Great Falls Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Great Falls, located in the Montana region of the United States, is a scenic and vibrant city that offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Nestled along the Missouri River, this charming destination is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Nature lovers will find themselves in paradise in Great Falls. The city is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the majestic Rocky Mountains and the picturesque Great Falls Park. Explore the numerous hiking trails that wind through lush forests and breathtaking canyons, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. For a more leisurely experience, take a relaxing boat ride along the Missouri River, where you can soak in the tranquil atmosphere and spot wildlife such as bald eagles and deer.

History aficionados will be captivated by Great Falls' rich heritage. Visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, which pays homage to the famous explorers who passed through the area on their expedition to the Pacific. Delve into the city's past at the C.M. Russell Museum, which showcases the works of renowned Western artist Charles M. Russell. Step back in time at the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, where you can learn about the Native American tribes who used this site for hunting bison.

Great Falls also offers a vibrant arts and culture scene. Explore the downtown area, which is dotted with art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. Don't miss the Great Falls Symphony, which hosts regular performances featuring talented musicians from around the world. And if you're a fan of craft beer, be sure to check out the local breweries that offer a wide range of unique and delicious brews.

Alternative names: Population: 59.6 thous.Area: 23.39 mi²Elevation: 3340 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 47°30'18"N, 111°17'31"W

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MontanaUnited States

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Great Falls Top Attractions

Great Falls Attractions - What to See and Explore

Great Falls offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: C M Russell Museum, Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, St. Ann's Cathedral. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Art museum
C M Russell Museum
Nestled in the heart of Great Falls, Montana, the C.M. Russell Museum is a cultural gem dedicated to celebrating the art and spirit of the American West. This art museum is not just a repository of beautiful works but a vibrant tribute to the life and legacy of Charles...
Museum • Art museum • Modern art museum
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
Nestled in the heart of Great Falls, Montana, the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is a cultural gem that beckons art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. This art museum, housed in a stunning sandstone building that dates back to the early 20th century, is named...
47°28'47"N • 111°31'29"W
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is a Montana state park and National Historic Landmark in Cascade County, Montana in the United States. The park is 1,481 acres and sits at an elevation of 3,773 feet. It is located about 3.5 miles northwest of the small town of Ulm, which is near the city of Great Falls.

Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Ann's Cathedral
St. Ann's Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in Great Falls, Montana, United States. Along with St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral in Billings, Montana it is the seat of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings.
Bridge
Tenth Street Bridge
The Tenth Street Bridge is a concrete arch bridge in Great Falls, Montana, spanning the Missouri River. The bridge was designed by engineer Ralph Adams of Spokane, Washington and Great Falls architect George Shanley, and was completed in 1920. It was the longest open-spandrel ribbed concrete arch bridge in Montana.
47°30'22"N • 111°18'29"W
Children's Museum of Montana
Museum • Children's museum
Entertainment
Montana ExpoPark
The Montana ExpoPark is a fairground located in the city of Great Falls, Montana, in the United States. The 133-acre grounds contain 35 buildings, a horse racing track, grandstands, and the Four Seasons Arena—multi-purpose sports and exhibition arena.
Neo-renaissance architecture
Cascade County Courthouse
The Cascade County Courthouse in Great Falls, Montana is a historic courthouse built in 1901–1903, located in the town's civic district. Founded in 1887, Cascade County conducted its business from several office buildings in town until the courthouse was built.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a waterfall on the Missouri River in Great Falls, Montana, just upstream from Crooked Falls and downstream from Colter Falls and Rainbow Dam. It is 47 feet high and 1,320 feet wide. The waterfall is part of the five Great Falls of the Missouri.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Colter Falls
Colter Falls, also called Coulter Falls, is a waterfall on the Missouri River in north-central Montana, and part of the Great Falls of the Missouri. Downstream of Colter Falls lies Rainbow Falls, and upstream is Black Eagle Falls. The falls is now flooded in the impoundment behind Rainbow Dam.
47°31'14"N • 111°19'34"W
Valley View Garden Golf
Nature • Natural attraction • Golf
47°30'37"N • 111°18'0"W
Lee M. Ford House
The Lee M. Ford House is a historic house in Great Falls, Montana. It was designed in the Prairie School and American Craftsman styles by architect H. N. Black, and built by C. O. Jarl in 1908. Ford was the son of Robert S. Ford, a pioneer cattleman, and his father built it for him. Ford and architect Black were related.
47°30'26"N • 111°17'31"W
Masonic Temple
The Masonic Temple in Great Falls, Montana is a building from 1914. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. Address is 821 Central Avenue, Great Falls, Montana 59401, Phone number is 453-9080. Cascade No. 34 meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:30pm...
47°30'24"N • 111°18'11"W
United States Post Office and Courthouse–Great Falls
The U.S. Post Office and Courthouse–Great Falls, also known as Great Falls Post Office and Courthouse, in Great Falls, Montana, is a three-story building constructed in 1912. It was expanded by a two-story addition in 1937 and further expanded in 1967–68.
47°30'28"N • 111°18'7"W
Great Falls Public Library
Library
47°30'36"N • 111°19'44"W
Timothy Edwards Collins Mansion
The Collins Mansion is a historic home in Great Falls, Montana, United States. The mansion was built in 1891 by Irish born Timothy Edward Collins, a local businessman who initially traveled to Montana during the gold rush.
47°34'10"N • 111°7'27"W
Ryan Dam
Ryan Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Missouri River, 10 miles downstream from the city of Great Falls in the U.S. state of Montana. The dam is 1,336 feet long and 61 feet high; its reservoir is 7 miles long and has a storage capacity of 5,000 acre-feet. It is a run-of-river dam.
Universities and schools
University of Providence
The University of Providence is a private Roman Catholic university in Great Falls, Montana. It is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.
Universities and schools
Great Falls College Montana State University
Great Falls College–Montana State University is a public community college in Great Falls, Montana. It is affiliated with the Montana State University System and offers Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Science, and Associate of Arts degrees as well as several Information Technology Certifications.

Day trips

Great Falls – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Great Falls, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Fort Benton Bridge (Fort Benton), Smith River State Recreational Waterway, Benton Lake Wetland Management District (Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge).

36 milesNE
Bridge
Fort Benton Bridge, Fort Benton
Fort Benton Bridge spans the Missouri River at the town of Fort Benton, Montana. It was built in 1888. It has also been known as Old Bridge and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
38 milesS
Locality
Smith River State Recreational Waterway
Smith River State Recreational Waterway, popularly known as the Smith River State Park, is a protected river corridor and "virtual park" owned and operated by the state of Montana in the United States.
11 milesN
Natural attraction, Protected area
Benton Lake Wetland Management District, Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Benton Lake Wetland Management District is located in the U.S. state of Montana and is the largest wetland district in the nation. Covering an area of 25,000 sq mi the district extends from the Canada–United States border to Helena, Montana.
23 milesS
Locality
Lewis and Clark National Forest
Lewis and Clark National Forest is located in west central Montana, United States. Spanning 2,912 square miles, the forest is managed as two separate zones. The eastern sections, under the Jefferson Division, is a mixture of grass and shrublands dotted with "island" pockets of forested areas.

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Best Time To Visit Great Falls

Learn when is the best time to travel to Great Falls weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February and November. Most of it rains in May.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Great Falls?

The top attractions to visit in Great Falls are:

What is the best time to visit Great Falls?

July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.