Great Falls

Great Falls is a city in Montana. It’s home to the C.M. Russell Museum, devoted to the artist known for images of the American West. The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art shows contemporary work in a landmark Romanesque Revival building. On the Missouri River, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center has exhibits on the explorers’ route through the adjacent Giant Springs State Park.
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Great Falls Trip Planner

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Top attractions in Great Falls

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
1. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
4.7
(296)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Exhibits follow the adventurers' path at this spacious museum that also offers walking trails.
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A great museum for adults, I think it wouldn't be as fun for kids. This is a beautiful building in a gorgeous location! We paid and went right in to the theater. The video was not too long and very informative. The main part of the museum is downstairs and it was easy to follow the path from room to room. There are some really great artifacts and pictures. My favorites were the earth house and log boat. There was a lot of reading but if you're interested in the topic it was all very interesting and worthwhile. I would love to come back in summer and do some of the paths in the area. There is a gift shop but I can't say it has a lot of ready stuff, pretty basic. Overall a great experience and worth the visit.
We were traveling through on our way to Alaska and stopped here to visit the center. Amazing! There is afee to enter, however if you hold the America the Beautiful pass, senior pass or military pass, or any of the other federal passes, you enter for free. The history here was so enlightening. We learned things we did not know. They have movies throughout the day on different subjects. We arched the one on the Portage. So interesting. You can enter the theater from the upper or lower level. The exhibits in the center were very informative. The exhibits are mostly on the lower level. There are stairs or you can take an elevator. There are items of interest outside and a fantastic walking path along the Missouri River. The staff was so wonderful. There is also a small gift shop. I collect magnets so I was able to pick one up. There is a great covered picnic area over near the teepee that you can enjoy lunch or a snack. After we visited the center, we knew we had to drive out to the Great Falls waterfall, which we wouldn't have known about if we hadn't stopped here. If you are coming to stay in Great Falls or just passing through, you really need to stop here.
Interesting presentation of Lewis and Clark's expedition across untamed America. It covers the incredibly difficult and brutal conditions these men endured crossing the continent.
This was an excellent Lewis and Clark exhibit! We have been traveling the Lewis and Clark trail and have visited many different centers. This is the most complete, covering all parts and days of the voyage. Great for kids too!
Arguably the best part of this museum is the staff (the same does not apply to the gift shop staff … that was a bad experience) they were knowledgeable, fun, and really seemed to enjoy their jobs. Aside from the staff, the museum itself was well done. The exhibits were well explained and told the story of Lewis and Clark with clarity. One item of note, at the end of exhibits are a few cases of guns, go to that case and look at the top most gun at the front. That’s a replica of the repeating air rifle, a true marvel of engineering and what the Indians were shown as Lewis and Clark traveled. Imagine seeing a rifle that didn’t need gunpowder, was quiet when shot, and didn’t create muzzle flash. That’d be fairly amazing to see in a world of muzzle loaded weapons. Anyway, highly recommend place to visit.
I had an excellent experience here. The museum has lots of very interesting exhibits, and all of the descriptions are very well made. I learned a lot of the local history just from my short visit, but I could have been entertained there all day. I highly recommend, and I will be stopping by again to check out some areas I missed.
CLOSED!! Looks to be very nice, the walk is very cute. The center is closed as of yesterday because of the gov shutdown
It's an amazing place to visit. One of the best on the entire trail. Good for adults, children, history buffs, and families. It's a must-see in Great Falls!
Giant Springs State Park
2. Giant Springs State Park
4.8
(2604)
State park
Nature & Parks
Home to one of the largest freshwater springs in North America, the Rainbow Dam & 30 miles of trail.
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Such a beautiful park!! It was super cool to see such a large natural spring. Very accessible and clean, can walk down the trail going alongside the river for a while. Just watch out for geese 🤣
It was beautiful and educational. The show pond had the biggest trout I have ever seen! The spring was so clean and clear. Lots of shade in the park too!
