10 Free Things to do in Great Falls That You Shouldn't Miss

August 20, 2021 Flossie Demartino

Anyone with an interest in history and a love of the great outdoors will enjoy a getaway to Great Falls. Steeped in the traditions of the Old West and chock-full of historic buildings and important landmarks, the city itself is a living museum. But there are also real museums to explore. Check out the Lewis & Clark National Trail Interpretive Center which has interactive exhibits and videos that help you retrace the steps of the famous explorers. The C.M. Russell Museum Complex displays the work of the "Cowboy Artist" Charlie Russell. Families should stop at the Children's Museum of Montana for hours of entertainment. Or walk into the past of the Northern Plains at First People’s Buffalo Jump, where Native Americans used to stampede buffalo over cliffs. Visitors can also take advantage of a wide array of outdoor recreation opportunities. With a fantastic view of the Missouri River, the 24-mile River's Edge Trail is great for walking, biking, in-line skating or jogging. Bird watchers will enjoy the Benton Lake Wildlife Refuge, and hiking, biking and camping opportunities in nearby mountain ranges offer even more outdoor fun.
Restaurants in Great Falls

1. St. Ann Cathedral

715 3rd Ave N, Great Falls, MT 59401-1501 +1 406-761-5456 http://www.stannscathedral.org
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

St. Ann Cathedral

2. Feather Your Nest

311 Central Ave, Great Falls, MT 59401-3113 +1 406-315-2410 http://featheryournestmt.com/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 16 reviews

Feather Your Nest

Reviewed By piglet81222016 - Great Falls, United States

I go into feather your nest fairly often but have never eaten there, until yesterday. Everything about this sweet little place was wonderful! Very fun and calm atmosphere, very friendly and kind service and the food is all homemade except for the bread (that's what we were told). The tomato soup was very good, slightly sweet but full of excellent flavor! Their sandwiches are very good and their pumpkin dessert topped it all off! A very fun place to visit and have a good lunch! I highly recommend! And will for sure be back!

3. Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge

922 Bootlegger Trl, Great Falls, MT 59404-6133 +1 406-727-7400 [email protected] http://www.fws.gov/refuge/benton_lake
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge

4. Malmstrom Museum and Air Park

90 Whitehall Dr, Great Falls, MT 59402 +1 406-731-2705 [email protected] http://www.malmstrom.af.mil/About-Us/Malmstrom-Museum
Excellent
65%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 81 reviews

Malmstrom Museum and Air Park

Monday - Friday: 10:00am-4:00pm. Closed all US Federal Holidays. We are located on the east side of Great Falls, Montana, at the east end of 2nd Ave North, just inside the Malmstrom AFB main gate to the right. Because Malmstrom Museum and Air Park are within the Malmstrom AFB perimeter, public access or non-US DoD cardholders will need to process through the Visitor Control Center located outside and just to the right of the 2nd Ave. N. Gate (6220 Goddard Dr.). A valid US or Canadian Driver's License or ID card is required for public access. Children 16 and over will require a valid photo ID (e.g., Driver's License, State or Gov't ID, School ID). Accompanied children less than 16 years of age do not require an ID card for access. Non-US/Canadian Driver's License/ID Card holders may coordinate in advance as Passport or Visa clearances can take up to 72 business-hours to process for entry authorization. Group Visits and Special Arrangements may be coordinated by contacting the museum.

Reviewed By 304carlp - West Columbia, United States

Rob the manager of the facility I can not say enough good things to describe his assistance to my wife and I. We visited Malstrom and the wonderful museum. We were stationed there from Jan. 1971-may 1972. The security forces help desk at the main gate was manned by several great airman. Since I was in the Security Police Squadron their professionalism meant a lot to me and my wife. It was a great visit and I hope we will get to visit again.

5. Gibson Park

Park Drive and 1st Avenue North, Great Falls, MT
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 119 reviews

Gibson Park

Reviewed By caz135b - Sacramento, United States

We have gone to this park for over 50 years, always relaxing and fun to feed the ducks. No bread please, bad for the Water foul.

6. River's Edge Trail

Great Falls, MT http://thetrail.org/
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 170 reviews

River's Edge Trail

Reviewed By LastChance4Fun

The River's Edge Trail is the best urban trail system in Montana -- and maybe the northwest. Trails run along both sides of the river. Long stretches are paved and are wheelchair accessible. Other areas are unpaved and are great for mountain biking or hiking along the river. Many areas feel "wild" even though you're in or close to town.

7. Ryan Dam - Great Falls of the Missouri

160 Ryan Dam Rd, Great Falls, MT 59404-6006 +1 406-268-2324 [email protected] https://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/recreation-area/ryan-island-park-picnic-area.html
Excellent
52%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 260 reviews

Ryan Dam - Great Falls of the Missouri

Reviewed By Caitermelon - Great Falls, United States

Ryan Island is a pretty little scenic spot to visit during the day. You walk across a bridge out to the island and there’s some walking paths and picnic areas. You can see the dam well from there. The island is only open during the summer and they do close the island during the night.

8. Milwaukee Station

Great Falls, MT
Excellent
47%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 15 reviews

Milwaukee Station

Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada

There are a lot of people working here. Examples: RBC Wealth, Mc Donald of Great Falls, Chicago Title. Outside they have waterfalls and beautiful flowers. Inside it is gorgeous. It is amazing. They have a huge mirror. The chairs are amazing. The floor is of marble. We thought we were in an castle. Gorgeous! A must see!

9. The History Museum

422 2nd St S, Great Falls, MT 59405-1816 +1 406-452-3462 http://thehistorymuseum.org
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 29 reviews

The History Museum

10. The Celtic Cowboy

116 1st Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59401-3601 +1 406-952-0393 http://www.thecelticcowboy.com
Excellent
50%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
10%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 30 reviews

The Celtic Cowboy

Reviewed By groupleader45212 - Helena, United States

I love this classy pub with an Irish twist. Based on a real Celtic Cowboy and citizen of Great Falls the pub leans heavily on Irish food and traditions. They serve breakfast everyday, all day and have a great Sunday brunch with salad and dessert bars. Lots of choices for vegetarians. I love the Irish Mac and cheese and the oatmeal is a delicious and filling breakfast .

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