Your Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for Great Falls, Montana
Planning a long weekend getaway to Great Falls, Montana? You've chosen wisely! Known as the "Electric City," Great Falls offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventure. Whether you're traveling as a couple, with family, or seeking outdoor thrills, this 3-day itinerary will help you make the most of your visit while staying at the centrally located Aisling Hotel.
Why Great Falls for a Long Weekend?
Great Falls provides an ideal destination for a 3-day getaway with its walkable downtown, proximity to natural attractions, and rich cultural offerings. As a visitor, you'll enjoy:
Easy access to the Missouri River and its spectacular falls
World-class museums and historical sites
Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities
A charming downtown with local shops and restaurants
Convenient base camp for exploring central Montana
Let's dive into three perfect days in Great Falls, with customized itineraries for different types of travelers.
Day 1: Discover Downtown and Local History
Start your Great Falls adventure by exploring the heart of the city and its fascinating history.
Morning: Downtown Exploration
8:00 AM: Breakfast at Aisling Hotel or Nearby Café Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or walk to one of downtown's charming cafés like Morning Light Coffee Roasters or Crooked Tree Coffee.
9:00 AM: Downtown Walking Tour Take a self-guided walking tour of downtown Great Falls. Highlights include:
The Historic Great Falls Post Office
Celtic Cowboy Building (one of the city's oldest structures)
Great Falls Public Library
Downtown's vibrant murals and public art
11:00 AM: C.M. Russell Museum Immerse yourself in the work of renowned Western artist Charles M. Russell at this world-class museum showcasing over 2,000 artworks, artifacts, and Russell's original home and studio.
Afternoon: Lewis and Clark History
1:00 PM: Lunch at Mighty Mo Brew Pub Enjoy craft beers and delicious pub fare at this local favorite in the heart of downtown.
2:30 PM: Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Spend your afternoon exploring this impressive facility that brings the Corps of Discovery's journey to life through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and films.
4:30 PM: Giant Springs State Park Adjacent to the Interpretive Center, visit one of the largest freshwater springs in the country and see the fascinating Roe River, once listed as the world's shortest river.
Evening: Riverside Relaxation
6:30 PM: Dinner at Bert & Ernie's Return downtown for a classic Montana dining experience featuring steaks, burgers, and local specialties.
8:00 PM: Sunset Stroll on River's Edge Trail End your day with a peaceful walk along the Missouri River as the sun sets, offering spectacular views of the city lights reflecting on the water.
Family Variation: Children will love the hands-on exhibits at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Consider substituting the Children's Museum of Montana for part of your downtown exploration.
Couples Variation: Add a visit to Davidson Gallery or Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art during your downtown exploration, and consider dinner at the more intimate Wheat Montana Bakery & Deli.
Outdoor Enthusiast Variation: Extend your visit to Giant Springs State Park with a longer hike on the River's Edge Trail system.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventures and Local Culture
Your second day balances outdoor recreation with cultural experiences.
Morning: Water and Wilderness
8:00 AM: Breakfast at JJ's Bakery Start your day with freshly baked goods and coffee at this local favorite.
9:00 AM: River Recreation Choose from:
Guided fly fishing trip on the Missouri River (spring through fall)
Kayaking or paddleboarding from Broadwater Bay (summer)
Bird watching at Benton Lake Wildlife Refuge (year-round)
Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing (winter)
Afternoon: Arts and Culture
1:00 PM: Lunch at Roadhouse Diner Refuel with award-winning burgers at this popular local restaurant.
2:30 PM: Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art Housed in a historic sandstone building, this museum features contemporary art exhibitions with an emphasis on Montana artists.
4:00 PM: The History Museum Discover the rich history of the Great Falls region through engaging exhibits on Native American culture, early settlers, and the development of the city.
Evening: Downtown Entertainment
6:30 PM: Dinner at Sip 'n Dip Lounge Experience Great Falls' world-famous tiki bar, complete with "mermaids" swimming in a pool behind the bar and excellent food.
8:00 PM: Evening Entertainment Check local listings for:
Live music at The Newberry or Celtic Cowboy
Performance at the Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts
Movie at the Historic Civic Center (check schedule)
Bowling at Little's Lanes, a classic Montana bowling alley
Family Variation: Substitute Electric City Water Park (summer) or Children's Museum of Montana for the afternoon art museum visit.
Couples Variation: Consider a sunset picnic at Gibson Park instead of the evening entertainment option.
Outdoor Enthusiast Variation: Extend your morning with a guided hiking trip to nearby Sluice Boxes State Park instead of the afternoon museum visits.
Day 3: Day Trip Adventures
Use your final day to explore beyond the city limits while still enjoying Great Falls attractions.
Option A: First Peoples Buffalo Jump & Ulm Pishkun
8:00 AM: Breakfast at your hotel Fuel up for a day of exploration.
9:00 AM: First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park Just 23 miles from Great Falls, this National Historic Landmark features North America's largest buffalo jump. Explore the interpretive center and hiking trails.
12:00 PM: Picnic lunch at the park Enjoy a packed lunch with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountain Front.
2:00 PM: Return to Great Falls for shopping Browse downtown boutiques, Western wear shops, and specialty stores for Montana-made souvenirs.
