Great Falls

Great Falls, Montana, often called the 'Electric City,' is defined by the powerful Missouri River as it descends over a series of five waterfalls. This unique landscape, which once challenged the Lewis and Clark Expedition for nearly a month, now provides a dramatic backdrop for a city rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. Situated between four mountain ranges, three rivers, two wilderness areas, and one wildlife refuge, Great Falls serves as a central hub for outdoor adventure in Big Sky Country.

The city offers a blend of expansive natural spaces and cultural experiences, from exploring the River's Edge Trail to delving into Western art and local history. Whether you're drawn by the allure of the falls themselves, the promise of exceptional fly fishing, or the region's storied past, Great Falls presents a compelling stopover for those venturing through Montana.

From Ancient Hunting Grounds to 'Electric City'

The area that is now Great Falls has a deep history, long before European-American settlement. For at least two thousand years, Native peoples, including the Piegan (Blackfeet) and other tribes, hunted and lived in the region, utilizing sites like the First Peoples Buffalo Jump.

The first recorded European-American encounter with the falls was in the summer of 1805, when the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived. The formidable series of five waterfalls on the Missouri River presented a significant obstacle, requiring the expedition to undertake a difficult, month-long portage of ten miles to bypass them. They could hear the falls from seven miles away.

Eighty years later, in 1883, Minnesota magnate Paris Gibson, inspired by the accounts of Lewis and Clark, envisioned a city built around the hydroelectric potential of these falls. With financial backing from railroad tycoon James J. Hill, Gibson founded Great Falls in 1884. Gibson, an engineer, meticulously laid out the city streets in a precise, straight pattern and ensured that elm, ash, and fir trees were planted on every street and boulevard, also setting aside 886 acres for city parks. The construction of dams and the installation of electric street lights led to Great Falls earning its lasting nickname, 'The Electric City.'

In its early days, Great Falls was considered a businessman's town, with flourishing industries and supply businesses. The Anaconda Copper Mining Company became a major employer. The city also holds several Montana 'firsts,' including the state's first fire bell in 1887, the first known community to elect an African American in 1894 with William M. Morgan, and the first woman newspaper editor, Martha Edgerton Rolfe, in 1895. Significant growth occurred in the 1940s with the construction of Malmstrom Air Force Base, which remains an integral part of Great Falls' cultural landscape. While the city's population saw declines in the late 20th century due to shifts in rail transportation and farming, and the closure of the smelter, Great Falls remains Montana's third-largest city today.

Begin your exploration at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center, which offers extensive exhibits and programs detailing the expedition's journey through the region, especially their challenging portage around the falls. Adjacent to the Interpretive Center is Giant Springs State Park, home to one of the largest freshwater springs in the U.S., discharging nearly 200 million gallons of water daily. Within the park, you'll also find the Roe River, recognized as the world's shortest river.

To experience the city's namesake, explore the five waterfalls along the Missouri River—Great Falls, Crooked Falls, Rainbow Falls, Colter Falls (now submerged by a dam), and Black Eagle Falls. Ryan Dam offers spectacular views of the Great Falls. The River's Edge Trail, a 57-mile path along both banks of the Missouri, provides opportunities for walking, jogging, biking, and skating, with views of the falls and dams. For art enthusiasts, the C.M. Russell Museum showcases a substantial collection of works by renowned cowboy artist Charles M. Russell, along with his original home and log studio. The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, housed in a sandstone building, features contemporary art and is a National Historic Landmark.

The best time to visit Great Falls for warm-weather activities is from early July to mid-August, when average high temperatures range from 70°F to 90°F. This period offers ideal conditions for outdoor recreation like hiking, fishing, and water sports, with longer daylight hours. Fall, from September to November, is also a good option, with pleasant temperatures between 50°F and 70°F and lively fall foliage, especially in late September and early October. Crowds are thinner during the fall, and wildlife is active. For those interested in winter sports, January and February offer opportunities for ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

Great Falls International Airport (GTF) is located three miles southwest of central Great Falls, offering direct flights to several major cities across the West Coast, Midwest, and Southwest on airlines like Alaska, Allegiant, Delta, and United. Getting around Great Falls typically requires a car, as roads are wide and well-maintained. While some areas are walker and biker-friendly, a car is recommended for exploring the surrounding outdoor attractions, especially during winter. Public transportation is available through the Great Falls Transit District (GFTD), which operates seven bus routes Monday through Saturday, with a fare of $1 per ride. Uber and Lyft also operate in the city.

The cost of living in Great Falls is generally lower than the national average, making it an affordable destination. Housing costs are approximately 2.5% less than the national average, and utilities are about 19.6% less. Groceries are comparable to the national average.