This area held great significance for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The explorers were forced to spend nearly a month portaging around the falls in June 1805. Much of the Missouri River in this area remains as it was when Lewis and Clark first viewed it over 190 years ago.

Discover the magic, history and beauty of Great Falls while on the Great Falls Historic Trolley or Tour de Great Falls. 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, Three waterfalls, Paris Gibson Square, historic railroad area, Historic Home District, churches, saloons and other historic buildings.

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 an eight-mile, paved, non-motorized pathway known as the River's Edge Trail. It offers a unique experience to walk, jog, roller blade or bike along three of the falls. There is also a paved road with scenic turnouts where the falls can be viewed by car.

You can find contemporary art at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, named for the founder of Great Falls. This beautiful building was originally built in 1895 and constructed from sandstone quarried near Helena. It has an ornate interior and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. The museum also houses the Museum Cafe, museum gift shop and a branch of the Montana Wilderness Association. Great Falls was also the home of the famed cowboy artist Charlie Russell, whose original home and log studio are now part of the C. M. Russell Museum Complex.

Great Falls is also the site of Malmstrom Air Force Base, 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.

American Cowboy Artist

Many historians believe the work of Charles M. Russell perfectly portrays the "Old West." The legendary artist spent most of his adult life in and around Great Falls. Only someone who lived the cowboy life, as Russell did, could have so fully captured the level of realism and emotion of Montana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Russell's bronzes, watercolor and oil paintings and illustrated letters are a treat to any history buff as well as those who appreciate great art.

C.M. Russell Museum Complex

Established in 1953, the C.M. Russell Museum owns the most complete collection of Charles Russell art and personal objects in the world. The permanent collection is comprised of over 12,000 art works and objects. View one of the nation’s finest collections of Western art and history in spacious, modern surroundings.

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