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

February 26, 2018 Ying Subia

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. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

4201 Giant Springs Rd, Great Falls, MT 59405-0913 +1 406-727-8733
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 678 reviews

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Located on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River in Giant Springs Heritage State Park, this visitors center provides information and exhibits about Lewis and Clark's famous journey and the historical significance of the United States' westward expansion.

Reviewed By Stephanie B - Great Falls, Montana

We brought my parents here, who were able to get us free entrance (usually about $9pp, I believe) with their Senior National Parks pass. I would have been happy to pay the entry fee, because the museum was awesome! I learned a lot about Lewis and Clark. The interactive exhibits entertained us all (from age 5 to 65) and the movie was decent. We also enjoyed walking along the river front, despite the blustery winds. Highly recommend for anyone who is interested in American history.

2. C.M. Russell Museum

400 13th St N, Great Falls, MT 59401-1498 +1 406-727-8787
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 374 reviews

C.M. Russell Museum

Charlie Russell documented the West that was vanishing before his eyes, telling the story of the American West as no artist had before. Many of the stories Russell told through Russell's art and life resonate even today. The first museum dedicated to Western art, the C.M. Russell Museum houses Charles Marion Russell's original studio, the home where he lived, and many paintings and bronzes created by Russell and his contemporaries. It also includes a compelling exhibition of Browning Firearms, featuring information on John Moses Browning (1855-1926), one of the world's most important and innovative gun makers. Now allowing photography except for specific pieces (no flash photography). Find out why the C.M. Russell Museum is the art and soul of the American West.

Reviewed By Bob W - Spokane, Washington

Western Art by one of the greatest. Lots and lots of his work. Displayed very well. Additional artist displayed in enough quantity to enjoy. Not just a few pieces.

Plan on a long, slow, walk through here.

I would not take children.

In addition to the artwork there is a life history on display of Russell. Many photos of his life add to the large dimension of this museum.

3. Giant Springs State Park

4803 Giant Springs Rd, Great Falls, MT 59405-0902 +1 406-727-1212
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 374 reviews

Giant Springs State Park

See. Do. Explore. The possibilities at Giant Springs State Park are limitless- there is so much to see & do with over 4600 acres of front & backcountry & 20 miles of trail. Most people come for the beautiful springs (first described by Lewis and Clark in 1805), BUT there is so much more to do! Giant Springs offers opportunities for Biking, Hiking, Picnicking, Fishing, Hunting, Boating, Bird/wildlife watching, Photography. There is also much to see: The Springs, River Overlooks, the Fish Hatchery, The Falls and More! Visit the ranger station for guided tours/walks, children's activities, summer programming or for questions.

Reviewed By chmeee5 - Melbourne, Australia

We stopped here to see Roe River - the world's shortest. From perfectly clear springs welling up to its merging with the Missouri all within a very short distance, the river and its surrounds were quite beautiful and serene.

4. River's Edge Trail

Great Falls, MT
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 138 reviews

River's Edge Trail

Reviewed By James C - Great Falls

Regardless of the ongoing publicity surrounding this trail, most of the time it is not really crowded. Especially this year, with the smoke and heat, many have probably opted out of extensive time on the trail.

Some nice historic views. I still miss the view of the stack from days of old, but the trail didn't exist back then. The surface is mostly well maintained except for some spots.

Try it, you'll like it.

5. Ryan Dam - Great Falls of the Missouri

Ryan Dam Road, Great Falls, MT
Excellent
53%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 213 reviews

Ryan Dam - Great Falls of the Missouri

Reviewed By MrsPickle - Huntington Beach, California

If you like Lewis and Clark history you must make the effort to go see the Great Falls. Yes they are nothing like they were when L&C had to portage their boats around the Falls but still dramatic to imagine what it was like. There is s suspension bridge that goes across to Ryan Island for a great view.

6. Gibson Park

Park Drive and 1st Avenue North, Great Falls, MT
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 109 reviews

Gibson Park

Reviewed By Trixley M - San Luis Obispo, California

This is such a beautiful park in the middle of the historic part of the city. Great trails for walking, jogging, lots of activities for children and adults alike. Concession stand, flower garden, bandstand, playground, restrooms, connects with River Walk which also has public tennis courts, skate park, biking, dog park (small and large dogs separated).

