Weippe Prairie, National Historic Landmark Prairie in Clearwater County, Idaho.
Weippe Prairie is an open grassland in the Idaho highlands that blends three distinct habitats: meadows, pine stands, and flowering fields throughout the terrain. The land remains largely undeveloped, with the landscape shifting between cleared areas and forest edges that shape how visitors move through the space.
In fall 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived at this highland after crossing the Bitterroot Mountains, making their first encounter with the Nez Perce people. This meeting proved decisive in shaping the rest of their westward journey.
The Nez Perce people come here each year to dig camas bulbs, continuing a practice that has shaped their relationship with this land for generations. This seasonal harvest remains central to their connection with the prairie.
The site is easy to reach and features a visitor center with educational resources about the area's history and natural features. The gentle topography allows people of varying abilities to explore the landscape and understand the different habitats at their own pace.
The prairie is split between public and private ownership, with much of the land managed by local owners rather than a single government agency. This arrangement has preserved the landscape as a living mix of historical protection and ongoing land use.
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