Getting There
Great Falls serves as the hub for north-central Montana east of the Rockies. The Great Falls International Airport (tel. 406/727-3404; www.gtfairport.com) has daily service from Alaska/Horizon (tel. 800/547-9308), Allegiant (tel. 702/505-8888), Delta (tel. 800/221-1212), Northwest (tel. 800/225-2525), and United (tel. 800/864-8331). Shelby, 88 miles northwest, provides the closest Amtrak service (tel. 800/872-7245; www.amtrak.com).
Great Falls is located on I-15, which runs north from Butte, where the highway intersects with I-90, passing through Helena and then Great Falls. From Missoula, you can take Mont. 200 east, or you can take I-90 a little southeast, pick up U.S. 12, and go east to Helena, then north to Great Falls. Mont. 200 is more scenic. From Billings, you can take Mont. 87 north to Lewistown and then west to Great Falls. Or you can go west on I-90 to Livingston, then take Mont. 89, which includes the Kings Hill Scenic Byway, northwest to Great Falls. From Bozeman, take U.S. 287 north at Three Forks, then I-15 to Great Falls.
Visitor Information
Request tour information from Russell Country, P.O. Box 3166, Great Falls, MT 59403 (tel. 800/527-5348 or 406/761-5036; www.russell.visitmt.com). The Great Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau is at 1106 9th St. S., Great Falls, MT 59405 (tel. 800/735-8535 or 406/761-4434; www.greatfallscvb.visitmt.com). There is a visitor center at the Broadwater Overlook at 15 Upper River Rd., right under the tall flagpole.
Getting Around
The best way to explore Great Falls and environs is by car. Rental franchises in town include Avis (tel. 800/230-4898), Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131), National (tel. 800/227-7368), and Thrifty (tel. 800/847-4389).
Great Falls Transit System (tel. 406/727-0382; www.gftransit.com) offers bus service Monday through Saturday from early morning to early evening (no service Sun and holidays). Fare is $1 adults, 75¢ students, and 50¢ seniors; kids 5 and under are free.
Organized Tours
To see the town, take the 2-hour Great Falls Historic Trolley tour (tel. 888/707-1100 or 406/771-1100; www.greatfallshistorictrolley.com). Tickets are $22 for adults and $5 children 2 to 12, with one stop at the Rainbow Falls. You pick up the tour at the visitor information center at Broadwater Overlook Park. The company also does a Lewis and Clark tour, a parks tour, and custom trips.
A Special Event
Great Falls hosts the Lewis and Clark Festival each year in June. Events include history workshops, tours, food booths, and children's activities. For information and tickets, call tel. 406/452-5661 or visit www.lewisclarkia.com.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
