Enterprise and Wallowa Valley

In the heart of Wallowa county are towns with a lot of heart

Anchored by a photo-worthy historic courthouse, Enterprise was chosen as a Preserve America Community because of its Bowlby stone buildings and historic features. Complete with grocery stores of both the natural food and chain variety, Grain Growers agricultural supply store and a state-of-the-art hospital, Enterprise is the hub for getting things done in the county. Turn off the main drag to find lively pockets of interest, and also don’t miss the opportunity to play a round at Alpine Meadows Golf Course.

Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail Interpretive Center

In the community of Wallowa, visit the renovated Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail Interpretive Center, a 1,000-square-foot facility documenting the people and culture of the Chief Joseph’s band, the Walwáama. Learn the stories of their lives prior to their tragic 1877 flight toward Canada, their imprisonment in Kansas and Oklahoma, their return to the Northwest and their lives today. Maps and images show the path of their April-October trek from Wallowa County through Yellowstone to capture at Bear Paw Meadow in Montana. Read the names of many Nez Perce on the retreat, including women warriors.

Year-round fun at every turn

DOWNTOWN TREASURES

The historic O.K. Theatre has a new life as a music venue, bringing in big acts. Favorite Finds on Main Antiques is a treasure trove. Shop for botanical beauty products at Wild Carrot Herbals. “Our products are very place-based and inspired by the beauty and the plant communities that surround us,” said Wild Carrot co-owner, Jody Berry, about the now internationally distributed line.

BOOKSTORE DELIGHTS

At the Bookloft and Skylight Gallery, the hand-carved screen door made by local artist Steve Arment is a portal to literary bliss and art admiration. Find folk art mugs by Olaf Pottery and landscape prints of Wallowa County at its most photogenic by David Jensen. You may emerge hours later, musing over how the pint-sized bookstore, café and gallery of local artists’ works enraptured you for so long.