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Great Falls is Montana's heartland. Straddling the Missouri River, Great Falls remains the agricultural and commercial hub that it was meant to be when East Coast entrepreneur Paris Gibson laid the plans for the city in 1885. Great Falls is best known, in fact, as "The Electric City". The Great Falls community sits just below a series of dams on the Missouri, that provides power to a huge area, and the river's water supports a thriving wheat and barley industry.
In 1805 Lewis and Clark first ventured into this stretch of the Missouri, and they discovered a different river from the one visitors see today. Over the ten-mile stretch there were five cataracts, which they called the "Great Falls of the Missouri": "A sublimely grand spectacle," Lewis wrote in his journal.
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Great Falls City Guide
Located on the Missouri River, Great Falls, Montana, is the perfect place for a relaxing, educational or adventurous get-a-way. Among the five different falls you will find magnificent scenery with vast plains, mountains, and valleys. Outdoor and indoor recreation abounds in this beautiful city!
Why not begin your trip by taking a tour on the Great Falls Historic Trolley. Listen as the history of the town unfolds while you tour the Giant Springs State Park, C. M. Russell Museum Complex, downtown Great Falls, three waterfalls, churches, saloons, and other historic buildings in the area. There are several other museums in the area including the Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center to name a couple.
If you love the outdoors, there are plenty of things to do in Great Falls. The Missouri River plays host to amazing activities such as fishing, water skiing, swimming and white water rafting. There are several guides in the area that will assist visitors in taking full advantage of all the activities offered on the river. At Black Eagle Memorial Island, a pedestrian only island, you will be able to hike or walk and view the scenic overlook of the Black Eagle Falls and Dam. The golfer will enjoy one of the many challenging courses in the area. Most have a Pro-Shop and snack bar for your convenience. No matter what outdoor activity you are interested in, Great Falls is sure to have what you are looking for!
There are many opportunities in Great Falls to learn about the history and culture and there are always annual events going on monthly throughout the year. The Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals, Lewis & Clark Festival, and the Montana State Fair are just a few of the popular events that take place here.
A vacation in Great Falls, Montana, will be full of history, culture, and celebrations. Come to where the Old West meets the New West and see why the third largest city in Montana is called the “Electric City” and we can help.
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C.M. Russell Museum Complex
400 13th Street North
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-727-8787
Offers the most complete collection of Charles Russell art and personal objects in the world with over 12,000 objects and works and the nation’s finest collection of Western art and history.
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
1400 1st. Avenue North
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-727-8255
A Nationally Registered Landmark Building, built in 188,5 this museum features fabulous contemporary art, a historical society exhibit, glorious galleries, restaurant and shopping area.
Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum
341 Space Wing/MU
Great Falls, MT 59402
406-731-2705
One of the largest military model aircraft displays in the northwest featuring World War II Era barracks room, Lend Lease Diorama, SAGE Computer, Flight Suit and Survival Equipment displays and so much more.
The River's Edge Trail
406-788-3313
Enjoy the view and keep your eyes open for birds and wildlife as you meaner, bike, jog or skate along the 30-mile trail. There are several points of interest along the way including Black Eagle Falls, Rainbow Falls, Crooked Fall and “The Great Falls of the Missouri”.
Missouri River Activities
406-761-4434
Missouri River activities include fishing, water skiing, swimming, canoeing, white water rafting, and kayaking. Several outfitters around Great Falls are on hand to help visitors enjoy the river and all it has to offer
Giant Springs Heritage State Park
4600 Giant Springs Road
Great Falls, MT 59405
406-454-5840
The Giant Springs Heritage State Park features one of the world's largest fresh-water springs, discharging 193 million gallons of water a day. The Roe River flows from the Springs to the Missouri River and at 201 feet long; it is the shortest river in the world. A fish hatchery is also located at the park, and visitors are welcome to feed the fish. More than a million Rainbow Trout are raised at the hatchery annually. While you’re at the park, keep your eyes open for raccoons, beavers, pelicans, bald eagles and deer.
Black Eagle Memorial Island
406-454-5840
Take a step away from the traffic and visit this pedestrian only island where you can take an exhilarating hike along winding trails, float along in kayaks or canoes and view the scenic overlook of the Black Eagle Falls and Dam.
Gibson Park
PO Box 5021
Great Falls, MT 59403
406-771-1265
Gibson Park is the largest park in Great Falls and it features open green space, gorgeous flower gardens, trees, an exciting children's playground, and a walking path. Be sure to walk around Gibson Pond, where you’ll find a variety of waterfowl, including majestic swans.
