Straddling the mighty Missouri River, Great Falls offers visitors a taste of the true Montana experience.
Primarily a gateway to natural wonders and outdoor adventures, Great Falls is the perfect base point for travelers who want to experience the vast untouched Big Sky landscape and learn about the transformative historic events that took place there.
The town is steeped in a rich and unique heritage influenced by famous figures of the Old West and a significant contribution to the global art scene. There are also several local landmarks and points of interest dating back to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, a turning point in the history of the nation.
Whether you want to experience authentic Montana wilderness, enjoy unrivaled fishing opportunities, or explore the bustling downtown scene, the top bed and breakfasts in Great Falls, Montana has something to offer every kind of traveler.
Travel Tips for Staying in Great Falls
Great Falls is one of Montana’s great adventure cities. It’s also home to a thriving arts community, and many of the most popular attractions in the city center around this cultural legacy. You’ll also find an extensive range of museums in the city, which have earned Great Falls the title of Montana’s museum capital.
The city is located in the north-central area of the state, in a region known as Russell Country. You can reach it via Great Falls International Airport, which is served by major airlines like Delta and United Express and boasts rental cars on the ground.
For those driving to Great Falls, the city lies on Interstate 15, 89 miles north of the capital city of Helena. There is also a bus service that runs between Butte and Great Falls, which is provided by Rimrock Stages.
Additionally, you can catch the train to Great Falls via the Amtrak Empire Builder route that runs through the city of Havre, 114 miles to the north.
You can’t visit Great Falls without viewing the landmark for which the city was named. Altogether, there are five major waterfalls to see along the Missouri River powerful enough to charge the corresponding hydroelectric dams: Black Eagle Falls, Rainbow Falls, Colter Falls, Crooked Falls, and of course, Great Falls.
Fishing in the Missouri River is a beloved Great Falls pastime for both locals and visitors. There’s no need to bring fishing gear from home as the collection of local fly shops will have everything you need. Experienced anglers are welcome to fish on their own, but you can also take part in a beginner’s class, group outing, or guided tour.
The Lewis & Clark Historic Trail Interpretive Center overlooks the Missouri River and is one of the greatest historical attractions in the city. A must for history buffs, the center boasts exhibits, films, and ranger-led lectures that educate about the journey of the Corps of Discovery in the area. There are also five walking trails and an outdoor amphitheater to explore on the grounds.
Meanwhile, fans of history and art will love the C.M. Russell Museum, built in honor of Montana’s cowboy artist Charlie Russell. The museum complex contains 15 galleries of Russell’s work as well as the original house where the artist lived and his log cabin studio.
While there’s plenty to do in Great Falls, the surrounding areas are also filled with enticing attractions that lend themselves to great day trips.
The First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is just a short drive from the city and preserves the site of a prehistoric Native American Buffalo Jump. You can also take day trips to Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Havre, and Chinook.
Trip Savvy points out that there are numerous scenic drives that you can take straight out of Great Falls. The Missouri Breaks National Back Country Byway, the Montana Scenic Loop, and the King’s Hill Scenic Byway all offer mesmerizing scenes of the Montana wilderness.
List of the Best Bed and Breakfasts in Great Falls
- Charlie Russell Manor
- The Great Falls Inn, by Riversage
- Murphy’s House Bed & Breakfast
- The Ranch at the Dearborn
- Tiger Butte Manor
- Boulder Ridge Montana
- Rivers Bend Lodge
- Lodge at Eagle Rock
1. Charlie Russell Manor – Great Falls – $
The cowboy artist Charles M. Russell is legendary in Montana, and there are several locations around Great Falls that pay tribute to his legacy. One is the Charlie Russell Manor Bed and Breakfast, which offers five bedrooms, each with private bath facilities and Egyptian cotton linens.
The manor is located in the heart of Montana and also features two shaded patios and a spacious lawn area. On the grounds, you’ll also find a lavish grand dining room, a period drawing room, a relaxing sunroom, and a den where guests can kick back and watch television.
There’s also a 900-square-foot English Ballroom with a fireplace in the mansion, ready to transport guests back to the early days of Great Falls. There are two luxurious suites available for guests looking for an opulent experience. One features a hot tub, and the other has its own fireplace and sitting room/library.
A generous breakfast is served every morning, and the manor is also a short distance from several Great Falls attractions, including the C.M. Russell Museum, the River’s Edge Trail, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, and the Missouri River.
2. The Great Falls Inn, by Riversage – Great Falls – $$
While not strictly speaking a bed and breakfast, the Great Falls Inn is a small and personable hotel that offers a hearty breakfast. Far from resembling a chain hotel, the inn boasts a selection of comfortable guest rooms that come complete with private bathrooms, air conditioning, cable TV, and a seating area.
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