Great place for a walk along the Missouri River. Good mix of paved and unpaved trails. Interesting spring that feeds into the river. The ranger running the office the day I visited was very friendly. I'd return if in the area again.
The fish looked pretty worse for wear.. otherr than that it was lovely. Hiking and walking from very easy time to somewhat challenging.
Giant Springs is always a great place to visit, it's absolutely beautiful and peaceful. I love going with my family and enjoying a picnic and a walk. There are plenty of places to fish along the trail.
This place was such a gem. I stopped here in 2022 and absolutely loved it, glad to have stopped by again.
Love it here it's really tranquil it's got an awesome hot springs and a walking path and a park it's great to bring your kids or your dog or just to go down there and relax. Also a fish refinery at this location.
Giant Springs State Park is beautiful. the clear, bubbling springs and the gorgeous views of the Missouri River were awesome. The park is so well-kept, with easy trails that are perfect for a peaceful walk or a family adventure. The fish hatchery was such a fun surprise, and learning about the springs' history made the visit even more special. Whether you're into hiking, picnicking, or just soaking in the beauty of nature, this place has it all. If you're in Great Falls, don't miss out on this incredible spot!
C. M. Russell Museum
3. C. M. Russell Museum
4.7
(800)
Art museum
Museums
Showcase for a huge collection of works by the renowned Western artist, plus his home & log studio.
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This is an intimate look at CM Russell,his wife and his friendships. Deep friendships - through the time when people really knew each other well. The other exhibits featuring Native people and the cowboy was amazing and honorable.
If you find yourself in Great Falls, Montana, a visit to the C.M. Russell Museum is an absolute must. This beautiful museum exceeded my expectations with its thoughtfully curated collection that showcases not only the art of Charles Marion Russell—a cowboy turned renowned artist—but also the rich history of the region. I spent a delightful two hours wandering through the exhibits on a quiet weekday, where I enjoyed the spacious layout that made viewing each piece a breeze. The museum offers a fantastic display of Russell’s works, alongside fascinating insights into his life, friendships, and the Wild West he portrayed so vividly. The museum is also home to Russell’s well-preserved studio and cabin, located just behind the main building. These spaces provide a deeply personal glimpse into the life of the artist, adding a unique layer to the experience. The informational plaques beside each artwork were thorough and engaging, enhancing my understanding of both Russell’s artistic journey and the native art and memorabilia that are significantly represented in the collection. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop before you leave! It features a wonderful selection of items that celebrate the local culture and art. I refrained from sharing too many pictures to preserve the surprise for future visitors, but trust me, this museum is definitely worth your time. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a history buff, the C.M. Russell Museum will leave you inspired and enlightened.
You will be moved. This museum can make you weep, it can make you think. Take the time to visit and learn and enjoy some of the most stunning art in the world here.
What a great display of Art and to see his original home and art studio was truly an experience. As you walk his art and you realize you looking at something over 124 years old it’s pretty amazing to see. The fact the museum is on his original home site just adds to it. Great sculptures outside on the grounds, shaded picnic tables available. Great place to spend the day.
We finally went for a visit. Friday and museum was not too busy. Took our time. Very well laid out. Great info beside pictures. Very good collection of C M Russell art. Also lots of native art and memorabilia. Make sure to make time to visit cabin and house just outside the main museum. Beautiful and so nice to c both in such condition. Admission was very reasonable. Looks like there’s more to come. We will be back to check. Sure glad we stopped!
I seened Charlie Russell pictures I never seemed before. Was also other artists featured there. This was on my bucket list for a long time. If you like western themed art, this will be a unforgettable place to visit.
I'm not a big art fan, but the house and studio were what I liked the most.
