signs, general clean-up, re-roofing the kiosk, removing the cattleguard, repaving the parking area, and installing new parking barriers.

A tragic tale of conflict in the West.

This site at Canyon Creek is one of the Nez Perce National Historical Park's 38 sites and tells the story of the Nez Perce Flight of 1877. It's a tragic story that unfolded over five months and 1,000 miles as the United States Army attempted to forcibly relocate the Nez Perce. The battle at Canyon Creek was the second to last battle as the tribe desperately attempted to flee to Canada.

Get our free mobile app

Making this story easier to learn about and understand not only honors those who were there and their descendants but also helps visitors and those who live in the area today to learn about and appreciate the rich history of our area.

Next time you're out cruising around Yellowstone County, check it out.

The Canyon Creek Battlefield and Interpretive Site is located on Buffalo Trail Road 8 miles north of Laurel, Montana. I've stopped here numerous times and on still, quiet days it can be a sobering experience.

My imagination starts to fill in the blanks of what the battle scene must have been like, with Nez Perce warriors and sharpshooters tucked into the rocks of the ridge, desperately attempting to thwart the US soldiers. It's worth a stop if you appreciate Montana's history.