On the hunt for things to do in Great Falls, Montana? We’re proud to be part of the Electric City and to serve as the gateway to Glacier Country. Whether you call Great Falls home or you’re a road-tripper passing through, there’s no shortage of events, tasty eats, and more in town and beyond.
From summer kicks to frosty winter activities, our guide covers it all. Sit down for a stellar meal, catch fish along the river, or try something new at the State Fair; whatever you’re up to, Great Falls is the place to be.
Great Falls at a Glance: As a historic crossroads and Western art hub, the Great Falls vibe is welcoming and unique. Plan on visiting natural springs and waterfalls, art museums, and highlights such as the River’s Edge Trail, the C.M. Russell Museum, and Giant Springs. Summertime brings the State Fair and river activities, while winter’s all about skiing and ice sports.
Things to Do in Great Falls, Montana: Plan Your Stay
The Electric City sits at the confluence of the Missouri and Sun Rivers, with world-class Western art, one of the largest freshwater springs in the country, and a downtown that’s worth more than a quick drive-through.
With a unique blend of history, culture, and one-of-a-kind outdoor attractions, Great Falls is a vacationer’s paradise. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Great Falls to get you started on your next adventure. Ready to explore?
Good Food, Big Skies: Best Places to Eat
Montana’s Electric City runs on good food. Whether you’re fueling up for a day on the Missouri or winding down after the State Fair, these local spots have you covered.
Stageline Pizza
In Great Falls, Montana, when people say they’re craving a slice, they usually mean Stageline Pizza. Crafting pies since 1982, the brand quickly became a Montana go-to, expanding to 15 locations across Big Sky Country and beyond. Today, Stageline is known for its classic and off-the-wall pizzas: try the extra-spicy “Death Valley” if you dare. When Great Falls residents want a nostalgic taste of home, Stageline is the call.
Roadhouse Diner
Inside a funky log cabin exterior, you’ll find some of Montana’s favorite burgers at Roadhouse Diner, including the bacon-loaded Winchester, the fiercely spicy Ranch Ripper, and the mysteriously good PB&J (trust us on this). The secret? House-baked buns, locally sourced ranch-raised beef, and a dedication to doing simple things really, really well.
Western Art, Live Music & More
Great Falls has a cultural depth that catches many first-timers off guard. One city block holds one of the finest Western art collections in America, and you can head a few streets over for a unique venue that’s quickly becoming one of central Montana’s best places to catch a show.
C.M. Russell Museum
Located in the home of the beloved Great Falls icon, the C.M. Russel Museum covers an entire city block and encompasses multiple exhibition galleries, educational programming spaces, a dedicated research center, and an outdoor sculpture garden.
Charlie “Kid” Russell was one of the American West’s premier artists, creating more than 2,000 paintings of cowboys, Native Americans, and landscapes set in the western United States and Alberta, Canada. Today, his famous log cabin studio is a meticulously preserved National Historic Landmark, and visiting it is one of the top things to do in Great Falls, Montana.
The Newberry
Billed as Central Montana’s newest and preeminent event venue, The Newberry showspace is the dream of five Montanans, passionate about supporting a vibrant downtown.
The venue serves as a gathering place for the community and hosts a wide range of entertainment and events year-round, featuring a full bar, lounge, 1,000-capacity hall, and more. Come for the top-shelf entertainment and state-of-the-art sound and lighting, stay for the warm local vibe and good cheer.
AMC Classic Great Falls 10
Want to watch a movie? This jumbo-sized cineplex with 3D and digital screens shows first-run films, opera productions, and sports events. Plus, you’ll find all your favorite snacks at the AMC in Great Falls, from old-fashioned buttery movie popcorn to nachos, pretzel bites, and beyond.
Get Moving: Hike a Trail or Head to The Fair
Great Falls earns its outdoor reputation with the River’s Edge Trail running for miles along the Missouri, and Giant Springs pumping out 156 million gallons of water a day in a gorgeous state park. Ready for fried Oreos and the rodeo? Montana ExpoPark hosts some of the state’s biggest community events.