Great place. There was a lot to see. I spent ~2hrs inside and some of it I had to skip because I had another appointment I needed to get to. And they still had 2 new rooms they were currently in the process of building. So I recommend either expecting to spend several hours here or make frequent trips. The goods store was nice too. You can buy pottery, handbags , dishes, jewelery, and other hand made goods. Though, it was definitely more expensive than I was expecting it to be for an entry ticket, $18.
Big Falls
4. Big Falls
4.2
(27)
Waterfall
Nature & Parks
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Great place to go. I went with some others while it was just starting to rain so it would be easy to to get on and out without having to worry about a crowd. And also to be able to relax. Going over the bridge was cool. Though make sure that it's no more than 6 like the sign says. And to get here was rather confusing and also contentious. Make sure your vehicle has good suspension, tires, and breaks and it's the size of a F250 or similar.
We made the drive out to the Great Falls at the Ryan Dam. We got a map at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center so it was ready to find. They have a nice area to park, bathrooms and once you walk across the bridge, there are picnic tables and a beautiful grass area to relax. This is a day use area so make sure you are our before it closes since the gate automatically closes at the end of the day. Once you walk abroad the suspension bridge, just stay on the path and you will get to a fantastic viewing area for the falls. They are very impressive. These are the falls that Lewis & Clark came upon (they were much bigger before the dam was built) and they realized they would have to take their canoes out of the Missouri River and carry them to the other side of the falls. This took them 18.5 extra miles and about a month since once they got past this dam, they realized there were 4 more dams to go around. This is so worth the drive to see this.
Definitely worth a visit!! Google maps tries to take you through a route thats closed with a gate on the right side of the road. Continue down the rocky road to the farm you see down the road it will take you straight to the dam. Hope that helps!
A must visit place Great Falls.Watch out for rattlesnake at lokk out point .
Came from Canada to see Montana and I'm very glad we made it a stop to see the dams arounds great falls, worth the drive. :)
It's totally awesome and beautiful. A nice little walk about to check out the falls.
Amazing place. Incredible view.
There's not much water coming over dam. Nice walk along river
River's Edge Trail
5. River's Edge Trail
4.9
(27)
Park
Nature & Parks
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Great trail, but for those unfamiliar with the area, make sure you start in the right spot; otherwise, you'll be riding through streets with heavy traffic and drivers who don't respect bicycles. I did 25 miles on this trail yesterday on my eBike, and it was super fun! It's so nice to finally find a trail that allows e-bikes. Just remember to ride slowly and be very courteous to others. We e-bikers need to set the standard as ideal riders and show others that we truly respect the rules, other riders, runners, and walkers. For those unaware, e-bikes are classified as bikes under Montana Code Annotated. The only exception to this law is if there's a local ordinance that doesn't allow e-bikes on local trails. Great Falls does not have any ordinances classifying e-bikes as motor vehicles, so you are legally able to ride your e-bike anywhere an analog bike is allowed. Again, if you're on an e-bike, please remember to be courteous!
A very active colony of swallows, nervous rabbits and large, lazy carp were all in evidence on our walk today...easy, winding trail that 😀 helps you enjoy God's creation!
Paved trail along the river in Great Falls. We were able to ride it to Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Rainbow Falls. Could use a few signs at intersections, but mostly a great path with sights along the way.
I live about 1200 feet from this magnificent dam. The spray from the dam on the Island felt wonderful on that hot Saturday! So much to appreciate!
Super fun trail through town, out of town, all along the river. Most all of the trails are paved, but there are a few single track sections.
Paved trail along the river in Great Falls. We were able to ride it to Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Rainbow Falls.
River's Edge has great views of the river. It's a great place to walk the trail, ride a bike, and much more. It is one of the most scenic and open areas, so it's great for all ages to come and enjoy.
Gibson Park
6. Gibson Park
4.6
(1648)
City park
Nature & Parks
Lush retreat featuring colorful gardens, paths, a duck pond, playground & a historic cabin.
