Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site, state park near La Grande, Oregon, United States
Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site is a 62-acre heritage park located on the northern shore of Wallowa Lake in Oregon. The site features well-maintained walking trails, wetland areas including Knight's Pond, and expansive views of the surrounding Wallowa Mountains.
The land was purchased in 2007 using state lottery funds and officially opened to the public in 2009, with the Nez Perce and other tribes helping to finance the acquisition. Nearby stands the grave of Chief Joseph, a prominent leader of the Nez Perce who guided his people in this region for many years.
The name Iwetemlaykin comes from the Nez Perce language and means "at the edge of the lake". The land has held cultural meaning for the tribe across generations and continues to serve as a place where their connection to this territory remains visible today.
The site is open only during daylight hours and camping is not permitted; fires and fireworks are forbidden. Dogs must be kept on leash while bicycles, horses, and off-road vehicles are not allowed to protect the fragile landscape.
The Nez Perce originally bred the Appaloosa horse, recognized for its distinctive spotted coat pattern that can still be seen in the region today. These horses played a significant role in the tribe's history and remain a living connection to their cultural heritage.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
