As individuals walk down the path from the parking lot, they see a uniquely constructed building, our Visitor Center. It is a replica of a Nez Perce lodge pole longhouse. Although initial site plans, mid 1990’s, showed a visitor center of modern construction, our Visitor Center fits perfectly at the Wolf Education and Research Center for several reasons.

We know that wolves are very family structured, as most Native American cultures are. The Nez Perce lodge pole longhouse was the largest and probably the most important of the four structures they built. They were large enough to house the extended families under one roof. Imagine living with your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and your brothers and sisters under one roof. So on three-hundred acres of Nez Perce tribal land that we lease, we share the unity of the family. This is the type of structure that the explorers Lewis and Clark were welcomed into back around 1805 when the Nez Perce first contacted them during this part of the journey. It is fitting that this is where the staff, interns, and volunteers of WERC welcome our visitors throughout the year.

Original Nez Perce longhouses were about 150 feet long by 25 feet wide. They were covered originally with cattail or tulle mats, and in later years by canvas. As a replica, Nez Perce tribal members built this Visitor Center in their traditional ways although there are modern additions such as windows and the concrete type finishing for a roof.

Because of the insulation method and placement in relationship to the sun, the Visitor Center stays very comfortable even in the middle of the summer. During the winter months, a portable heater takes the chill out of the air and provides warmth to the hands and feet of those returning from seeing the pack.

Our front doors are also unique. John Seven Wilson, a Nez Perce artist, carved the two beautiful images on the inside of the doors. We are told that these wooden doors were one of John’s first woodcarving attempts and took about two weeks for each door. His artistic expertise is bone and antler carvings. Hundreds of visitors have pleaded to allow them to take the doors home with them.

Inside the Visitor Center visitors can learn about wolves and their environment. Static displays, tracks, graphs and informational posters provide the visitor with answers to many of their questions. Chairs for sitting and a small gift area complete the interior.

Although the Visitor Center is over 10 years old and is in need of some repairs, it will continue to catch the eye of our visitors as they walk down the path. And it will continue to be the site we welcome you to and offer a unique experience to learn about “The Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce” and wolves in general.