History, Arts & Entertainment

Rich in Culture

According to tribal legend, Nimiipuu, “the people,” were created in north central Idaho at the dawn of time. There is evidence dating back more than 11,000 years of Nez Perce inhabiting the regions surrounding the Clearwater and Snake River valleys.

Appointed by President Thomas Jefferson, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were charged with finding the Northwest Passage to the Pacific Coast. The Lewis-Clark Expedition was one of the most significant exploration events in the history of the United States. The explorers camped overnight on an island near the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers located near what is now the sister cities of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington.

The Nez Perce people are credited with saving the lives of the Corps of Discovery explorers who entered their camp near starvation. Without the food and shelter provided by the Nimiipuu villagers, the Lewis and Clark expedition may have had a tragic ending.

Year round, one can indulge in many unique and specialized events in our region. Museums provide insight into how this area was originally home to the Nez Perce Tribe long before the miners and explorers came. From the Native American and Asian cultures, to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, history is vividly displayed.

ASOTIN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM features hands-on displays emphasizing the region’s pioneer period. Highlights include a Mastodon elephant tusk over 10,000 years old, 1880s sheepherder’s cabin, pioneer home, old time barbershop, and a one-room schoolhouse. Square-nail construction and complete details reflect its original look. 215 Filmore, Asotin, WA; 509.243.4659

IDAHO HISTORY TOURS will take you exploring beneath the sidewalks to feel the presence of the “spirits” that traveled under the sidewalks and worked in the unmentionable side of society in the 1930s. Lewiston, ID; 208.790.1257; idahohistorytours.com

JACK O’CONNOR HUNTING HERITAGE & EDUCATION CENTER is the permanent home of the O’Connor wildlife collection, offering access to public viewing of his wildlife trophies obtained from all over the world. 5600 Hells Gate Rd.; Lewiston, ID; 208.743.5043; jack-oconnor.org

Art Show Opening at LCSC Center for Arts and History Exhibit

LCSC Center for Arts & History

LCSC CENTER FOR ARTS AND HISTORY houses the Beuk Aie Temple and other Chinese artifacts while telling the story of thousands of Chinese miners who were located here in the 1860s. The gallery rotates exhibits of visual art works, showcasing the talents of regional, national, and international artists. 415 Main St., Lewiston, ID; 208.792.2243; lcsc.edu/thecenter

LEWIS-CLARK DISCOVERY CENTER has interpretive displays including an Indian tepee, dugout canoe, and salmon stream. Enjoy a 30-minute video, Lewis & Clark: From the Mountains to the Sea . Hells Gate State Park; 5100 Hells Gate State Rd.; Lewiston, ID; 208.799.5015; parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/hells-gate

NEZ PERCE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM preserves over 150 years of the county’s rich history through a historic campus which includes exhibits on Lewis and Clark, the Nez Perce, logging industry and area development. Also view our historic home, Trolley Car 8, and stop by for visitor information. Lewiston's Visitor Information Center; Located at the corner of 3rd and Capital St., Lewiston, ID; 208.743.2535; nezpercecountymuseum.com

Nez Perce National Historical Park Exhibit

NEZ PERCE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK VISITOR CENTER holds clothing and daily objects reflecting traditional Nez Perce ways of life, and a ribbon given to a tribal member by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. A picnic area, arboretum, and the historic Spalding townsite are a short distance from the Center. Spalding, ID, 10 miles east of Lewiston (Hwy 95); 208.843.7009; nps.gov/nepe

Nez Perce Tourism

NEZ PERCE TOURISM is the warm welcome to Nimiipuu Country, offering the only tours created to connect you to Nimiipuu culture through interactive storytelling, song, drum and dance. From river beds to mountain tops, Nez Perce Tourism offers land and water journeys giving insight into the Nimiipuu way of life. 208.790.8873; nezpercetourism.com

VALLEY ART CENTER is dedicated to showcasing local artists, promoting art education and sharing art with our community. 842 6th Street; Clarkston, WA; 509.758.8331; lcvalleyartcenter.org

Public Art

THE NORTH LEWISTON GATEWAY PROJECT provides artwork that can be appreciated as you drive into Lewiston from the north and east. Artists David Govedare and Keith Powell created a series of statues depicting the meeting of Lewis and Clark and the Nez Perce people. Three bronze statues, created by Shirley Bothum, depict Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and Sacajawea. Highway 12 and 21st Street Intersection, Lewiston, ID.

LEWIS-CLARK STATE COLLEGE In the center of campus is a representation of the explorers meeting Chief Twisted Hair. The wooded setting depicts the Clearwater region with waterfalls and native plants. Venture further through campus to find a bronze Sacajawea sculpture in front of Sacajawea Hall. 500 8th Ave, Lewiston, ID

THE TSCEMINICUM SCULPTURE is located on the Lewiston side of the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake rivers. It interprets Nez Perce mythology with a symbolic Earth Mother figure whose body sustains all forms of life, and from whose hands the rivers run. Located on the Lewiston, ID side of the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers.

Listening Circle

LISTENING CIRCLE Experience the Listening Circle created by Maya Lin, and focus your attention on the breeze through the trees, the gentle sound of the water, and the muted colors of the enduring landscape that surrounds them. Chief Timothy Park; confluenceproject.org

Canoe Wave in Downtown Lewiston

DOWNTOWN LEWISTON Some of the newest pieces can be found in downtown Lewiston. Enjoy the fountain in front of the Lewiston City Library, the benches and bike racks that double as art, the canoe wave, and the mosaics on the 5th Street pedestrian bridge.

Downtown Lewiston Mosaics

THEATER PRODUCTION

LEWISTON CIVIC THEATRE The award-winning theatre produces musicals, plays, and workshops. 832 Main St., Lewiston, ID; 208.746.3401; www.lctheatre.org

LCSC SILVERTHORNE THEATRE LCSC offers a Theatre minor which includes course work in acting, directing, theatre production, and stage movement. 500 8th Avenue; Lewiston, ID; 208.792.2392; www.lcsc.edu/humanities/theatre

LIVE MUSIC

Catch an open mic night, outdoor summer concert series, or live music almost any day of the week in the Lewis-Clark Valley. Main headliners perform year-round at the Clearwater River Casino. Hot August Nights and Rockin' on the River deliver popular musical acts in the summer. Check out www.visitlcvalley.com/events for a full listing of music acts and events throughout the year.