Great Falls was discovered when Captain Meriwether Lewis and
William Clark set out with the Corps of Discovery in 1804,
and had no idea the "Great Falls of the Missouri"
would prove to be one of the most spectacular places that
they would see during their historic journey.
It has been more than 200 years since they
discovered "Great Falls of the Missouri" but it
is still the most spectacular of places.
"Great Falls is the Community of Choice
in the State of Montana," said Teresa Olds, President
and CEO of the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, "where
can you live in the United States and be surrounded by the
most incredible of gifts that nature has to offer; rivers,
streams, mountains, prairies, amazing blue skies and the stars
at night that blanket the sky remind us how truly blessed
we are to be a part of this greatness. It does not get any
better than this!"
Great Falls provides a lifestyle unlike
any other. When you live here, you are just moments away from
the country's most incredible outdoor experiences. If you
enjoy biking, skating, walking, or running, you can step out
on the River's Edge Trail and enjoy miles and miles of the
scenic Missouri River that runs through the middle of Great
Falls.
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The Missouri River does command one's attention,
by its pure strength and beauty. You, too, can be a part of
that strength and beauty in many ways. Float along the scenic
White Cliffs; try your hand at catching some of the most incredible
fish, water ski, and take time to enjoy a canoe trip, white
water rafting or kayaking. The most amazing part of this is
that you can do all of this within the city limits of our
great community, Great Falls.
Great Falls is also home of the world's
largest freshwater springs, discharging 156 million gallons
of water every day, at Giant Springs Heritage State Park.
This area is designated a Watchable Wildlife Site so you can
enjoy an afternoon picnic lunch while looking at raccoons,
beaver, pelicans, bald eagles, deer and more.
Experience the sights and sounds of our
cultural side by stepping into the Wild West with Cowboy Artist
Charlie Russell at the C.M. Russell Museum. Tour Charlie's
original log home and studio that was built in 1903 where
Russell entertained friends with his lively stories and campfire
cooking. The C.M. Russell Museum is one of several museums
within our community. Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, Children's
Museum of Montana, The Ursuline Centre, Galarie Trinitas and
Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum are among them.
The sound of culture runs rich within our community. With the Great Falls Symphony you can step downtown and enjoy the orchestra, choral, chamber and youth performances that inspire and humble. The Great Falls Symphony proudly presents guest artists of international acclaim and a variety of special events.
Along with Charlie Russell, the history of the Old West comes alive in Great Falls from the Plains Indian Tribes who made this area their home to the explorers, cowboys and homesteaders, and cattle barons who followed. They all have left their mark on our home, a mark that still exists. You can go back into the 19th century at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River. Cowboy past can be found at the Cascade County Historical Society in the History Museum. For more than 1,500 years, native peoples stampeded buffalo over the cliffs at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, one of the oldest buffalo jumps in the country. The original town site of Great Falls is a place of tree-lined boulevards and historic homes, all on view as part of the self-guided Historic Great Falls Walking Tour. This district is on the National Register of Historic Places and features 216 buildings, mostly constructed between 1885 and 1945.
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