Giant Springs State Park
Great Falls hardly lacks for scenic beauty, but the majestic and sprawling Giant Springs State Park consistently ranks as a local fave. Notable as one of the largest freshwater springs in the nation—as recorded by the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805—today, Giant Springs produces over 156 million gallons of water each day.
Come summertime, it’s hard to beat dipping your toes in the bubbling pool, while the sight of foggy mist rising off the water is enough to cheer up any dreary winter day.
Montana ExpoPark
Sitting on 133 acres, the Montana ExpoPark is one of Great Falls’ keystone venues. Hosting countless concerts, conferences, exhibitions, livestock events, and trade shows, it’s also the site of the Montana State Fair, one of our community’s most beloved annual events.
Need to Stock Up? Plan a Pit Stop at Seed of Life
From downtown, over to River’s Edge Trail, or out to the mountains, wherever you’re headed, we’re here to share the best of Montana-grown cannabis before you hit the road.
Our Great Falls dispensary is close to Montana ExpoPark and the Great Falls History Museum. You’ll find ample free parking, an on-site ATM, and most importantly, a knowledgeable team ready to answer any questions. We’re open from 9am-7:50pm daily; come in and see what’s fresh today.
Cannabis in Great Falls: Laws, Planning & Road Trip Tips
Great Falls sits at a practical crossroads as the last major stop before heading north to Glacier National Park or west into the central Montana wilderness, which makes a little planning go a long way. Here’s what to keep in mind before you go:
- Bring valid ID (21+). Great Falls accepts driver’s licenses, US ID cards, Military IDs, Tribal IDs, and passports.
- Stock up before heading north. Services get sparse quickly past Great Falls, and if Glacier or the backcountry is on your itinerary, this is the smart place to shop.
- Plan your transportation. Great Falls is a spread-out city, and you’ll likely be driving between locations. Never drive impaired, and think through your route before you go.
- Factor in the weather. Montana’s temperature swings are no joke. Extreme cold or summer heat can degrade cannabis, so store it safely and out of direct sun or freezing temperatures.
- Shop earlier in the day. Selection is best in the morning, especially ahead of weekend road trips.
- Public consumption is not allowed. All consumption must happen on private property with the owner’s permission.
For a full rundown on what to expect at the counter, our guide to shopping for cannabis in Montana is a good place to start. And since laws can change, confirm the current rules for out-of-state guests before your visit.
Visit Seed of Life Dispensaries in Great Falls & Beyond
At Seed of Life Great Falls, we’re as proud to be a vital part of the local community as we are of our award-winning cannabis. Our Great Falls dispensary sits just off I-15 near ExpoPark, making it convenient for residents and travelers passing through.
Pick up a sativa before hitting the great outdoors or indulge in an edible before taking in the local arts scene, whatever your preference and whatever draws you to the Electric City, we’re here to support and guide with local expertise. Need a new pair of shoes or a Montana gift? Check out our shopping guide to Great Falls and see what treasures you can find.
If your destination includes other Montana stops, you’re never far from fresh cannabis. Head to any of our Montana locations for locally grown bud and a team rooted there.
FAQ: Visiting Great Falls, Montana
Great Falls, MT, boasts a great mix of arts, history, and local culture attractions, including the mermaid-themed Sip ’n Dip Lounge, premier music venue The Newberry, and live sporting events.
The fun doesn’t end once the snow comes down! Besides the music venues and theaters in Great Falls, Montana, there are the cowboy-themed Christmas Stroll, skiing at Showdown Montana, and ice fishing and skating at Gibson Park.
Yes. Tourists and visitors to Montana can purchase legally from licensed dispensaries, provided they’re 21+ and have a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport).
The Great Falls’ Montana State Fair typically runs from late July into early August, and it’s one of the city’s most treasured annual events. Check the schedule at Montana ExpoPark for details about this year’s scheduled event.
Glacier National Park is located roughly 150 miles from town. Be sure to take advantage of the shopping, stores, and restaurants in Great Falls to stock up before you hit the road!
