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Welcome to Great
Falls
- The last major city as you travel north on I-15, Great Falls
(population around 60,000) is quite a mix of attractions. Western
history - and art, is to be expected. Great Falls is a cultural surprise
to many visitors expecting to see another western cow town. Music from
the blues to classical symphonic; art from the cowboy to contemporary; a
bar cited by GQ Magazine as one of the world's ten best; and, of course,
a great variety of outdoor recreation.
The Great
Missouri River -
If you are northbound, shortly after passing exit 228 (US-287) you will
see the Missouri River on your right. I-15 follows the Missouri
downstream to Great Falls. At I-15 Business (exit 280), head in towards
downtown Great Falls. Just after you cross the Missouri River in River
Drive. Head north on River Drive to see some of the Great Falls of the
Missouri and
the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. At the
Veterans Park, River Drive splits off to the right and Giant Springs
Road continues straight (following the river). Take this left fork which
puts you on Giant Springs Road. The
Lewis and
Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center is about 3/4 of a mile
further.
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Great Falls
of the Missouri
- The Great Falls, one of
the high points of the Lewis and Clark expedition, was a series of five
waterfalls near what is now the city of Great Falls, MT. There are only
four of the five now viewable, the fifth was submerged with the creation
of the Rainbow Dam impoundment. The remaining four, Black Eagle Falls.
Lower Rainbow Falls. Upper Rainbow Falls and Great Falls, are viewable
from a special trail (River's Edge Trail - no motorized vehicles allowed).
You can view Black Eagle Falls; Lower Rainbow Falls and Upper Rainbow
Falls as well as from vehicular turnouts along River Drive (en route to
Giant Springs Heritage State Park - site of one of the largest, natural,
cold-water springs in the world).
While in the area we urge you to stop in at the Lewis and Clark
National Historic Trail Interpretive Center on Giant Springs Road. Not
only do you get an outstanding view from the Center, which is on a bluff
overlooking the Missouri River, the Center's exhibits and live programs
are very informative for those wishing to appreciate the significance of
the site. You can phone the Center at 1-406-727-8733 during normal
business hours. |
