Great Falls: Wild West History and New West Charm
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| Black
Eagle Dam Photo Courtesy Donnie Sexton, Travel Montana |
ORIENTATION
Situated in Cascade County, Great Falls is located roughly half way between two National Parks. The west entrance to Glacier National Park lies 200 mi (322 km) northwest of Great Falls, whereas Yellowstone National Park is 224 mi (361 km) south of the city. Helena, the state capital of Montana, is 89 mi (143 km) south of Great Falls and the border with Canada is 121 mi (195 km) north of the city. To the south of Great Falls lies Salt Lake City, Utah, at a distance of 571 mi (919 km). Southwest of Montana, the city of Boise, Idaho, is a 638 mi (1027 km) drive and Spokane, Washington, is 402 mi (647 km) west of Great Falls.
HISTORY
The history of Great Falls contains a strong western heritage, ranging from the Plains Indian tribes who first roamed the land to the explorers who envisaged the financial benefits to be had in the area. Before 1800, the American Indian tribes that inhabited the region struggled amongst themselves for control of the resource abundant land. Unfortunately for the Indian tribes, the Missouri River is a major waterway and became a focal point for exploration in the area. It was not long until the Indian tribes were brusquely forced to relinquish their long held control of the Great Falls area.
In the summer of 1805, the celebrated Meriwether Lewis and William Clark Expedition arrived in the Great Falls area. In 1804, President Thomas Jefferson had sent the duo to search for the fabled all-water route connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific, dubbed the Northwest Passage. For centuries the prospect of such a route had sparked dreams of facilitating east-west trade. With the arrival of Lewis and Clark, the Great Falls area was put on the map and the region was seen as an opportune location for a future trading post due to its proximity to the Missouri River. As a result, the arrival of the Lewis and Clark Expedition became one of the most significant events in Great Falls history, as it paved the road for the area's development as a major trade center.
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| Lewis
and Clark National Historic Trail and Interpretive Center Photo Courtesy Donnie Sexton, Travel Montana |
The development of the Great Falls area did not occur immediately. Almost eighty years elapsed before settlers realized the immense benefits of the land and began homesteading the region. Paris Gibson, a settler who came west in 1882, imagined a city in the present location of Great Falls. As a result, he drew up plans for the city and subsequently convinced James Hill, an influential man in the railroad industry, to help finance the project. Paris Gibson proved to be a skilled designer and Great Falls is one of the few western centers that boasts an organized network of aligned streets and over 800 acres designated as park area. Great Falls became a city in 1888 and developed into a major Montana trade center, resembling the predictions of Lewis and Clark. In recent years, the city has grown into a strong community and the economy of Great Falls is highly dependent on agriculture, healthcare and retail establishments. The Malstrom Air Force Base and the Montana Air National Guard are both located in the city and also have a huge impact on the economy and population of Great Falls.
CLIMATE
The Continental Divide is an imaginary line that runs along the highest peaks of the Rocky Mountain Range, from British Columbia, Canada, through the United States, and into Mexico and Central America. On the west side of the divide, water runs into the Pacific Ocean and to the east of the divide water runs through the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers into the Gulf of Mexico. In Montana, the divide segregates the state into two geographical areas that differ in climate. Since Great Falls lies east of the Continental Divide, the city receives slightly shorter summers and lighter winds in comparison to the west side of the divide. In the east, the divide also acts as a barrier that prevents cold air rising over the peaks into the western region. As a result, Great Falls can have temperatures much lower than those seen in the west. South of Great Falls are the Big and Little Belt Mountain Ranges, which are also factors in determining climate. Produced by the Divide and the Ranges, common warm wintertime winds known as Chinooks, are experienced in the Great Falls area. These frequent winds bring a welcome relief since they can raise temperatures significantly.