7. Great Falls Visitor Center

15 Overlook Dr, Great Falls, MT 59405-4178 +1 406-771-0885
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

Great Falls Visitor Center

Reviewed By Funfabmim - Great Falls, Montana

I work at a beautiful hotel next to the airport in Great Falls. I send guests here all the time. The staff are fabulous, and very knowledgeable. Great coupons for downtown too!

8. Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum

90 Whitehall Dr, Great Falls, MT 59402 +1 406-731-2705
Excellent
62%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum

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 the 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 right of the 2nd Avenue 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. Exterior Displays: F-101B/F, Voodoo; B-25J, Mitchell Bomber; EB-57 B/E, Canberra; F-84F, Thunderstreak; UH-IF, Huey (Iroquois); T-33, Shooting Star; KC-97G, Stratotanker; LGM-30G Minuteman III, ICBM; and more. Interior Displays: One of the largest military model aircraft displays in the northwest; World War II Era barracks room; Lend Lease Diorama; Air Defense Weapons, SAGE Computer, Flight suit and Survival Equipment displays; Minuteman I and II missile launch control consoles; Minuteman Launch Facility cutaway; Minuteman III Post Boost Control System; MM II Re-Entry vehicle; Army Air Corps and US Air Force uniform display; Lewis and Clark Portage Map of Great Falls, Montana. Visitors may also view a Minuteman Missile system video highlighting current missile field operations, maintenance and sustainment.

Reviewed By Frank A - South Jordan, Utah

My wife, I and our adult daughter visited there 5/15/17.Security is rather tight; it *is* an Air Force Base. Park and leave your car at the entrance. Fill out a short form and leave your driver license with them. Montana residents are required to use their passport instead. I don't know what they do for kids. A (civilian) escort takes you to the museum itself. There a half dozen or so aircraft outside on the way to the museum; it's a short walk, total maybe a quarter mile on a sidewalk. There are many exhibits of various types inside, and the guide seems quite knowledgeable. There is a short (20 min) video about the history, etc., of the airbase, including a lot about the missiles that are there. Historical photos, equipment mock-ups, uniforms. This museum is not nearly as large as the museum at Hill AFB in Utah, but it is interesting, and I'm glad we went to see it. It's pretty much a "one-time" place for me, but I would go again and take my grandkids. My "not sure" answer about "outdoor activity" is because it's partly outdoor (the aircraft) and the rest indoors.

9. Electric City Water Park

100 Riverview Dr E, Great Falls, MT 59404-1548
Excellent
51%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

Electric City Water Park

Reviewed By tim933 - Hanna, Canada

Great fun for the whole family. Different pool for various ages. Snack shack. Nice clean dressing rooms.

10. Bowser Brewing Company

1826 10th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405-2632 +1 406-315-1340
Excellent
68%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24 reviews

Bowser Brewing Company

How it began...Well somewhere in the middle of Montana lies yet another of the state's infamous small towns by the name of Winifred. Many of you likely have not heard of the town, but for those of you who have you know that if Winifred can produce anything it is an appreciation for beer. It's here that the love of beer grew in men and, more importantly, in the heart of one man, by the name of Evan Bowser, who turned that love into a dream...With some planning, a few brews in between, and a brand new baby later, the family owned Bowser Brewing Co became the first brewery to grace Great Falls in over 40 years. Along with his parents, Rich and Deb, his wife Michelle and new born baby Kendall, the Bowser's opened the door of delicious beer to the public on December 23, 2011.Who we are...We wanted to establish a place where people could gather to enjoy good tasting beer in a fun and relaxed environment. Producing tasty brews on a 7 barrel system under the mastermind of head brewer Dennis Holland, our goal is to provide great tasting beer to great people. Community means everything to us and that's why we support local growers and businesses in Great Falls and throughout the state. We have a dedicated community of our own working hard to keep you refreshed daily and occasionally making sure each and every beverage tastes sufficient for the public. Here at Bowser Brewing Co we like beer and we like people, I think that's something we could all raise a toast to.

Reviewed By LB S

Bowser Brewing Company is a great place!!! I don't drink beer, but I LOVE the house rootbeer!!! Our food was also fantastic!! And, the environment is classy and comfortable!!! The Bowser Family has done Great Falls a good deed by opening their community oriented business!

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