Cities and Towns in Nez Perce County, Idaho
Founded in 1864, Nez Perce County is one of 44 counties in the state of Idaho. The city of Lewiston is the county seat. With FIPS code of 69, Nez Perce County has a population of 42,454 and area of 849 square miles (2,199 km²).
List of all cities in Nez Perce County, ID alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Culdesac, ID | 83524 | 208 |
| Lapwai, ID | 83540 | 208 |
| Lewiston, ID | 83501 | 208 |
| Peck, ID | 83545 | 208 |
| Spalding, ID | 83540 | 208 |
| Sweetwater, ID | 83540 | 208 |
Major Cities and Towns in Nez Perce County, Idaho
Lewiston
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 18.04 square miles
- Population: 34,203 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 83501
- Latitude: 46.4004° N
- Longitude: 117.0012° W
City Location and History
Lewiston, the largest city in Nez Perce County, is located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers in north-central Idaho. Founded in 1861 during the Idaho Gold Rush, Lewiston briefly served as the capital of the Idaho Territory. The city was named after Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, who explored the area in the early 1800s. Lewiston quickly became an important river port due to its strategic location on the Snake River, which allowed goods to be transported to and from the inland Northwest. The city remains a vital economic center for the region, with its economy based on manufacturing, education, and agriculture. Lewiston is also known for being the gateway to Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lewiston is home to Lewis-Clark State College, a public college offering a variety of programs and serving as a cultural and educational hub for the region. Lewiston High School and Jenifer Junior High School are key institutions in the city’s public education system. Notable landmarks include the Nez Perce County Historical Society Museum, which provides insights into the region’s history, and the Lewis-Clark Discovery Center, celebrating the journey of Lewis and Clark. The city is also known for the Lewiston Roundup, an annual rodeo event, and the scenic Lewiston Levee Parkway, which offers walking and biking paths along the rivers. The nearby Hells Gate State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lapwai
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.88 square miles
- Population: 1,137 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 83540
- Latitude: 46.4049° N
- Longitude: 116.8040° W
City Location and History
Lapwai is located in north-central Idaho, about 12 miles southeast of Lewiston. The city serves as the seat of government for the Nez Perce Tribe and is situated within the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. Lapwai was established in 1862 when a Presbyterian mission was founded in the area. The town’s name, derived from the Nez Perce word “Thlap-Thlap,” means “place of the butterflies.” Lapwai played a significant role in the history of the Nez Perce people, serving as a center of education and governance. The area is steeped in Native American history and culture, with the Nez Perce National Historical Park located nearby, preserving the heritage and stories of the Nez Perce Tribe.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lapwai is served by the Lapwai School District, with Lapwai High School and Lapwai Middle/Elementary School providing education to the community. Major landmarks in Lapwai include the Nez Perce National Historical Park, which offers exhibits and sites that tell the story of the Nez Perce people. The Spalding Visitor Center, located nearby, provides additional historical context and serves as an educational resource. The town also hosts cultural events that celebrate Nez Perce traditions, such as the annual Nez Perce Pow Wow. Lapwai’s location along the Clearwater River makes it a gateway for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and exploring the scenic landscapes of north-central Idaho.
Culdesac
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.23 square miles
- Population: 375 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 83524
- Latitude: 46.3755° N
- Longitude: 116.6724° W
City Location and History
Culdesac is a small town located in the southeastern part of Nez Perce County, nestled in the rolling hills of the Camas Prairie. The town was founded in the early 20th century as a railroad town, serving as a hub for agricultural products from the surrounding farms. Its unique name comes from its location in a valley that is nearly enclosed by hills, creating a “cul-de-sac” effect. Culdesac’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly wheat farming and cattle ranching. Over the years, the town has retained its small, rural character, with a close-knit community that values its agricultural heritage and quiet lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Culdesac is served by the Culdesac School District, with Culdesac School providing K-12 education to local students. The town’s landmarks include the historic Culdesac Depot, which reflects its origins as a railroad town, and the surrounding Camas Prairie, known for its scenic beauty and agricultural productivity. The town is also near the Nez Perce National Historical Park, which offers opportunities to explore the history and culture of the Nez Perce people. Outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking are popular in the area, with the nearby Clearwater River providing additional recreational opportunities. The annual Culdesac Days celebration brings the community together with parades, games, and local entertainment.
Peck
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.09 square miles
- Population: 197 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 83545
- Latitude: 46.4847° N
- Longitude: 116.4254° W
City Location and History
Peck is a small town located in the northeastern part of Nez Perce County, along the Clearwater River. The town was established in the early 20th century as a result of the expansion of the railroad, which played a vital role in the development of the region. Peck served as a transportation hub for agricultural products, timber, and other goods from the surrounding area. The town’s location along the Clearwater River also made it an important site for fishing and recreation. Over time, Peck has remained a small, close-knit community with a strong connection to the natural environment and a focus on outdoor activities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Peck does not have its own schools; children typically attend schools in nearby communities such as Orofino. The town’s landmarks include the Clearwater River, which offers excellent opportunities for fishing, particularly for steelhead and salmon. The surrounding hills and forests provide a beautiful backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, and camping. Peck is also located near Dworshak Dam and Reservoir, a popular destination for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The town’s annual events, such as the Peck Community Days, bring residents together to celebrate their shared heritage and enjoy local festivities. Peck’s small size and scenic location make it an ideal spot for those who appreciate a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Winchester
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.37 square miles
- Population: 340 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 83555
- Latitude: 46.2396° N
- Longitude: 116.6229° W
City Location and History
Winchester is a small town located in the southwestern part of Nez Perce County, situated on the Camas Prairie. The town was established in the early 20th century as a mill town, named after the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, which had significant timber interests in the area. Winchester grew as a center for the timber industry, with the surrounding forests providing ample resources for logging and milling. Over the years, the town has transitioned from a timber-based economy to one that is more focused on tourism and outdoor recreation, thanks to its proximity to Winchester Lake State Park and other natural attractions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Winchester is served by the Highland School District, with Highland High School and Winchester Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. Key landmarks in Winchester include Winchester Lake State Park, a popular destination for fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. The park’s scenic lake and surrounding forested areas attract visitors year-round. The town also has a historic district that reflects its logging past, with several buildings from the early 20th century still standing. Winchester Days, an annual community event, celebrates the town’s heritage with parades, games, and local entertainment. The Nez Perce National Historical Park is located nearby, offering additional opportunities to explore the region’s rich cultural and natural history.