Located along the Missouri River, Great Falls is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural attractions. As we have traced much of the route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition over several different trips north, we specifically wanted to go to Great Falls since this was along their route to the Pacific coast and the series of five waterfalls on the Missouri River that is the city’s namesake were a major obstacle for the explorers, although many of the falls have dams and/or power plants built on top of them today. We also found an overlook area for the final campground where they stayed after portaging around these falls.

Also here is Giant Springs State Park which features one of the largest freshwater springs in the United States. Giant Springs is a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The park also has a fish hatchery and walking trails.

First Peoples Buffalo Jump

First Peoples Buffalo Jump, located south of Great Falls, is a significant historical and cultural site that offers insight into the lives of the Native American tribes who inhabited the region long before European settlers arrived. The park is home to one of the largest buffalo jump sites in North America, where Indigenous peoples used the landscape to hunt bison in a method that was both efficient and deeply rooted in their cultural practices.

The buffalo jump was a hunting method used by Plains tribes such as the Blackfeet, Salish, Gros Ventre, and others. The tribes would herd bison toward the edge of a cliff, causing the animals to fall to their deaths. This method allowed them to hunt large numbers of bison at once, providing meat, hides, bones, and other materials that were essential for their survival. The bison was central to the lives of the Plains tribes, providing not only food but also materials for clothing, shelter, and tools. The buffalo jump was not just a hunting technique but a communal activity that required coordination, strategy, and knowledge passed down through generations. It was also a spiritually significant practice, often accompanied by rituals and ceremonies.

Three of the five waterfalls

Due to flooding downstream, the water flow in Great Falls was greatly reduced when we were there. Usually, much more water flows over the falls during this time of year.

Park Review – Great Falls RV Park

Rating: ⭐⭐1/2
Location: Great Falls, MT
Type: Commercial Park
Check-in/Check-out times: 12:00/11:00
Site Quality / Amenities: The roads and pads are gravel. Each site has a picnic table.
Access: From I-15 BR take exit 0 then go north on 14th St. SW to 13th Ave. SW then turn right. The park will be on the right after the 14’0″ train trestle.
Staff: We had minimal interaction with staff but the manager that checked us in was good.
Restaurants: Clark and Lewie’s – Long time, no frills American restaurant. The food was just OK. Roadhouse Diner – Very good “fancy” hamburgers.
Nearby parks: We didn’t look at any other parks nearby.
What we liked: Good location and price.
What we didn’t like: The park needed some TLC in places.
Verdict: There aren’t a lot of choices in Great Falls and this may be the best option.