Eagle Falls Golf Club
29 River Drive North
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-761-1078
18-hole course with fully stocked golf shop, concessions and golf instruction! Call for tee time!
History Museum (High Plains Heritage Center)
422 2nd Street South
Great Falls, MT 59405
406-452-3462
This museum administers a history museum, an archives and an extensive education program with over 95,000 objects such as photographs, newspapers, records and ledgers that tell the story of the people that have added to the diversity of Central Montana.
Emerald Greens Golf Club
110 American Avenue
Great Falls, MT 59404
406-453-4844
18-hole par 60/61 executive golf course with challenging fairways. Pro-shop and snack bar on the premises.
Children's Museum of Montana
22 Railroad Square
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-452-6661
The young and young at heart learn about science, math and culture through play here. Every single exhibit in this museum is made to be touched, pushed, pulled, poked, raised, lowered or examined.
Great Falls Historic Trolley
315 5th Street South
Great Falls, MT 59405
406-771-1100 or 888-707-1100
Hop aboard this climate controlled trolley and take a scenic tour that includes waterfalls, museums and the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center
4201 Giant Springs Road
Great Falls, MT 59405
406-727-8733
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Center features a 5,500-square foot exhibit hall with displays and artifacts on the expedition's voyage around the Great Falls area. Other features include exhibits on the Indian tribes of the Plains and Pacific Northwest and a 158-seat theater with a film about the Lewis and Clark journey.
Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge
922 Bootlegger Trail
Great Falls, MT 59404
406-727-7400
The Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge covers 12,500 acres. The refuge’s 5,000-acre marshy lake provides visitors with wildlife watching, hiking and photo opportunities.
Electric City Water Park
100 River Drive South
Great Falls, MT 59403
406-771-1265
This is the coolest hot spot in Great Falls! You can surf on the Flowrider, enjoy the Riptide Slide, they have a lazy river, Power Tower slides and children’s water play structure!
Missouri River Activities
406-761-4434
Missouri River activities include fishing, water skiing, swimming, canoeing, white water rafting, and kayaking. Several outfitters around Great Falls are on hand to help visitors enjoy the river and all it has to offer
Giant Springs Heritage State Park
4600 Giant Springs Road
Great Falls, MT 59405
406-454-5840
The Giant Springs Heritage State Park features one of the world's largest fresh-water springs, discharging 193 million gallons of water a day. The Roe River flows from the Springs to the Missouri River and at 201 feet long; it is the shortest river in the world. A fish hatchery is also located at the park, and visitors are welcome to feed the fish. More than a million Rainbow Trout are raised at the hatchery annually. While you’re at the park, keep your eyes open for raccoons, beavers, pelicans, bald eagles and deer.
Gibson Park
PO Box 5021
Great Falls, MT 59403
406-771-1265
Gibson Park is the largest park in Great Falls and it features open green space, gorgeous flower gardens, trees, an exciting children's playground, and a walking path. Be sure to walk around Gibson Pond, where you’ll find a variety of waterfowl, including majestic swans.
Ulm Pishkun State Park
342 Ulm – Vaughn Road
Ulm, MT 59485
406-866-2217
Learn about the “Buffalo Cultures” exhibit, hike the trails, listen to the stories, view the cliffs, and enjoy the panoramic view of Big Sky Country! Only 10 miles southwest of Great Falls.
The Sting Sports Bar & Casino
1826 10th Avenue South
Great Falls, MT 59405
406-727-7972
Offering Keno and poker machines, 15 TVs including 3 big screens, happy hour, food specials and a video game room for the children.
January
Montana PRCA Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals
406-727-1481
Saddle up and make your way to the rodeo. The best Cowboys and Cowgirls compete to see who’s the best and they even have a kiddie rodeo.
February
Great Rockies Sportshow
406-580-3907
Looking for an outdoor adventure? At this annual expo you can find everything you need for any outdoor adventure including camping, fishing and hunting. Other activities and exhibits include boats, campers, wildlife discovery center, big game heads and horns competition, Wall of Fish display, fly casting/tying demos, NW Big Game display, seminars, adventure films, kids trout pond and camp cooking.
March
Family Connections Annual Children’s Activity Fair
406-761-6010
Bringing families together! This event features informational booths for families and exciting games and activities. There are cakewalks, trike-a-thon, finger painting, face painting, many other make it and take it booths and free give-a-ways.
May
Cruisin’ The Drag
406-727-2100
Over 500 vehicles of all make, models and years will grace the streets of Great Falls. Children’s activities include explore the world of automobiles and take apart a car at the Children’s Museum.
June
Taste of Great Falls
406-453-6151
Taste a variety of delicious local foods and drinks from area restaurants and enjoy live entertainment all day!
