Getting There Great Falls serves as the hub for north-central Montana east of the Rockies. The Great Falls International Airport (tel. 406/727-3404) has daily service from Delta (tel. 800/221-1212), Northwest (tel. 800/225-2525), Horizon (tel. 800/547-9308), United (tel. 800/864-8331), and Big Sky (tel. 800/237-7788). Shelby, 88 miles northwest, provides the closest Amtrak service (tel. 800/872-7245). Great Falls is located on I-15, which runs north from Butte, where the highway intersects with I-90, passing through Helena and then Great Falls. From Missoula, you can take Mont. 200 east, or you can take I-90 a little southeast, pick up U.S. 12, and go east to Helena, then north to Great Falls. Mont. 200 is more scenic. From Billings, you can take Mont. 87 north to Lewistown and then west to Great Falls. Or you can go west on I-90 to Livingston, then take Mont. 89, which includes the Kings Hill Scenic Byway, northwest to Great Falls. From Bozeman, take U.S. 287 at Three Forks, then I-15 to Great Falls. Visitor Information Request tour information from Russell Country, P.O. Box 3166, Great Falls, MT 59403 (tel. 800/527-5348 or 406/761-5036). The Great Falls Chamber of Commerce is at 100 1st Ave. N. (tel. 800/735-8535 or 406/761-4434). There is also a visitor center at the Broadwater Overlook at 15 Upper River Rd., right under the tall flagpole. For a Great Falls road report, call tel. 406/453-1605. Getting Around The best way to explore Great Falls and environs is by car. Rental franchises in town include Avis (tel. 800/331-1212), National (tel. 800/227-7368), Rent-A-Wreck (tel. 800/944-7501), Thrifty (tel. 800/847-4389), and Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131). You can also use public transportation. Great Falls Transit System operates seven bus lines from early morning to early evening Monday through Saturday (no service Sun and holidays). Call tel. 406/727-0382 or visit their website for information. Organized Tours To see the town, take the 2-hour Great Falls Historic Trolley tour, $20 for adults, $5 children 2 to 12, with one stop at the Rainbow Falls. You pick up the tour at the High Plains Heritage Center, 472 2nd St. S. Call tel. 888/707-1100 or 406/771-1100 for information or browse their website. The company also does a cultural tour, a parks tour, and out-of-town day trips. A Special Event Great Falls hosts the Lewis and Clark Festival each year in late June; in 2006, however, it will be held in late July to commemorate the bicentennial of Lewis's journey home. Events include history workshops, tours, food booths, and children's activities. For information and tickets call tel. 406/452-5661. |
