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Great Falls is the third most populous city in Montana. It makes for the perfect stop on a Glacier National Park to Yellowstone National Park road trip. While the capital city of Helena is also between the parks and full of fun things to do, Great Falls has almost twice the population and many places not to be missed.

Montana is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. With so many outdoor activities in Montana, you’ll want to spend as much time outside as you can. Great Falls is no different. The city is named after the Great Falls that the Lewis and Clark expedition had to portage. As the Great Falls of the Missouri are five separate waterfalls, it was no easy task!

Of course winters in Great Falls can get chilly and there are usually a few days of rain every month. While the city’s namesake waterfalls are definitely worth a visit, it’s not the best rainy day activity. With so many indoor things to do in Great Falls, bad weather is not a problem. If you are wondering what to do in Great Falls without getting cold or wet, don’t despair as there is plenty to see and do!

Indoor Things to Do in Great Falls

Go Back in Time at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

Located along the Missouri River on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is a national park service site. It is one of many that honors the Lewis and Clark expedition west from 1804 – 1806. Admission is free with an America the Beautiful pass.

The center includes a two floor museum, theater, and walking trails around the building. Three different orientation videos are shown multiple times a day in the theater. One covers a general overview of the expedition and is best to watch first. The second is about the portage at Great Falls and the last focuses on medicine used on the expedition.

The museum gives a detailed, chronological account of the entire expedition starting with the preparations for the trip. The exhibits are well laid out with a natural flow from one section to the next. One side is information about Native Americans and the other side is about the expeditioners. Depending on the color of the floor in each section, you know if the expeditioners are traveling through land or water. The full journey to the Pacific and back is covered, but there is extra focus on the time they were in the Great Falls area.

The expedition is one of those events in history that most people who grow up in the US school system learn about at one point or another. Other than the two men’s name and the fact that they headed west, I couldn’t remember very much about it before coming to the interpretive center. All the details and stories about the people involved were much more interesting than what I probably learned from a textbook. The interactive activities, like attempting to pull a boat upriver, highlighted what a strenuous journey it was. It’s a fascinating part of history and definitely one of the best things to do in Great Falls.

Discover Bygone Days at The History Museum

Other than their winter quarters, the Lewis and Clark expedition spent more time in Great Falls than any other place. While the expedition is a huge part of the city’s history, there is so much more to Great Falls. The free history museum is just the place to learn about it.

Most big US history museums are organized in chronological order. There is typically one big exhibit that covers the early years of the city, state, or region to more recent years. The History Museum in Great Falls is different as it is organized by different topics.

While a big chronological exhibit works well, I also thought having a museum organized by topics was a great idea. It made both the museum and Great Falls history more distinct. The Spirits of Cascade County exhibit about bootlegging had some surprising stories. Josef Dvorak’s miniature scale models of historic Great Falls businesses were impressive. If you’re wondering what to do in Great Falls, don’t miss this museum!

Immerse Yourself in Western Art at the CM Russell Museum

I’m so disappointed that I didn’t have enough time to visit the CM Russell Museum. From all my research I could tell it was one of the best things to do in Great Falls so I still wanted to include it.

CM Russell is considered to be one of America’s greatest artists. Known as a historical artist, his work focused on the American West in the early 1900s. The museum is primarily a western art museum featuring Russell’s paintings, sculptures, drawings, and writings. Additional exhibits cover other western topics including Northern Plains Indian artifacts, firearms, a cowboy hall of fame, and artwork from Olaf Carl Seltzer (another Great Falls artist).

The museum also includes Russell’s studio and fully restored home to tour. Temporary exhibits that feature different art mediums and various topics from the West are also part of the museum.

Whether you are a fan of history or art, it’s certainly a cool place to learn about the American West and see some spectacular art. Not to mention the museum has the largest CM Russell collection and the most information and artifacts from the “cowboy artist” of anywhere.

Admire Contemporary Art at the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art

CM Russell started quite a legacy of artwork in Great Falls. There are many colorful murals around the city, several art festivals, an annual art studio tour, and many artsy events throughout the year. There is also another art museum!

One of the most fun things to do in Great Falls is to wander around the free Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art. Originally a high school, the historic building from 1896, is quite unique. Some classrooms are empty and still have chalkboards along the walls!

In 1977 the building was renovated and reopened as a contemporary art museum. When I arrived I was lucky enough to receive a brief history and introduction to both the exhibits and the history of the building.

Both ongoing and temporary exhibits fill the building. Many exhibits feature local Montana artists. I was particularly drawn to Lee Steen’s tree people. This permanent display is full of the Steen’s stick figures that were originally a roadside attraction.

The museum also offers classes, studio space, and free art programming to various groups of people. I was encouraged to visit the downstairs and peek into the studio spaces. I didn’t want to be too nosey, but I enjoyed seeing some artists at work and their artwork lining the hallway.

Shop & Dine in Downtown Great Falls

Downtown Great Falls isn’t huge, but there are several shops and restaurants in and around downtown that are worth a visit.

I try not to stray too far from local cuisine unless I am in a big foodie city. I decided to take my chances with Kellergeist, a German pub, anyway. It was very good! Wursts, schnitzels, and other traditional German fare make up the menu.

Harvest Craft Kitchen is a highly rated American restaurant. I had my eye on the barbecue place, Smoked. For something more upscale, 5th and Wine is a popular wine bar with New American entrees.

Roadhouse Diner, a burger place, has been featured on numerous TV shows and awarded plenty of food accolades. It’s a five minute drive from downtown.

Great Falls isn’t a shopper’s paradise, but head to Central Avenue and you’ll be able to get your shopping fix. This section of downtown has the most locally owned and independent shops. Hoglund’s Western Wear is a family-owned business that has been downtown for over 70 years!

Stay Downtown at the Hotel Arvon

To enjoy all the great things to do in Great Falls, you need a good night’s sleep! Hotel Arvon is just the place to stay. Located downtown, it’s a short walk to many of the best Great Falls activities, shops, and restaurants.

The boutique inn is within the Arvon Block from 1890, the oldest commercial block in Great Falls. It includes all the modern conveniences you could want, alongside beautiful historic touches. The public and private spaces are full of art from local and regional artists.

Breakfast is included at the Celtic Cowboy Irish Pub within the building. The basic breakfast includes continental items as well as a few pre-made foods that can be heated up.

Booking.com

More Indoor Things to Do in Great Falls

Children’s Museum of Montana: The children’s museum includes a variety of hands-on exhibits and centers of different themes.
Ursuline Center: A historic covenant that offers tours by appointment.
Brush Crazy: A paint and sip studio.
Escape the Falls: It has various themed escape room games.
Hi-Line Climbing Center: An indoor rock climbing gym.

Great Falls previously may not have been on your radar, but as you can see there are plenty of indoor things to do in Great Falls! If I helped you discover the best Great Falls attractions, please consider supporting me by Buying Me a Coffee.