4:00 PM: Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum Explore the history of Malmstrom AFB and its role in American military history.
Option B: Belt Creek and Sluice Boxes
8:00 AM: Breakfast at 5th Street Diner Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this classic American diner.
9:30 AM: Sluice Boxes State Park About 30 minutes from Great Falls, this park offers stunning limestone canyon views and hiking along Belt Creek.
1:00 PM: Lunch in Belt Visit the historic mining town of Belt for lunch at the Harvest Moon Brewing Company.
3:00 PM: Return to Great Falls Enjoy a relaxing visit to Gibson Park or shopping downtown.
Final Evening: Montana Dining Experience
6:00 PM: Dinner at Jakers Bar and Grill End your Great Falls visit with a classic Montana meal featuring locally sourced ingredients.
8:00 PM: Ice cream at Big Dipper Treat yourself to handcrafted ice cream at this Montana institution.
Family Variation: On your way back to Great Falls, stop at the Electric City Water Park (summer) or try out the Great Falls Corn Maze (fall).
Couples Variation: Consider a sunset drive along the river or a wine tasting at Vintage Sellers Wine Bar.
Outdoor Enthusiast Variation: For the adventurous, arrange a guided rock climbing experience at Sluice Boxes instead of the standard hike.
Customized Itineraries
For Families with Children
Day 1:
Morning: Children's Museum of Montana
Lunch: Mackenzie River Pizza
Afternoon: Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Evening: Dinner at Mondo's followed by Gibson Park playground
Day 2:
Morning: Electric City Water Park (summer) or Flippin' Family Fun (indoor, year-round)
Lunch: 5th Street Diner
Afternoon: Giant Springs State Park fish hatchery
Evening: Dinner at Roadhouse Diner followed by movie or bowling
Day 3:
Morning: First Peoples Buffalo Jump (shorter hike)
Lunch: Picnic at Ryan Dam
Afternoon: Great Falls Corn Maze (fall) or sledding at Gibson Park (winter)
Evening: Dinner at Jakers (kids menu available)
For Couples
Day 1:
Morning: Leisurely breakfast downtown followed by Celtic Cowboy history tour
Lunch: Wheat Montana Bakery & Deli
Afternoon: C.M. Russell Museum
Evening: Dinner at Dimitri's followed by sunset River's Edge Trail walk
Day 2:
Morning: Couples' massage at downtown spa
Lunch: Roadhouse Diner
Afternoon: Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
Evening: Dinner at Sip 'n Dip Lounge followed by live music at The Newberry
Day 3:
Morning: Guided fly fishing lesson
Lunch: Picnic at Giant Springs
Afternoon: Downtown shopping and gallery hopping
Evening: Fine dining at Jakers followed by nightcap at Vintage Sellers Wine Bar
For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Day 1:
Morning: Early hike at River's Edge Trail
Lunch: Packed lunch at Giant Springs
Afternoon: Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Evening: Dinner at Mighty Mo Brewing
Day 2:
Full day: Guided fly fishing trip on Missouri River with riverside lunch
Evening: Hearty dinner at Celtic Cowboy
Day 3:
Full day: Hiking at Sluice Boxes State Park
Evening: Celebration dinner at Jakers Bar and Grill
Practical Tips for Your Great Falls Visit
Getting Around:
Downtown Great Falls is very walkable from the Aisling Hotel
Rental cars are recommended for day trips outside the city
Limited public transit is available within city limits
Rideshare services operate in Great Falls
Weather Considerations:
Summer (June-August): Prepare for warm days (75-90°F) and cool evenings
Fall (September-October): Expect variable conditions; layers recommended
Winter (November-March): Be ready for cold temperatures and snow
Spring (April-May): Unpredictable weather; rain gear advised
Local Etiquette:
Montanans are friendly; don't hesitate to ask locals for recommendations
Tipping standard is 15-20% at restaurants
Call ahead for reservations at popular restaurants, especially on weekends
Respect private property when exploring outdoor areas
Why Stay at the Aisling Hotel?
The Aisling Hotel (formerly the Midtown Motel) offers the perfect base for your Great Falls adventure:
Prime Location: Our downtown location puts you within walking distance of many attractions, restaurants, and shops.
Budget-Friendly Rates: Enjoy comfortable accommodations without breaking the bank.
Newly Renovated: Our completely remodeled rooms offer modern amenities in a historic setting.
Local Exploration Hub: We're positioned as the perfect base camp for all your Great Falls adventures.
Family-Owned Care: Experience the personal touch and thoughtful hospitality that only an independently family-owned hotel can provide.
Historic Charm Renewed: Experience the legacy of the beloved Midtown Motel, now refreshed under caring new ownership.
After a day of exploring Great Falls, return to comfortable accommodations at the Aisling Hotel, where you'll be perfectly positioned to continue your Montana adventure the next day.
Great Falls offers something for every type of traveler, whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, family fun, or romantic getaways. This 3-day itinerary provides a framework for an unforgettable visit, but don't hesitate to ask our friendly staff at the Aisling Hotel for personalized recommendations based on your interests, the season, and current local events. We look forward to helping you create memorable Montana moments!
