Great Falls, Montana Visitors Guide
Located among the five of the magnificent falls which cascade into the Missouri River, Great Falls played an important role in the explorations of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. It was here that they spent almost a month during June of 1805. Today, Great Falls is Montana’s third largest city. Its growth is credited to the various area industries, agriculture, livestock, construction and the nearby Malmstrom AFB.
Great Falls Museums and Galleries
If you love the artwork of cowboy artist C. M. Russell, then you are in for a treat. At the C. M. Russell Museum Complex you can see 2,000 of his artworks, as well as personal possessions and related items. The museum also displays work by Reiss, Seltzer, Sharp, Weighorst and Heikka. While visiting the Complex, you can visit Russell’s home and his log cabin art studio, or tour the Browning Firearms Collection.
The Paris Gibson Square Museum of art was built in 1895 and served as the town’s first high school. Today it is home to contemporary art work, a shopping area, and a café.
Other museums in the Great Falls area include the Montana Cowboys Museum and the Mehmke’s Steam Engine Museum.
Great Falls Parks and Recreation
The Giant Springs State Park is home to one of the world’s largest natural freshwater springs. The springs produce almost 390 million gallons of water every 24 hours. The Spring also supports a State Trout Hatchery and its water flow makes it the world’s shortest river—the Roe River.
The Lewis and Clark National Forest is over 1.8 million acres of canyons, mountains, and wilderness. Of special interest is the 15 mile long 1,000 feet high Chinese wall. Other outdoor activity includes big game hunting, fishing in the lakes and streams, camping, picnicking, scenic drives and winter sports.
Great Falls Trails & Tours
You can see many of the beautiful waterfalls by following the 13 mile paved pathway known as the River’s Edge Trail. You can walk, jog, rollerblade or ride a bike as you view the magnificent falls. When you go to the Great Falls Visitors Center you will get an overview of the city. You can sign up for a guided tour-the tour de Great Falls, or you may choose to book your seat on the Great Falls Historic Trolley.
Great Falls Learning Centers
To learn more about the experiences of Lewis and Clark, spend some time at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. While there, you will find exhibits and displays portraying their explorations, Indian relationships and their month long portage around the falls. You will see living history demonstrations, go on guided walks and watch the films which show what it was like to live as Lewis and Clark.
Family Fun in Great Falls, MT
To air up, do a 360* revert or twist, ride the rails or jump the ramps, then spend some time at Riverside Railyard Skate Park. With 27,000 square feet to roll in, the Railyard is among the 20 largest skate parks in America. There are 100 transfers between the features, curves, spines, and fun boxes which make the park a perfect place whether you are a rookie or a seasoned skater.
For those who love hands-on learning, spend some time at the Children’s Museum of Montana. Here you will find interactive exhibits which encourage touching and experimenting. The displays and centers are designed especially for children but adults will have fun as well www.childrensmuseumofmt.org.
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