The ‘Great Falls’ of the Missouri is now the site of Ryan Dam, but may still be visited. Many visitors to the city ask, “Where are the Great Falls?” There are actually several waterfalls on the Missouri. The dam is operated by Montana Power Company, and arrangements can be made to use their clubhouse facility and outdoor picnic area. Crooked Falls and Rainbow Falls remain almost in their original state and can be viewed from River Drive just outside the city. Black Eagle Falls can be seen from River Drive en route to Giant Springs Heritage State Park.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center (727-8733), opened in 1998, is the newest addition to the Lewis and Clark National Trail. Located on the bluffs above the river, it's ideally situated for a view of the portage route and convenient to the many sights of Great Falls. The exhibits and displays inside provide a comprehensive understanding of the site's importance to the Corps' mission and its place on the Lewis and Clark National Trail. The center, on River Road, is just past Giant Springs Heritage State Park where Clark recorded his discovery of June 18, 1805.

Giant Springs Heritage State Park is a lovely park that preserves one of the largest natural, cold water springs in the world. Flow from the springs supports a state trout hatchery and also qualifies as the shortest river in the world, the Roe River. Enjoy a river drive, overlooks, picnic sites and visitor center in this area.

This area of waterfalls may be viewed via a ten-mile, paved, nonmotorized pathway known as the River’s Edge Trail. It offers a unique experience to walk, jog, roller blade or bike along two of the falls. There is also a paved road with scenic turnouts where the falls can be viewed by car.

Great Falls was also the home of the famed cowboy artist Charlie Russell (1864-1926), whose original home and log studio are now part of the C. M. Russell Museum Complex (727-8787).

Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art was named for the founder of Great Falls and originally built in 1895 as a high school. This beautiful building, constructed from sandstone quarried near Helena, is designated as a National Historic Landmark. The interior features Carolina oak wainscotting, ornate brass door fixtures and hardwood floors. The museum is dedicated to contemporary art in Montana and also houses the Cascade County Society of Great Falls library, the Museum Cafe, museum gift shop and a branch of the Montana Wilderness Association.

Today, Great Falls is the site of Malmstrom Air Force Base (731-2705), the center of our nation’s first Minuteman Missile Complex. The museum explains the history of the base, from its role in World War II to the present. Displays at the air park include a “Huey” helicopter, a Stratotanker used for in-flight refueling, a Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile and many aircraft used as fighters and bombers.

The Cowboys’ Museum (761-9299) takes a look at what Montana was like during the days of those unsung heroes—the cowboys, stockmen and pioneers. The museum is housed in an authentic log cabin with double fireplaces and hitching posts. It is filled with Old West relics—branding irons, rawhide ropes and, ox yokes. More than 500 mementos are on display.

Discover the magic, history and beauty of Great Falls while on the Great Falls Historic Trolley or Tour de Great Falls. You can get off and look around at any stop. You’ll see and hear about the Lewis & Clark Expedition, Indians of the region, Giant Springs State Park, C. M. Russell Museum Complex, historic downtown Great Falls, Paris Gibson Square, railroad history and historic buildings.

Great Falls is a marketing center with good air and highway connections. Grand vistas can be found in every direction; Great Falls is surrounded by mountains and buttes on three sides, as well as vast plains to the north. Within minutes you can be on a large wheat farm, in a beautiful winding river gorge, or a picturesque valley. The city, with its midwestern flavor, straddles the Missouri River, which meanders toward natural falls on the northeastern edge of town.

Major events that draw visitors to Great Falls are the PRCA Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo in January, the C. M. Russell Auction of Original Western Art in March and the State Fair in July.

Elevation: 3,674 feet.