Lapwai Mission
In 1836, Henry and Eliza Spalding arrived at Lapwai with hopes of spreading Christianity to the nimíipuu. Their mission, marked by hard work and difficult adjustments, left a lasting imprint on Nez Perce country.
Getting There
The Lapwai Mission historical marker is located on the east side of U.S. Highway 95, about 12 miles south of Lewiston, Idaho. From Lapwai, head north on Main Street South, then turn right onto Birch Avenue East and continue for 0.2 miles. Turn left onto U.S. Highway 95 North for 0.8 miles. The marker will be on your right.
From Lewiston, head northwest on 21st Street toward 19th Avenue, then turn right onto U.S. Highway 12 East for 8.4 miles. Continue onto U.S. Highway 95 South for 4.4 miles. The marker will be on your left.
What You'll See
The mission buildings themselves no longer stand. The exact location of where the Spaldings lived and worked remains uncertain, though we know it was in the general vicinity. The highway pullout offers a historical marker that explains the impact missionaries like Henry Spalding had on the Nez Perce people and community.
The Nez Perce National Historical Park visitor center is about 2.5 miles north and has more detailed information about the mission era.