Attractions and Places To See around Great Falls - Top 14

Great Falls is renowned for its natural beauty, particularly the Missouri River and its namesake waterfalls. You can visit the Great Falls of the Missouri River, which includes five waterfalls, or explore Black Eagle Memorial Island, a historical site offering views of Black Eagle Falls. Another significant natural attraction is Giant Springs State Park, home to one of the largest freshwater springs in the country and the Roe River.

Yes, Great Falls offers a rich array of historical and cultural sites. The First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is a National Historic Landmark providing insights into the hunting practices of Plains tribes. You can also visit the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center to learn about the expedition's journey, or the C.M. Russell Museum Complex, dedicated to "America's Cowboy Artist."

The area around Great Falls is perfect for outdoor activities, especially along the Missouri River. The River's Edge Trail offers 60 miles of paved and singletrack paths ideal for biking and walking, connecting many parks and attractions. For hiking, you can explore routes like the River's Edge Trail to Rainbow Dam Overlook or other sections of the River's Edge Trail. Find more details on hiking routes at Hiking around Great Falls.

Absolutely! Many attractions are suitable for families. First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park features a visitor center, interpretive trail, and a prairie dog town that kids often enjoy. Giant Springs State Park allows visitors to feed fish at its hatchery. Gibson Park offers flower gardens, a duck pond, and a playground, while the Electric City Water Park provides fun for all ages.

You can find several excellent viewpoints. The Rainbow Dam Overlook provides views of the hydroelectric dam. Black Eagle Memorial Island offers views of Black Eagle Falls. Additionally, the Steamboat Island Overlook, located along the River's Edge Trail, gives you a glimpse of picturesque Steamboat Island and the surrounding river landscape.

The River's Edge Trail is an extensive 60-mile trail system along the Missouri River. It features a mix of paved and singletrack paths, offering breathtaking vistas of mountains, prairies, river canyons, waterfalls, and reservoirs. It connects many of Great Falls' parks and attractions and is popular for cycling, walking, and enjoying the scenery. The trail also showcases 28 works of art.

The Great Falls of the Missouri River are the city's namesake and a significant natural wonder. These five waterfalls—Great Falls, Crooked Falls, Rainbow Falls, Colter Falls, and Black Eagle Falls—were a crucial obstacle for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, requiring an 18-mile, 31-day portage. They are best appreciated in spring when water flow is highest.

The C.M. Russell Museum Complex honors Charles M. Russell, known as "America's Cowboy Artist." Visitors can explore his historic house from 1900, his log cabin studio from 1903, and galleries displaying his watercolors, oil paintings, and sculptures that capture the spirit of the American West.

For a truly unique experience, visit the Sip 'n Dip Lounge. This tiki-themed bar is famous for its live mermaids swimming in a pool visible from the lounge, offering a memorable and quirky atmosphere.

While the region offers year-round attractions, spring is particularly good for viewing the waterfalls at their most powerful. The extensive trail systems, like the River's Edge Trail, are enjoyable from spring through fall for cycling and walking, with pleasant temperatures for outdoor exploration.

The First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is a National Historic Landmark and one of the largest buffalo jumps in the US. It features a visitor center, an interpretive trail, and a prairie dog town, offering a deep dive into the hunting practices of Plains tribes and the natural history of the area.

Yes, Great Falls is known as "The Electric City" due to its hydroelectric dams. You can learn about this history at sites like Black Eagle Memorial Island, which once housed the city's first hydroelectric dam power plant. The Rainbow Dam Overlook also provides views of a significant hydroelectric dam on the Missouri River.