Great Falls, Montana (Cascade County): 10 Must-Do Activities and Attractions

on

10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Great Falls, Montana

If you’re dreaming about wide-open skies, rugged cliffs, and the sound of rushing water, Great Falls, Montana (in Cascade County) might be calling your name. This central Montana town sits along the Missouri River and feels like the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe deep, and still find plenty to do. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, a family vacation, or a Montana road trip, here are 10 things to do near Great Falls that give you a real taste of “Big Sky Country.”

1. Visit Giant Springs State Park & The Roe River

If you only have time for one stop in Great Falls, make it Giant Springs State Park. It’s just a few minutes from downtown, but it feels like another world. Here you’ll find:
  • One of the largest freshwater springs in the United States
  • The Roe River, once in the Guinness Book as the shortest river in the world
  • Easy walking paths along the Missouri River
  • Picnic tables and grassy areas perfect for families
The water bubbling up from the ground is crystal clear and stays about the same temperature all year. On a hot summer day, that cool air rolling off the springs feels amazing. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love watching the water race through the fish hatchery raceways nearby. It’s one of those places where you can spend 30 minutes or three hours, depending on how relaxed you’re feeling.

2. Explore The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Great Falls sits on one of the most dramatic stretches of the Lewis and Clark Trail, and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center brings that story to life. Inside you’ll find:
  • Full-size exhibits showing how the explorers portaged their boats around the Great Falls of the Missouri
  • Hands-on displays for kids (and curious adults)
  • Videos, ranger talks, and historical artifacts
The real highlight is learning how the expedition dragged heavy canoes and gear around the series of waterfalls near Great Falls. Imagine wearing moccasins, hauling hundreds of pounds of supplies, and dealing with prickly pear cactus under a hot Montana sun. You gain a whole new respect for what they went through. The Center also sits above the river, with walking trails and big windows that look out over the Missouri. It’s the kind of museum where you don’t feel rushed. You can sit, soak up the view, and picture what this landscape looked like 200+ years ago.

3. Walk (Or Bike) The River’s Edge Trail

One of the best free things to do in Great Falls is to hop on the River’s Edge Trail. This paved and gravel trail system runs for over 40 miles along both sides of the Missouri River. Along the way you can:
  • Walk, run, or bike with constant river views
  • Stop at lookouts over the dams and waterfalls
  • See public art, sculptures, and murals
  • Access parks, picnic areas, and fishing spots
If you don’t want a long workout, no worries. Just pick a small section:
  • Near downtown for easier access and more people-watching
  • Closer to Giant Springs for more nature and fewer crowds
I like to grab a coffee in town, then walk a couple of miles along the trail in the morning. The light on the cliffs is beautiful, and you’ll often spot deer, geese, or hawks cruising over the river.

4. See The Great Falls Of The Missouri (And The Dams)

Great Falls gets its name from the series of waterfalls along the Missouri River. Today, many of these falls are partly hidden by hydroelectric dams, but you can still visit several viewpoints and feel the power of the water. Popular spots include:
  • Rainbow Falls – Wide, scenic, and especially pretty at sunset
  • Black Eagle Falls – Close to town, with good viewpoints
  • Crooked Falls – More rugged and natural-looking
You’ll need a car to easily reach the different overlooks, but they’re all within a short drive of each other. If you’re into photography, try visiting late in the day when the light hits the cliffs just right. It’s fun to imagine what these falls looked like before the dams were built, when Lewis and Clark first tried to navigate them. Today, it’s a mix of nature and industry, but still very much worth seeing.

5. Step Into Western Art At The C.M. Russell Museum

If you enjoy art, history, or just a good story, don’t miss the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls. Charles Marion Russell was one of the great “cowboy artists” of the American West, and he lived and worked right here. At the museum, you can see:
  • Original paintings and sculptures of cowboys, Native Americans, and frontier life
  • Russell’s original log cabin studio
  • Artifacts and personal items from his life
Even if you’re not an “art person,” Russell’s work is easy to connect with. His paintings feel like snapshots of real moments—campfires, cattle drives, wild storms on the plains. The museum often hosts events and special exhibits, and it’s a great indoor option if you hit a windy or rainy Montana day.

