As quaint as the city of Great Falls Montana is, the real attraction
to the area are the numerous outdoor adventures with spitting distance
of the city (not that you should spit).
The mighty Missouri river provides most of the city’s outdoor
activities and attractions. The River’s Edge Trail offer 13 paved
miles of scenic biking, hiking or ambling. Those who want to take to
the river itself can enjoy boating beneath the White Caves, swimming,
fishing, white-water rafting and some of the best fly-fishing on the
continent.
The falls for which the city takes its moniker, the Great Falls of the
Missouri, are only one of four sets of falls, each with its own unique
scenic beauty. The other three are the Rainbow Falls, the Crooked Falls
and the Black Eagle Falls.
State-run fun is available at several locations near Great Falls Montana.
Black Eagle Memorial Island’s pedestrian only paths show lead
to fine views of the Black Eagle Falls and dam. King’s Hill Recreation
Area features snowmobile trails, Olympic-class cross-country skiing
routes and downhill skiing and snowboarding at the Showdown Ski Area.
Most impressive is the Giant Springs Heritage State Park, home to one
of the world’s largest fresh-water springs and the resultant Roe
River, which runs 201 feet from the 193-million-gallon-per-hour spring
to the Missouri, making it the world’s shortest river. Wildlife
found in the park includes Bald Eagles, Beavers, Raccoons and Deer.
The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art in
Great Falls Montana houses a nice, eclectic collection of modern, folk,
Native American and classic art. Great Falls’ own Sip-N-Dip Tiki Lounge
was named the #1 Bar On Earth by GQ Magazine in 2003, not least because
the “mermaids” that can be seen swimming through portals
through out the establishment.
