Begin your Great Falls adventure at the Giant Springs Heritage State Park and Fish Hatchery. Cement walkways span the crystal clear spring-fed waterway. Stop to feed the trout in the outdoor portion of the hatchery or have a picnic in the park. On a rainy afternoon, browse original Wild West-themed paintings and sketches at the C.M. Russell Museum. The life-sized bison exhibits and Native American artifacts will transport your family back to the 1800s. Learn about the historical feats of the Corps of Discovery at the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center, overlooking the Missouri River. Watch films documenting the treacherous expedition as the kids try on clothes from the period and touch a real fur pelt. The National Forest itself offers hiking, fishing and horseback riding. Stretch your legs at the River's Edge Trail. The paved path along the Missouri River welcomes cyclists, rollerbladers and walkers. The trek takes you past a dam and winds around near the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center.
The must-see attraction in Great Falls is the falls the city is named for. Jokingly called the "Miniature Hoover Dam," the Ryan Dam and Great Falls of the Missouri offer breathtaking views. Walk across the suspension bridge to a small island for picture-perfect scene of the falls. At the end of the day, head to downtown Great Falls for dinner and make a stop at centrally located Gibson Park. The park's ducks will appreciate some leftover bread from your meal. Take a sunset stroll through the colorful flower garden. Wind down after a long day of exploring at one of the many Great Falls hotels. Whether you choose to stay in the city or on the edge of town, a cozy room with Choice Hotels is waiting for you.