20 Unique Things To Do In Great Falls Montana

Gian Springs State Park is one of the most beautiful places you cannot fail to visit in Great Falls, Montana. The park includes one of the largest freshwater springs in the USA. Upon visiting this location, you will come across some fresh and clear water bubbling up from the underground spring.

The park covers over 4600 acres of land with various picnic areas and walking trails. Giant Springs State Park also offers a perfect viewpoint for bird-watching as well as fishing.

As you will walk on the trails, you also get to view wildlife. In order to get a more significant understanding of the history behind the park, you can visit the visitors center that is located within the park itself.

This was a museum founded in 1953. It holds the work of one of the famous Western artists known as Charles Marion Russell. The C.M. Russell Museum is situated next to the Giant Spring State Park. You can easily visit these two places within a day.

This will turn out to be a place where some of Russell's best works are located, including paintings, sculptures, and sketches. You can learn much about his life and his work from the tours of this facility.

You can take a tour of the original home and studio where he lived and worked. The museum also has exhibits regarding the region's history and culture, which can be very resourceful in understanding more about the region within a few hours of your visit.

Spreading across 58 miles, the River Edge Trail is a popular outdoor destination. The trail follows the Missouri River offering beautiful views of the water and the trail area. This trail is covered with greenery and is also home to wild animals like birds and deer.

The River's Edge Trail is an easy route with a perfect environment to stroll around or enjoy an adventurous hike. The first 21 miles of the trail are well-paved and can be accessed from different spots.

However, for someone planning to hike the entire trail, you will find a rough path after covering the initial distance. So, it is better to be prepared accordingly.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is a unique location in Great Falls. The center is dedicated to the famous expedition of Lewis and Clark. It presents you with an insight into their journey across America in the early 1800s. 

The entire center features exhibits and displays related to their adventure. These interactive displays let you explore the maps, artifacts, and stories from the expedition. In addition to that, the center's various models showcasing their lives during the journey can also be found inside.

The large theater inside the center is its major highlight. Here you can watch films about the experiences and challenges of Lewis And Clark. Outside the building, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Missouri River.

Upon entering Gibson Park, you will find spacious areas and peaceful surroundings. It is located right in the center of the Great Falls and is a lovely place to enjoy the outdoors in the city. The park features beautifully maintained gardens, open lawns, and pathways.

It also has a large pond that often attracts ducks and other wildlife. While adults can enjoy walking, running, or fishing, kids can spend time at the playgrounds in a fun and safe environment.

If you timed your trip to the city properly, you might also receive an opportunity to attend one of many events in Gibson Park. Events like concerts and festivals are major ones hosted by the park.

The Great Falls of Missouri At Ryan Dam are a series of waterfalls on the upper Missouri River. This waterfall is known for its stunning beauty and dramatic water flow. At Ryan Dam, you can watch the waterfall from different angles.

The dam itself is an example of great engineering that adds uniqueness to the beauty of the falls. Close to the waterfalls are a few walking trails and picnic spots where you can enjoy family time.

Overall, the Ryan Dam is a great spot to experience and appreciate the landscape of Gret Falls. This dam is a must-visit place created from a mixture of natural and man-made construction.

Operated by the Cascade County Historical Society, the History Museum is located in Great Falls and in an old warehouse. This is the perfect place to learn about the history of the city. The museum features various artifacts and photographs that tell the story of local culture and history.

Each one of these artifacts shown in the exhibits are connected with a different aspect of history. For someone looking to get more -information, the museum also hosts hands-on activities.

The activities not only make learning fun but also give out an insight into the daily life of people who lived and worked in past times. The History Museum offers multiple opportunities to understand more about the heritage of Great Falls.

If you are looking to explore the local scene of Great Falls' art, then look no further than the Paris Gibson Square Museum. You will be exposed to a large variety of diversified forms of art by local and regional artists here.

Along the tour, unique pieces of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces will continue to amaze you. The museum's frequently changing exhibits always offer something new to the visitors.

Built with a unique design, the building itself is an art piece adding charm to the atmosphere. It is a place where you can learn about the area's artistic heritage and support the local artists.

The Children's Museum of Montana is a perfect place for your kids. It is an educational hub that mixes fun with learning. The entire museum is full of interactive exhibits that kids as well as their parents can access.

At the entrance is the area for hands-on activities that are related to science, art, and more. The museum has multiple colorful play areas where kids can do various creative activities.

Exhibits inside the Children's Museum are both educative and entertaining. These exhibits mostly focus on educating the kids while they have fun playing around. Meanwhile, for kids with more curiosity, special events, and workshops can be really helpful.

One of the coolest places you can visit in Great Falls is the Malmstrom Museum and Air Park. It is located at Malmstrom Air Force Base. This museum is the home of US aviation and military history.

Displayed inside the museum are static displays of aircraft models, military memorabilia, and historic photographs. Exhibits include views into an airman's life and in the history of aviation. Inside is okay, but making a tour outside is a whole lot more fun.