6. Relax In Gibson Park & Downtown Great Falls

Every trip needs some slow time, and Gibson Park is a local favorite for that laid-back break. It sits just west of downtown Great Falls and offers:
  • A duck pond with walking paths
  • Colorful flower gardens in summer
  • A playground for kids
  • Shady spots to sit and people-watch
From the park, you can easily wander into downtown Great Falls to:
  • Grab a coffee or ice cream
  • Check out local shops and galleries
  • Look for murals and small public art pieces
Downtown Great Falls isn’t huge, but that’s part of the charm. You actually have time to walk both sides of the street, step into local businesses, and talk with people. It has that relaxed, “everyone knows everyone” Montana feel.

7. Discover Local History At The History Museum

If you’re curious about how Great Falls and Cascade County grew into what they are today, stop by The History Museum. It’s housed in a historic building and focuses on local stories you won’t see in national parks or big-city museums. Inside you might find:
  • Exhibits on early settlers and ranching
  • Displays about the railroad and local industry
  • Old photographs, tools, and everyday objects from the area’s past
One of the rewards of smaller museums like this is the chance to chat with staff or volunteers. They often share personal memories or family stories that make the exhibits feel alive. If you like genealogy, local history, or just understanding the community you’re visiting, this place is a quiet little gem.

8. Go Fishing Or Floating On The Missouri River

The Missouri River near Great Falls is popular with anglers and anyone who loves being on the water. You don’t have to be an expert fly fisherman to enjoy it, either. Things you can do on or near the river:
  • Fishing for trout and other species (hire a local guide if you’re new)
  • Floating in a raft or kayak on calmer sections
  • Picnicking at riverside access points
Many visitors book a half-day or full-day guided fishing trip. Guides know the best spots, handle the gear, and help you learn the basics. Even if you don’t catch a trophy fish, you’ll spend hours surrounded by cliffs, cottonwood trees, and big Montana sky. Always check local regulations and river conditions, especially in spring when water levels can be high.

9. Take A Scenic Drive Into The Little Belt Mountains

If you’re willing to drive an hour or so outside Great Falls, you can trade river cliffs for pine forests and mountain views in the Little Belt Mountains, part of the Helena–Lewis and Clark National Forest. From Great Falls, many people:
  • Drive toward Neihart and Monarch for mountain scenery
  • Look for short hikes or pullouts with views
  • Go in fall to see golden aspen and quiet roads
In winter, this area is popular with snowmobilers and skiers. In summer, it’s all about hiking, camping, and simply enjoying the cooler mountain air. If you’ve only seen Montana’s plains, a short trip into the Little Belts shows you a very different side of Cascade County.

10. Visit The Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum & Air Park

For something a little different, check out the Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum and Air Park on the east side of Great Falls. It focuses on the history of the base, missile systems, and the Air Force presence in Montana. You’ll see:
  • Historic aircraft on outdoor display
  • Exhibits on Cold War history and missile defense
  • Artifacts and photos from different eras
Because this is connected to an active Air Force base, be sure to:
  • Check current visitor requirements before you go
  • Bring proper ID
If you’re traveling with kids who love planes, or adults who enjoy military history, this is an interesting and educational stop that adds another layer to your Great Falls trip.

Tips For Visiting Great Falls, Montana

To make the most of your time in and around Great Falls, keep these simple tips in mind:
  • Weather changes fast: Montana can shift from sunny to windy or rainy in a heartbeat. Pack layers, even in summer.
  • Sun is strong: You’re at a higher elevation than many parts of the USA. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
  • Car is helpful: You can walk around downtown, but many of the best things to do near Great Falls are easier to reach by car.
  • Wildlife is real: On trails and rural roads, watch for deer and other animals, especially at dawn and dusk.

Is Great Falls, Montana Worth A Visit?

If you’re looking for a flashy, touristy destination packed with crowds, Great Falls probably isn’t it. But if you:
  • Love rivers, cliffs, and big skies
  • Enjoy history and Western art
  • Prefer relaxed towns where people are friendly and things feel genuine
…then Great Falls, Montana is absolutely worth adding to your travel list. It’s a great stop on a larger Montana road trip, or a solid long-weekend destination all on its own.

What Would You Add To This Great Falls Bucket List?

Have you been to Great Falls in Cascade County? Did you discover a favorite local restaurant, hiking spot, or hidden viewpoint that deserves a shout-out?
  • Share your tips in the comments so other travelers can check them out.
  • If you found this list of things to do near Great Falls, Montana helpful, please share it with a friend or on your favorite social media platform.
Your stories and suggestions help other people plan better trips—and might just inspire someone to discover Great Falls for the very first time.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment