About Great Falls
Great Falls is the third most populous city in the U.S. state of Montana and the county seat of Cascade County. The population was 60,442 according to the 2020 census. The city covers an area of 22.9 square miles (59 km2) and is the principal city of the Great Falls, Montana, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Cascade County. The Great Falls MSA's population was 84,414 according to the 2020 census.
Places to visit in Great Falls
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Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
MuseumOverlooking the Missouri River, this center details the expedition's grueling portage around the Great Falls, with exhibits, films and trails along the bluff. Allow an hour or two inside.
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C.M. Russell Museum
MuseumA museum dedicated to Western artist Charles M. Russell, with his paintings, sculptures and illustrated letters displayed alongside his preserved home and log cabin studio.
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Giant Springs State Park
Park · 3 mi from centreOne of the largest freshwater springs in the country flows into the Missouri here, with a fish hatchery, riverside trails and shaded picnic areas. It is a short drive from downtown.
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River's Edge Trail
ParkA long trail system along both banks of the Missouri River linking parks, overlooks and dams, good for walking and biking with views of the falls.
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First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
Historic · 11 mi from centreA long sandstone cliff once used by Indigenous hunters to drive bison over the edge, with an education center and trails to the clifftop. Bring water in summer.
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Great Falls of the Missouri River
Viewpoint · 9 mi from centreThe series of falls that gave the city its name. Overlooks at Rainbow and Ryan dams provide views of the waterfalls and the river gorge.
Where to stay in Great Falls
Popular hotels in Great Falls, out of 30 properties you can book.
Wingate By Wyndham Great Falls
From $75 per night
Hampton Inn Great Falls
From $131 per night
The Great Falls Inn By Riversage
From $95 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Great Falls
From $145 per night
Comfort Inn & Suites Market - Airport
From $124 per night
Best Western Plus Riverfront Hotel and Suites
From $125 per night
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Great Falls By IHG
From $117 per night
Days Inn by Wyndham Great Falls
From $87 per night
Hotel Arvon
From $138 per night
Comfort Inn and Suites Gateway To Glacier
From $114 per night
Heritage Inn
From $78 per night
Sleep Inn Great Falls airport
From $114 per night
Best time to visit Great Falls
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Great Falls is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 77–81°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Great Falls weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 71° 37° 1%
- Thu 22 Oct 75° 51° 11%
- Fri 23 Oct 56° 38° 87%
- Sat 24 Oct 44° 33° 59%
- Sun 25 Oct 38° 30° 16%
- Mon 26 Oct 40° 28° 16%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/DenverUTC−6
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Great Falls
These are the airports closest to central Great Falls. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- GTF Great Falls International Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Getting around Great Falls
Montana is huge: most residents think nothing of driving in what most of the world consider long distances, so with that in mind like most of Montana, you're going to need a car. Although Great Falls does have a bus system, it's limited to the city proper. Another option for seeing the area is by bicycle. In an area with so many sparsely traveled roads, there is plenty to be seen on a road bike.
By bus
Great Falls Transit (☏ +1 406-727-0382) operates bus service in Great Falls. Fare is $1.00. Buy a day pass for $4 for unlimited rides. A pass good for 11 rides is $10. Buy passes from the bus driver or the transit office at North Star Blvd.
Great Falls travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Great Falls?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Great Falls is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 77–81°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Great Falls?
July is usually the warmest month in Great Falls, with average highs of 84°F (29°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 12°F (-11°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 77 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Great Falls?
Great Falls International Airport (GTF) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of Great Falls.
What time zone is Great Falls in?
Great Falls uses the America/Denver time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Great Falls?
Montana is huge: most residents think nothing of driving in what most of the world consider long distances, so with that in mind like most of Montana, you're going to need a car. Although Great Falls does have a bus system, it's limited to the city proper. Another option for seeing the area is by bicycle.
What are the best places to visit in Great Falls?
Top sights in Great Falls include Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, C.M. Russell Museum, Giant Springs State Park and River's Edge Trail. Overlooking the Missouri River, this center details the expedition's grueling portage around the Great Falls, with exhibits, films and trails along the bluff. Allow an hour or two inside.
Where should I stay in Great Falls?
Popular areas for hotels in Great Falls include Central Great Falls and West Great Falls. Well-reviewed options include Wingate By Wyndham Great Falls and Hampton Inn Great Falls.
How many hotels can I book in Great Falls?
Destina Holidays currently lists 30 properties in and around Great Falls, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
