Location: Great Falls
Top Things to do in Great Falls
What to do and see in Great Falls, Montana (MT): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 852 reviews
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 abalparker - Sylvan Lake, Canada
A wonderful place to learn more about the amazing story of Lewis and Clark and the early early days of the great plains and the west!! Also take in the buffalo jump, amazing to understand of how the first nation peoples harvested and feed their communities while respecting and living in harmony with nature!!
2. Valley View Garden Golf
3. C.M. Russell Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 470 reviews
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 C5747LIjamesr - Alberta, Canada
This is a really great Museum and a must if your a fan of Charley Russell and his art. Spent a day and 1/2 and totally enjoyed the time I spent. Staff are really friendly and helpful.
4. Giant Springs State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 453 reviews
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 CATTSAR - Provincetown, United States
This is a sensational park with beautiful views as well as an historical education. It is no secret that the main attractions are the giant springs. These springs provide a mesmerizing show as they cascade out and flow into the Roe River and then into the Missouri River. The walkway around allows for a 360 degree view of the springs. One of the other impressive features is the fish hatchery which located close to the springs. An incredible and lengthy network of paved and dirt trails are designed for biking, hiking and walking along the river. Other trails weave up the bluffs for enhanced views of the area. Picnicking, fishing, boating, bird watching and a jungle gym for kids are some of the other activities available. There is large green area for relaxing as well. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is another highlight especially if the weather is hot, cold or inclement. This is surely a great park for everyone.
5. Malmstrom Museum and Air Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
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.
6. Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
7. Gibson Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
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.
8. River's Edge Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
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.
9. Ryan Dam - Great Falls of the Missouri
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
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.
10. Electric City Water Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By kazrewom - Florence, United States
A blast for folks of all ages! The Lazy river is wonderful for relaxing and floating in the sun- you can float around the river as long as you wish or take your tube down the slide. The Flow Rider is a must try for anyone of sound body/mind! Had no trouble on a Thursday afternoon- finding a tube or a boogie board. The slides are in another pool nearby with a separate pool and fountains for the toddlers and smaller ones. Plenty of tree cover for those looking for a break from the bright Montana Summer sun. Snack bars on site with all the expected snack foods- nachos, fries, sodas, burgers, etc. This experience is a must on your visit to the Electric City!