July
Great Falls Downtown 4th of July Parade
406-453-5413
Celebrate the birth of our nations with fantastic floats, crazy clowns, antique cars, flyovers, bands, and more!
Lewis & Clark Festival
406-452-5661
Take a journey through time and experience the days of Lewis & Clark and their stay in Great Falls in 1806. There will be reenactors in historic dress, foods from the past, campfires, demonstrations, children’s activities, float trips and a relay race.
Riverfest
406-771-1265
Fun filled day complete with food, warm weather, live entertainment, and celebration! Free activities abound with seaplanes, canoeing and kayaking demonstrations, arts and crafts show, skate boarding demonstrations, concessions and beer garden, hands-on activities, games petting zone and many other exciting attractions.
July/August
Montana State Fair
406-727-8900
Well-known artists performing live, carnival, live horse racing, Big Sky ProRodeo Roundup, more than 30 food vendors, livestock shows, cooking exhibits, and quilts!
September
River’s Edge Trail- Blues and Brews
406-788-3313
The name of this event says it all! The best local and regional blues artist are rounded up to entertain you as you partake of the domestic and micro brew served here in the beer garden.
October
Annual The Art of Wine
406-727-8255
Wine tasting event offering some of the best local wines, finest grapes, live entertainment, food and silent auction!
November
Annual Christmas Collection Holiday Arts & Crafts
406-727-8255
Come experience this holiday wonderland!
December
Christmas Stroll and Parade of Lights
406-453-6151
Live entertainment, food, drinks, prize give-a-ways and a special Santa’s Village!
Annual Drop and Shop for Kids
406-727-8733
Children in grades K through 5 will enjoy 3 hours of fun activities while parents are preparing for the holidays!
Population:
70,873+
Time Zone:
Mountain
Climate:
Mild summer temperatures top out in the low 80s, with lows in the 50s. June and August bring the most rain. Spring and fall high temperatures are in the 50s, with lows in the 30s and 40s. Cold winters bring highs in the 30s and lows in the teens. Snowfall is likely during fall, winter and spring months.
Airport:
Great Falls International Airport (GTF)
2800 Terminal Drive
Great Falls, MT 59404
406-727-3404
Getting Around Great Falls:
Great Falls Transit District
City Bus
406-727-0382
Taxi:
Diamond Cab
406-453-3241
Visitor Information:
Great Falls Visitor Center
15 Overlook Drive
Great Falls, MT 59405
406-771-0885
Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
100 1st Ave North
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-761-4434
Dining:
Beargrass Grille
518 Central Avenue
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-453-1760
Experience fine dining Montana style with seafood flown in from Hawaii daily, 100% Montana raised beef and the finest wine cellar around.
Elmer’s Family Restaurant
1600 Fox Farm Road
Great Falls, MT 59404
406-761-2400
Family restaurant offering breakfast all day and more than 300 items on the menu including wine by the glass!
Howard’s Pizza
713 1st Avenue North
Great Falls, MT 59404
406-453-1212
Offering three locations to serve you the best and freshest hand tossed pizza in town! It’s a local favorite!
Penny’s Gourmet to Go
815 Central Avenue
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-453-7070
Dine-in or carryout whatever suits your fancy. This local eatery serves a variety of healthful and gourmet foods such as soups, salads, sandwiches, quiche, hot entrees, pizza, vegetarian specialties, fresh baked breads and scrumptious desserts.
Nightlife:
Bert & Ernie’s
300 1st Avenue South
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-453-0601
A little rowdy, a little entertaining, and lots of fun with music, spirits and food at this brew pub!
Stein Haus Inc
711 1st Avenue North
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-727-8183
True sports bar offering televisions, pool tables, dart tournaments, cold beer, gambling machines, and pizza!
J-T Roadhouse Casino
619 3rd Street Northwest
Great Falls, MT 59404
406-771-8822
Rustic style ranch house with a friendly reputation and a country western atmosphere. Stop by and have a drink, play a game and listen to the best of old and new country music!
Prime Time Casino & Grill
3800 10th Avenue South
Great Falls, MT 59405
406-761-4550
Informal and formal dining along with more than 20 machines for poker or keno play. They do serve wine, beer, and spirits.
Prospector Casino
907 Smelter Avenue
Great Falls, MT 59401
406-452-5266
Great adult fun! Restaurant, video poker and keno machines, live keno, lounge and bar.
City Bar and Casino
709 Central Avenue
Great Falls, MT 59402
406-761-9432
Serving lunch with a wide variety of selections on the menu as you have a cold drink and play a game!
