Things to do in Great Falls, Montana

Charles M. Russell captured the landscapes, the spirit, and the culture of the West during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Because the collection of the C.M. Russell Museum spans the artist’s entire lifespan and includes the artist’s home and studio, the museum is the only place in the world where visitors can experience a total immersion in the art and life of Charles Russell, considered by many to be the foremost artist of the American West.

The mission of the C.M. Russell Museum is to collect, preserve, research, interpret, and educate on the art and life of Charles M. Russell; the art and lives of his contemporaries; and the art of preceding and ensuing generations that depicts and focuses on the culture, life, and country of Russell’s West.​

Re-live the 1804-06 Lewis and Clark Expedition’s 8,000-mile journey across western North America in the comfort of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. Built into a scenic bluff with spectacular views of the Missouri River, the Center’s exhibits and ranger programs bring alive the indomitable spirit of exploration. Entry fee is $8.00; children age 15 and younger are free. Federal passes (Annual and Senior,) are sold and honored. Military Pass, Access Pass, and 4th Grade Pass is also issued and honored (documentation required to obtain Military passes).

Start your indoor journey with one of two introductory videos in the 158-seat theater with wheelchair-accessible seats and open captioning. Then, join a ranger for a program or explore the many hands-on exhibits in the Center, operated by the USDA Forest Service since 1998.

Located near the Missouri River along historic Machinery Row, The History Museum makes its home in the old International Harvester building. Built in 1929, the structure housed the implement dealership for thirty years until Northern School Supply purchased it in 1959. The Cascade County Historical Society acquired the building in 1998 to house its museum, archives, collection and gift shop.

The History Museum is home to more than 10,000 artifacts, more than 70,000 photos and 4,500 square feet of archives, all collected from Central Montana over the past 40 years. We take great pride in ensuring the preservation, interpretation and accessibility of our historic collections. Researchers from all 50 states and several foreign countries have taken advantage of the services we offer.

Exciting permanent and special exhibitions are on display throughout the year and the public is welcome free of charge!

Come marvel at the park’s remarkable features and view the variety of bird life. Points of Interest ( pdf icon and link 253 KB). Take part in our special events, picnic by the Missouri River, visit the fish hatchery and visitor center, walk along the Rivers Edge Trail, view the nearby Rainbow Falls overlook, or visit the neighboring Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Pet owners, please note: starting July 1, 2017, pets must be on a leash throughout Giant Springs State Park.

Giant Springs was discovered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805 and is one of the largest freshwater springs in the country. The springs flow at a rate of 156 million gallons of water per day and the water stays at a temperature of 54 degrees. This is also the site of the Roe River, once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s shortest river. Almost half a million people visit Giant Springs State Park each year.