7 Museums in Great Falls That You Shouldn't Miss

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.

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.

For over 20 years, the children of our little city on the river have come and enjoyed productive, interactive, and educational activities and exhibits all year-round. The Children’s Museum of Montana was opened in February of 1999 and has seen over 60,000 visitors since then. We are the largest and oldest children's museum in Montana and proud of how far we have come- our current collection of over 20 exhibits is a must see for all visitors! While the years have passed, the mission remains the same- To Ignite a Passion for Lifelong Learning! Whether they are saving lives as a doctor in the Little Falls Clinic, learning about money in the Giant Springs Credit Union, or living on the homestead of the frontier; hands-on play is the goal and their own imagination is the only limitation!