While walking around you can see various planes and rockets from a close distance. Established with a goal to educate the young generation, the Malmstrom Museum has for sure done that with its educational programs and fun activities.

St. Anna Cathedral is not only famous for its magnificent architecture but also for the peace it holds.  The building features high ceilings and lovely glass windows that cast colorful lights inside.

It is a perfect place to do prayers in a quiet environment. With a large space around, the cathedral also hosts services and community events. These events can be attended by people of any religion.

The St. Anna Cathedral is a perfect place holding a spiritual significance offering a memorable experience for visitors.

This is another fun place to visit while traveling to Great Falls. The Flippin Family Fun Center is a family-friendly place located close to Gibson Park. The center is home to classic pinball machines and the latest video games.

As you enter, you are welcomed by the vibrant arcade that offers an entire day of fun for the visitors. For someone looking for something more active, the center's trampoline park is the one you should try.

After spending some energy on the trampoline, you can collect something from the snack bar to refuel yourself. The Flippin' Family Fun is a suitable spot for birthday celebrations and other events.

In the east of downtown Great Falls, you will find this place where you can spend a fantastic day. You can start your visit by strolling through the huge fairgrounds. Wandering around you can find exhibits showcasing local crafts and products.

At the same time, kids can have fun watching animals like horses and cows. The carnival area is the major highlight of the expo park which features exciting rides and games. After enjoying a few rides, you can move on to the food courts to enjoy classic fair foods.

Adding a peaceful retreat to your visit, the park also features peaceful picnic areas where you can relax in beautiful surroundings.

Stop by the Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge to catch a view of some of the local wildlife. Just a few miles from the heart of Great Falls, this refuge was first created in the year 1929. Making a visit to this place you can explore habitats like wetlands, grassland, and upland areas.

The refuge offers shelter to species such as ducks, geese, and bald eagles. The changing scenery of the refuge every season makes it a beautiful place suitable offering a new experience every season.

As you wander around the area, look out for the educational signs to learn about the local ecosystem and animals. In addition to that, you will have an opportunity to spend a peaceful time in nature while visiting here.

Located within the Great Falls, Electric City Water Park is the closest location to stop by while exploring the city. It is a popular waterpark with various attractions. The exciting waterslides with twists and turns are the best choice for adrenaline junkies.

If you prefer something more relaxing, you can just float along the lazy river or enjoy the gentle rides. The wave pool is another major highlight of the park. For kids splash pads and kiddie pools can also be found inside.

It also has shelters where one can rest and have a meal. You can just lounge around in the lounging and sunbathing areas in order to bask in the sun.

Floating the Dearborn River is a wonderful way to enjoy a day in nature. The river is popular for its scenic surroundings and gentle waves. This river is 113 km long with multiple accessible spots for floating.

You can simply bring your raft, canoe, or kayak and begin floating through the river. Along the way, beautiful views of forest, rocks, and riverbanks continue to entertain you. If you are lucky enough you might also spot a few birds and deer roaming freely.

However, it is a good idea to bring some snacks, sunscreen, and a hat to keep yourself full and safe from sun during the float.

Holiday Village Mall is the best spot that you can make a visit to if you are looking for a place to shop. Located close to downtown Great Falls, the place features various stores offering a unique product.

Popular ones are the retail chains where you can find the latest fashion items. The mall also has numerous electronics, home goods, and more. After a shopping run, you can rest around at one of many eateries along with a tasty meal.

For extra deals and discounts, you can visit the Holiday Village Mall during the seasonal vents and special promotions. This time of the year is not just suitable for shopping but also for enjoying the vibrant environment of the festive season.

This beautiful place is an up-and-running hydroelectricity power plant situated 10 miles away from downtown Great Falls. It is another man-made construction built somewhere between 1912 and 1915.

The site is a fantastic place to experience Montana's natural beauty and learn about history. This impressive dam offers a peaceful setting in a beautiful landscape. Apart from that, you will find walking trails and picnic spots in the dam area.

During your visit here, you can also educate yourself about the dam's history and significance to the region. The dam is also perfect for a memorable and enjoyable experience.

West Bank Park is a gem in Great Falls, situated along the Missouri River. The park's paved paths are perfect and offer a great environment to stroll around and enjoy the views of the river and surroundings.

Featuring a huge area of open green space, here you can enjoy picnicking along with friends and family members. The park is also well equipped with benches and shaded areas to relax in nature while exploring.

Furthermore, kids can spend time at the playgrounds while sports enthusiasts can make use of the courts. While exploring the West Bank Park's area you will come across various lookout points to pause and take in the view of the river.

Known for its beautiful green spaces and relaxing atmosphere near Holiday Village Mall, the Sunnyside Park offers a delightful time outdoors. This unique park features paved paths, open lawns, and well-maintained gardens.

As you embark on a journey of exploration, you encounter picnic spots and sports fields along with beautiful views. In addition to its well-groomed area, Sunnyside Park is also great for wildlife spotting.

This park makes exercising and leisure walks more peaceful away from the hectic city life. Since its beginning in 1922, the park has remained one of the prominent Great Falls tourist attractions.