Montana Great Falls

Great Falls, Montana, blends authentic Big Sky Western charm with renowned art heritage and a proud, tight-knit community spirit rooted in its riverfront and frontier history, all just minutes from the majestic Missouri River waterfalls, expansive prairies, and the nearby Rocky Mountain front. Locals live for exploring the scenic River's Edge Trail, fishing or picnicking at Giant Springs State Park, visiting iconic sites like the C.M. Russell Museum and Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, or heading to Gibson Park for relaxed walks amid flower gardens. The vibrant downtown and surrounding neighborhoods keep the social scene buzzing with seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and events like the Montana State Fair and Western Art Week that bring neighbors together year after year.

Hiking, Biking & Trails
Great Falls offers an extensive network of parks and trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, highlighted by the 60-mile multi-use River's Edge Trail (including paved sections through urban parks and singletrack for mountain biking), loops around Giant Springs State Park with views of freshwater springs and waterfalls, and connections to broader Missouri River paths. These routes wind through river canyons, prairie landscapes, reservoirs, and wildlife areas, linking neighborhoods to picnic spots, overlooks, and nearby attractions like Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching, connecting to the greater central Montana outdoor network.

Family-Friendly Activities
Families flock to the fish hatchery, playgrounds, and natural springs at Giant Springs State Park, interactive exhibits and dioramas at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, and hands-on Western art exploration at the C.M. Russell Museum. The Great Falls Farmers Market brings fresh produce, artisan goods, live music, pony rides, and food vendors to Civic Center Park, while the city's lively Montana State Fair and summer concerts in Gibson Park remain beloved traditions.

Local Breweries & Dining
Great Falls’s craft beer scene thrives at spots like Mighty Mo Brewing Company, with its welcoming taproom, house-brewed beers, pub fare, and lively downtown vibe. For eats, The Celtic Cowboy serves hearty pub classics with Irish flair, Roadhouse Diner offers bold American comfort food, Jakers Bar & Steakhouse delivers prime steaks and seafood, and casual favorites like The Block Bar & Grill keep it fun and delicious with gourmet burgers and local flavors perfect for family gatherings.

Great Falls is a haven for active lifestyles and sports fans, fueled by Great Falls High School’s passionate Bison athletics program and diverse outdoor pursuits across the Missouri River’s trails, parks, and prairies—all just minutes from Malmstrom Air Force Base and the majestic Great Falls of the Missouri.

While Great Falls has no major-league teams, local excitement comes from minor-league action with the Great Falls Voyagers independent baseball team and the Great Falls Americans junior hockey team, plus the professional Great Falls Electric basketball team. College sports feature the University of Providence Argos NAIA programs right in town.

Great Falls High’s Bison and crosstown C.M. Russell High’s Rustlers deliver electric high school action with proud traditions of state championships in Montana’s competitive Class AA leagues, excelling in football, basketball, wrestling, soccer, track and field, swimming, and more at local fields and facilities.

The city shines with top-tier facilities and endless recreational playgrounds. The Park & Recreation Department offers programs at the Scheels Aim High Big Sky Aquatic and Recreation Center, including pools, fitness classes, and drop-in sports. Youth and adult leagues cover softball, basketball, volleyball, and soccer, often at the Multi Sports Complex and neighborhood parks. Locals flock to municipal courses like Anaconda Hills and Eagle Falls Golf Clubs, or enjoy fishing along the Missouri River.

Just beyond city limits, the expansive 60-mile River’s Edge Trail provides multi-use paths for hiking, biking, and running along the river; Giant Springs State Park offers fishing ponds and natural springs; and nearby areas deliver singletrack mountain biking and wildlife viewing. With abundant sunshine, distinct seasons, and year-round opportunities—from winter ice skating to summer trail rides and fall football games—Great Falls inspires an effortlessly active, community-packed lifestyle full of family fun and outdoor adventure.

Great Falls, Montana, is an outdoor lover’s paradise nestled along the mighty Missouri River, surrounded by dramatic waterfalls, expansive prairies, and the rugged Rocky Mountain front. Walk or bike the scenic 60-mile River’s Edge Trail winding through river canyons and urban parks, explore paths around Giant Springs State Park with its massive freshwater springs and rainbow trout hatchery, cast a line in the Missouri for world-class fly fishing, or head nearby for mountain biking and hiking in the Highwood or Little Belt Mountains. Thrill-seekers enjoy whitewater rafting below the falls and kayaking the river, while families love playgrounds, picnics, birdwatching along the trail, golf at local courses, and off-leash areas in neighborhood parks.

History and culture weave through every outing. Step back in time at the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center with immersive exhibits on the Corps of Discovery’s portage around the falls, visit the renowned C.M. Russell Museum for original Western art and the artist’s preserved log cabin studio, or explore Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art in the historic sandstone mansion showcasing contemporary and regional works. Nearby First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park adds ancient depth with interpretive trails over a prehistoric bison drive site.

Year-round festivals—from the lively Montana State Fair with rodeo and carnival rides to Western Art Week auctions and galleries, the Great Falls Farmers Market, summer concert series in downtown parks, and spectacular Fourth of July fireworks over the river—keep the energy high and the community tight. Whether you crave riverfront trail adventures through canyons or peaceful stargazing under vast Big Sky nights, Great Falls delivers authentic Montana adventures for every age and pace.

Great Falls embraces year-round celebrations that highlight its Big Sky Western heritage, renowned art legacy, frontier spirit, and vibrant community-loving culture.

Spring
As temperatures warm and the prairies green up, Great Falls comes alive with road races and sports kickoffs. The annual Ice Breaker Road Race in April draws runners for 5K, 3-mile, and 1-mile events through downtown and along the River's Edge Trail, while spring features baseball season openers with the Great Falls Voyagers and community gatherings fostering outdoor energy.

Summer
Summertime in Great Falls pulses with fairs, markets, and patriotic festivities. The Great Falls Farmers Market runs every Saturday (June-September) in Civic Center Park with fresh produce, artisan goods, live music, pony rides, and food vendors, while parks invite fishing, picnics, and trail adventures under sunny skies. The spectacular Fourth of July celebration dazzles with a downtown parade, the Hootenanny concert, baseball games, and massive fireworks over the Missouri River.

Fall
With crisp breezes and harvest vibes, Great Falls celebrates county and state fair season. The Montana State Fair in late July/early August fills ExpoPark with carnival rides, livestock shows, rodeo, concerts, food vendors, and exhibits spotlighting local agriculture with games and a kids' zone. Ongoing markets and community events deliver seasonal bounty.

Winter
Great Falls’s winter sparkles with festive lights and heartfelt holiday traditions. The Parade of Lights in late November lights up downtown Central Avenue with dazzling floats, caroling, Santa visits, tree lighting, and community cheer, while the Christmas Stroll features vendors, music, and cultural performances nurturing joyful connections amid the brisk Montana chill.

Throughout the year, Great Falls’s calendar brims with the Farmers Market, summer concert series, art walks, rodeos, and neighborhood gatherings that reflect its welcoming, resilient character.