Places to Visit: Great Falls Montana

Glacier National Park
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Great Falls Montana

Traveling from Glacier National Park to Great Falls is a fascinating side trip, filled with the beautiful sights of Montana, and offering a city surrounded with outdoor recreation opportunities.

  • Great Falls, Montana has a flavor of the Old West
  • Only 2 hours and 12 minutes from Glacier National Park
  • Hike River’s Edge Trail
  • Do some river fishing and catch some catfish, perch and northern pike
  • See the world’s shortest river right in Great Falls
  • Visit the Children’s Museum

Overview

Great Falls, Montana, besides being a historic city with the flavor of the Old West, has a number of outdoor activities that will keep the whole family occupied and having fun adventures.

Location

Great Falls is on the northeastern front of the Rocky Mountains in Montana, midway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. I-15 runs through the city.

Services/Amenities

Whichever you prefer, casual or fine dining, you’ll find it in Great Falls. There is a wide array of restaurants to choose from, and something that will satisfy any palate. You’ll discover tasty dishes and friendly service. Fast food establishments exist too, for those who want to grab a quick bite and get on the road.

When looking for accommodations, you will be able to get whatever amenities you could want in Great Falls. There’s a long list of motels, hotels, lodges and inns from which to choose. Get anything from an economy room or rustic Bed & Breakfast lodging to a luxurious hotel suite.

Activities

  • Fishing
    You’ll find rivers around Great Falls that provide all the fish an angler could hope for, from salmon, bass and catfish to perch, northern pike and carp. Fish the Missouri for some of the biggest fish. Smith River is another great river to try, but the best way is on a raft.
  • Birding
    Benton Lake is surrounded by gentle hills and prairie grasslands, and is a perfect place to see a multitude of bird life.
  • Hiking
    Try hiking along the River’s Edge Trail and witness the power of the Missouri River and see the Great Falls, for which the city was named.
  • Biking
    If you want to experience some great road biking, you can go for a long trip of 95 miles between Great Falls and Helena, with tons of sights and activities along the way.
  • Camping
    Plenty of campgrounds are around Great Falls, making camping under the stars of Big Sky Country the best anywhere.

Attractions

  • The Roe River
    The Roe River is the world’s shortest river. You can’t miss it when you are in Great Falls. It made the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989.
  • Cascade County Historical Society – History Museum
    This museum, founded in 1972, has more than 95,000 items in its collections, and offers interpretative exhibits that are fascinating for the whole family.
  • CM Russell Museum
    Here you will see the most complete collection of Charles M. Russell art in the world, as well as his personal objects. Great Falls is the perfect place to enjoy Western art at its finest.
  • Children's Museum of Montana
    The Children’s Museum is designed for children, and that’s why touching is not only permitted but encouraged! Every exhibit is a learning experience.
  • Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center
    The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center takes you on Lewis and Clark’s 8,000 mile journey, bringing alive our American Western heritage. Enjoy the videos, ranger programs and the spectacular views of the great Missouri River.

Getting Here

To get to Glacier National Park from Great Falls, Montana, start out on I-15 north toward US 89. Take exit 348 and turn left on MT 44. When you reach US 89, go right to US 2 that takes you right to the park. It’s a scenic drive of 2 hours and 12 minutes.