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Throughout the summer months, Great Falls is often subject to hot weather that peaks at over 90° F (32° C), however the average summer daytime temperature is 79° F (26° C). Average winter temperatures range from a low of 11° F (-12° C), to a high of 37° F (2° C). It is important to note that Great Falls is located in a part of Montana that receives cold waves approximately nine times a winter. During these waves, temperatures are often well below zero and are accompanied by fierce, blustery weather with blowing snow. For the inexperienced traveler, these winds are known to pose a dangerous threat and exposure to this extreme weather should be avoided. However, if travelers dress appropriately for the weather, many outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing can nevertheless be enjoyed.
TRANSPORTATION
Getting to Great Falls is a trouble-free task. The Great Falls International Airport connects the area to domestic and international destinations. Delta, Horizon, Northwest and Big Sky Airlines service the airport. Two bus lines run through the Great Falls area; Greyhound comes through the city en route to Helena, Billings and Alberta, Canada, while Rimrock Trailways provides service between Montana cities and lands at many of the smaller towns in the State. Amtrak Passenger Rail Service is located in Shelby, Montana, 90 mi (145 km) north of Great Falls.
If driving to Great Falls, I-15 provides a direct link to Canada in the north and San Diego, California, in the south. The I-90, found about 150 mi (242 km) south of Great Falls, connects the area to the eastern and western United States. A fantastic way to see the scenery is to take one of the rural highways in the area. Highway 89 runs from Glacier National Park through Great Falls to Yellowstone National Park. Highway 200 functions as a link between Great Falls and Western Montana and the drive over the Continental Divide and Logan Pass is memorable.
Transportation within the city is simple. The Great Falls Transit provides service throughout the city and taxi service is available. Many of the attractions located in downtown Great Falls and are easy to get to on foot. Rental cars are also available through a variety of companies in Great Falls, and give the traveler the freedom to see all that Great Falls offers.
ATTRACTIONS
Lewis and Clark
National Historic Trail Interpretive Center
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| River's
Edge Trail Photo Courtesy Donnie Sexton, Travel Montana |
C. M. Russell Museum
The C.
M. Russell Museum memorializes the artistic works of Charlie Russell
(1864-1926), a onetime cowboy who became one of the greatest artists to
depict the American West. Russell's works are internationally acclaimed
for his honest and insightful depictions of the American Indian lifestyle
and his accurate portrayals of the Old West period. The C. M. Russell
Museum showcases over 2,000 of Russell's artworks and personal items,
as well as displaying the works of other American artists. Additional
highlights of the Museum include Russell's log studio, built in 1903,
and the Russell Home. Every March, the Museum organizes the C.M. Russell
Auction of Original Western Art, one of the largest art auctions in the
world.
River's Edge Trail
The River's
Edge Trail is a scenic path that is open every day of the year,
offering stunning views and acting as a venue for many recreational activities
in the Great Falls area. Sprawled on 25 mi (40 km) of land, the River's
Edge Trail features over 13 mi (21 km) of pathway along the Missouri River.
Additionally, over 11 mi (18 km) of the trail are paved and easily accessible
by wheelchair. Activities along the River's Edge Trail include bird watching,
biking, walking, jogging and rollerblading, as well as enjoying spectacular
views of the three waterfalls visible along the trail. For those who do
not have equipment readily available, bike
and boat rentals are available along the trail.
State Parks
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| Ulm
Pishkun State Park Photo Courtesy Donnie Sexton, Travel Montana |
Ulm Pishkun State Park is the site of a historic buffalo jump that was used for over 1,500 years by American Indian tribes. The steep cliff stretches for over a mile and allows visitors to imagine the spectacle of bison herding and killing that was enormously important to the American Indian people. Ulm Pishkun is considered to be one of the highest, oldest and most used buffalo jumps in the United States. Interpretive signs and a visitor center relay the historic tale of the site and two hours are easily spent enjoying the park.
Montana State Fair
The city
of Great Falls comes alive every July when it hosts the nine-day-long
Montana
State Fair. A wide range of activities and events are offered
at the fair, including the popular PRCA
Rodeo and the Xtreme Bulls PRCA Bullriding. Other exciting events
include live concerts featuring top artists, the Mighty Thomas Carnival,
an extensive exhibition and an impressive selection of ethnic food.
