The members of the Lewis and Clark expedition were impressed by the waterfalls of the Missouri River and it is from these waterfalls that Great Falls, Montana gets its name. It’s pretty much guaranteed that any visitor to Great Falls will be impressed with the area as well. Great Falls has something for everyone. Whether you want to raft down the Missouri River, hike part of the Lewis and Clark Trail, visit museums and art galleries, enjoy high-class dining and nightlife, you’ll have a great time in Great Falls.
Great Falls is named for the five impressive waterfalls on the Missouri River that so impressed the Lewis and Clark expedition – there’s Black Eagle Falls, Rainbow Falls, Crooked Falls, Colter Falls and Great Falls. Crooked Falls and Rainbow Falls look similar to the way they did when Lewis and Clark saw them, while the others have been dammed. Try many of the recreational options on the river. You can fish for trout, swim, canoe, white water raft or kayak and water ski, or walk along the River’s Edge Trail.
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Ulm Pishkun State Park used to be a bison kill site – where Native Americans would herd stampeding buffalo over the mile-long cliff. From the top of the jump, look out over the beautiful panorama of the Rocky Mountains and Missouri River valley. Stop by the visitor’s center, walk along the trails, and learn the history of the area. It’s an ideal combination of history and outdoor exploration.
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Charles Marion Russell was a well-known and distinguished cowboy artist in the 1800 and 1900’s. The C.M. Russell Museum has five galleries dedicated to Russell’s art and life as well as a reproduction of his log cabin studio and home. There are also exhibits on other artists including several contemporary Western artists. Other exhibits are temporary and on a rotating basis. Sculptures and art are outside on the grounds, including a large bronze state of two buffalo. There’s the traditional museum gift shop and café on the grounds. It’s great for art and history lovers.
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Great Falls is home to the Malmstrom Air Force Base. It’s an operating air force base, but there is a museum on site. Learn the history of the base from World War II to today. See some impressive weaponry and historical aircraft along with a reconstruction of World War II barracks. It’s the perfect place to visit for any history buff.
NOTE: Non-military visitors must stop at the Visitor Center at the 2nd Avenue North gate.
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Learn the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. There are videos, live programs and exhibits that tell the story of the expedition with several activities designed for children. Follow in their footsteps along part of the Lewis and Clark Trail that makes its way through Great Falls. It’s popular with school groups, which means it can get crowded, but it’s not something to miss! It’s perfect for any visitor to Great Falls.
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Discovered by the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805, the Giant Springs Heritage State Park is one of the world’s largest freshwater springs. There’s plenty to do - hike or bike the 15 miles of trails, fish, picnic, boat, or just appreciate the dynamic scenery. Spot some wildlife – the park is home a variety of wildlife including the American badger, mule deer, Northern River otter, and yellow-bellied marmot. For bird watchers, keep an eye out for a number of birds like the osprey, Pacific loon, American kestrel, and great horned owl.
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Enjoy creative dining at The Breaks Alehouse & Grill. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and the menu is varied. For those who don’t want the fun to end, in the basement there’s live music at night.
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The MacKenzie River Pizza Company is an institution in Montana. The pizza is baked on one of the restaurants signature crusts and there are a number of unique topping choices available for meat-eaters to vegetarians. They also serve pasta, sandwiches and salads. It’s popular with locals and families.
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The Beargrass Grille is fine dining in Great Falls. Dine on hand-cut, local steak or fresh seafood in the formal dining room, or relax in the lounge and tapas bar. There is an extensive wine list. The restaurant is popular with locals and visitors.
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The Sip-n-Dip Tiki Lounge in the O’Haire Motor Inn is an overwhelmingly popular and well-known bar; it was even ranked the number 1 bar in the world by GQ in 2003. Enjoy live piano bar entertainment 5 nights a week until the small hours of the morning. There’s a full bar with great cocktail options. Featured is the glass wall that separates the bar from the swimming pool. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see a mermaid! Sip-n-Dip Lounge is really a must-have experience for anyone visiting Great Falls.
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Stein Haus Inc. is a sports bar in downtown Great Falls. They serve Howard’s Pizza every day. Their selection of beer is impressive with 16 draft beers and 40 foreign and micro bottled beers. You can cozy up to the fireplace in the winter. Try your hand at one of the gambling machines or dart boards. Watch the hottest sports events on TV, and enjoy yourself in the relaxed and friendly setting.
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The Missouri River is a major attraction of Great Falls and it looks inviting, particularly on a hot, summer day. But be careful. The currents are extraordinarily strong. If canoeing, rafting or kayaking on the river, go with a guide. If swimming or wading, go only in designated areas and be aware of the currents; it’s probably best not to swim in the river without a real certainty and confidence in your swimming ability and knowledge of the river’s currents. In winter, don’t walk across the ice.
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The weather can change unexpectedly. Great Falls is one of the windiest cities in the country. If you’re out hiking or biking and just enjoying the outdoors, make sure to bring along extra water and an extra set of warm clothes. If you’re out on the water and you see a storm coming in, move onto dry land.
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