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This was a beautiful park my daughter took us to when we visited Montana. There is a big pond with lots of ducks and geese which the kids really enjoyed feeding. There is a huge playground with swings, basketball courts, an amphitheater, a lot of green space for the kids to run and play, trails for a beautiful walk through the park, a historic cabin, and beautiful flower gardens. It’s a very nice park and a must visit if you are in Great Falls. It was also very clean. It’s also close to the children’s Museum of Montana, which is a great place to take kids too.
This park was fun to walk around. Living in a desert environment, it was a refreshing change to see a bunch of green grass and trees surrounding you. The only thing that wasn't as pleasant were all the bird "surprise" I saw all over the ground. The playground was nice and didn't seem to have any safety issues with the equipment. The area is nice and quiet which enables people to walk or relax in peace. Highly recommend to everyone!
Nice park with good walking areas. If you walk near the pond you will be swarmed with ducks, geese, and dumpster ducks (seagulls) all wanting simmering to eat. The fine smell of weed drifts effortlessly over the air as you pass under the tunnel to the skate park. The kids there were very nice i will say and we're not bothered by me and my wife along with an assortment of nieces and nephews. It is really cool to see the trains as they go over said tunnel though.
Only went to half of park with the duck pond. The park is very lovely with tons of shade and soft maintained grass. Decent playground for kids. Little stage area. The best part of the half we saw was the duck pond. Tons of ducks, gulls, and very easy going geese. There is a snack shack type place that also sells healthy duck food. If back in town will come back to the park.
Amazing park, lots of nice grass and trees for shade. Trash cans throughout and it shows, there was no trash on the ground anywhere. Lots of people here but so much open space to not feel crowded. If we lived here we would definitely choose it for our walks with our dog. Parking lot provides plenty of parking for most days I would say. Would recommend to anyone, great park
This is such an amazing park, the best in Great Falls, I'd bet. There are two playgrounds, one suited for younger kids and one suited for slightly older kids. There's a pond full of ducks, geese, and seagulls to feed (please make sure you're using bird-safe food! I'd suggest quick oats!). There is also a little concessions stand that sells snacks and even sells duck food, but I'm not entirely sure of their hours. There's walking trails, historical landmarks, a giant stage, and if you go through the tunnel, you'll find a skate park and another playground. There are plenty of restrooms in the area. This park also hosts a lot of events, so check them out!
This was a beautiful park my daughter took us to when we visited Montana. There is a big pond with lots of ducks and geese which the kids really enjoyed feeding.
One of beautiful places for a picnic, lots of sunshine and friendly faces.People are laying under the trees while reading books. it's so nice to see wholesome family fun and there's something for everyone to do there , whether it's nature or simply enjoying
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Other notable attractions

Malmstrom AFB
Museums
Military Museums
Malmstrom Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base in Cascade County, Montana, United States, adjacent to the city of Great Falls. It was named in honor of World War II POW Colonel Einar Axel Malmstrom. Wikipedia.
Great Falls
Visitor Centers
Great Falls is a city in Montana. It’s home to the C.M. Russell Museum, devoted to the artist known for images of the American West. The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art shows contemporary work in a landmark Romanesque Revival building. On the Missouri River, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center has exhibits on the explorers’ route through the adjacent Giant Springs State Park.
Spark! Children's Museum of Montana
Temporarily Closed
Children's museum
Museums
Whimsical, interactive museum for children featuring an array of creative, educational exhibits.
Electric City Water Park
Temporarily Closed
Water park
Water & Amusement Parks
Family attraction with waterslides, a lazy river, a body-board pool, a kids' play area & snacks.
Holiday Village Mall
Shopping mall
Shopping
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
Art museum
Museums
Art shows in an 1896 building, displaying the work of current & historic Northwest artists.
The History Museum
Heritage museum
Museums
Museum in an old warehouse featuring artifacts & photographs illustrating local culture & history.
Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Visitor center
Nature & Parks
Montana ExpoPark
Event venue
Casinos & Gambling
St. Ann's Cathedral
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks

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