Montana Traveler™
A Guide to Great Falls

Map of Great Falls slow download

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In the poem Escorting Grammy to the Potluck Rocky Mountain Oyster Feed at Bowman’s Corner, Paul Zarzyski captures the flavor of the country around Great Falls: "Grammy, a spring filly at 86, sips a whiskey-ditch in one hand, scoops the crispy nuggets to her platter with the other, forks a couple and goes on talking Hereford bulls."

Great Falls (pop. 56,340) is the largest city in north-central Montana. Most people who live in the region go to Great Falls for shopping. Holiday Village, the main mall in Great Falls, with over 80 stores, is located south of the downtown area on 10th Avenue South. The Barnes & Noble bookstore is another shopping treat in Great Falls.

In Great Falls, Hoglund's Work and Western Wear is the place to go to buy cowboy boots and hats. Hoglund's has the best selection of brand-name western wear in the Rocky Mountain West, outside Denver. Hoglund's store is in the downtown area. For general information about Great Falls, try the Great Falls General Store.

The C. M. Russell Museum is a well-known attraction in Great Falls. A famous western artist, Charlie Russell produced many paintings depicting Indian and cowboy life on the northern plains in the early 1800s. Many of Russell's paintings and drawings are owned by the museum. Charlie Russell's original studio, on site near the museum, is, by itself, worth a visit.

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center is a don't miss attraction in Great Falls. The center sits on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River. It is near the great falls of the Missouri where Lewis and Clark took eleven days to make the 16-mile portage around five separate falls on the river in 1805. The center has numerous exhibits which describe the expedition's journey up the Missouri River and on to the Pacific Ocean.

Some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery in the West is found along the Missouri River, east of Great Falls. Magnificent towering sandstone cliffs and deep canyons border the river. Segments of the river are known as the White Cliffs region and the Missouri River Breaks. Kayaking and Canoeing are favorite activities along this stretch of the river. The federal government recently designated this area as the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument. The wildness and solitude of the Missouri River make a float trip on the river an event long remembered.

Lewis and Clark traveled up the upper Missouri River in 1805 in a keelboat. Modern day "explorers" relive the Captains' experiences, by taking a ride on the "Gen. Wm. Ashley," a replica of the keelboat used by Lewis and Clark. An experienced crew of three, dressed in period dress, man the boat. Call the Upper Missouri River Keelboat Co.(888-721-7133) in Loma for reservations.

In Great Falls, Montana, the Great Falls Inn is tops. It's an almost new property. Children and adults enjoy the free popcorn. The inn also provides a complimentary breakfast. Also popular is the O'Haire Motor Inn. For reservations, click on the lodging link below for Great Falls, Montana motels and hotels.

Great Falls has many good dining spots. JB's Restaurant offers family dining and is near major shopping areas and the city's main mall. JB's fresh strawberry pie served with whipped cream is a super delight! Steak and seafood lovers head for Eddies Supper Club. On Friday and Saturday nights, patrons enjoy the music around Eddies' famous piano bar. The Sip-N-Dip Lounge is another hot spot in Great Falls.

Great Falls has some of Montana's best tourist attractions. Canadians frequently visit Great Falls, so here's a chance to make new friends with nice people from the great north country. You'll really enjoy Great Falls.

Outdoors FUN

Float Trips:

Missouri River Canoe Company, Loma, 406-378-3110.

Keelboat Trip:

Upper Missouri River Keelboat Co., Loma, 888-721-7133.

Fishing:

Deep Creek Outfitters, Ulm, 406-866-3316.

Ford Creek Guest Ranch, Augusta, 888-go-fly-fish.

Battle Creek Lodge, Choteau, 406-466-2815.

Dude Ranches:

JJJ Wilderness Ranch, Augusta, 406-562-3653.

Backpacking Trips:

High Country Adventures, Choteau, 406-466-5699.

Tours:

 White Cliff Tours (Missouri River Breaks), Fort Benton, 406-728-2960.

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