Lewis and Clark in Russell Country

Great Falls

Located on the Missouri River near a series of five waterfalls, Great Falls is the largest city in northcentral Montana. In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent nearly a month portaging the falls. Several of the waterfalls may be viewed via the eleven-mile paved, non-motorized River's Edge Trail. It offers a unique experience to walk, jog, rollerblade or bike along the river.

Relive the Corps of Discovery's epic journey at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center along the River's Edge Trail, an essential stop for visitors here.

Along the same stretch of the River's Edge Trail, Giant Springs Heritage State Park can be reached, as well as overlooks for Black Eagle and Rainbow Falls. Don't forget to visit Broadwater Overlook Park where the Visitors Center is located.

Designated Lewis and Clark sites in the Great Falls area include four camp sites, five waterfalls, Giant Springs, the location where Lewis was chased into the river by a grizzly, Sulphur Springs and the portage route used by the expedition. Additional sites, primarily camp sites, are located both upstream and further downstream. It was near Great Falls that Lewis identified the cutthroat trout (Montanaís state fish), the western meadowlark (Montanaís state bird), and the broadleaf cottonwood. All were new to science.

Cascade | Chester | Dupuyer/Valier | Fort Benton | Great Falls | Lewistown | Loma | Ulm