Great Falls

Great Falls, Montana, United States

Great Falls is Montana's museum capital with 12 total for you to explore from contemporary art to military history.

Great Falls

Montana, United States

Home to the best loved man in Montana, Brother Van, otherwise known as William Wesley Van Orsdel came to Montana via steamboat in 1872. He told the captain he was going to Montana “to sing, to preach, and to encourage people to be good.” He loved everyone he met, including settlers, American Indians, freighters, cowboys, soldiers, gamblers, and miners. In return, everyone that met Brother Van loved him, earning him the title “Best Loved Man in Montana.” There were so few preachers to cover the vast state that he became a circuit rider that he continued to do under various job titles for the next 45 years. He knew that the best way to reach people was to go into their homes and communities.

400 13th St N
Great Falls, MT

Famed cowboy artist Charlie Russell is the cornerstone of much of the history and culture in Great Falls. The highly acclaimed C.M. Russell Museum houses more than 2,000 pieces of Russell's work, along with his home.

Great Falls

Great Falls, Montana, United States

Montana’s premiere museum just for kids! Experience Flight zone with a real plane fuselage, Little Falls parkour course with balance beams and tumbling mats, Lego Zone, Little Falls Market full of all your grocery needs, Little Falls Clinic with interactive models and diagrams, Little Falls Dentist with chairs and x-ray machine, Anika’s Closet for dressing-up for a new world, Little Falls Homestead, Little Falls Zoo, Little Falls Sherrif’s, and a cafe and coffee shop for feeding your imagination.

342 Ulm Vaughn Rd
Ulm, MT

This is North America’s largest buffalo jump. This was a place of natural gathering for over thirteen tribes starting before the 1300’s. Unfamiliar with that a buffalo jump is? Think of it as the modern-day grocery and home goods store. Bison would be drove off the cliff to provide food, clothing, housing, and tools for the entire tribe. Remember, this was before the rifle, so this was the most effective way for the first people to survive off the land.

1301 20th St S
Great Falls, MT

Located in the University Center on the University of Providence campus, this museum features oil paintings, stained glass, watercolors, ceramics, fabric art, mixed media, graphic art, chalices, enameled Stations of the Cross, and silk screenings.

4201 Giant Springs Rd
Great Falls, MT

North America’s most extensive collection of the entire corps of discovery expedition is on display here. We get it, Lewis & Clark really were everywhere in the west, however, they spent the most time in any one location (outside of winter camp) here in Great Falls because it took 32 days to portage all five (yes 5) of the falls. Relive the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s journey and important experiences of the Plains and Northwest Indians. Built into a scenic bluff with spectacular views of the Missouri River, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center’s exhibits and programs bring alive the indomitable spirit of exploration with a 25,000 square-foot building that includes an exhibit hall, theater, an outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Missouri River, an education room for hands-on curriculum-based activities, and a gift shop.

Malmstrom Air Force Base

Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, United States

Enjoy the history of every mission at Malmstrom Air Force Base as well as a large exhibit regarding the current minute man missile mission. The history of this base began when it was the Great Falls Army Air Base and continues to this day. Exhibits include details about the Berlin Airlift and Lewis and Clark Expedition. This museum is on the grounds of Malmstrom Air Force Base, so as you might have guessed, accessing it takes some planning. Call ahead to make an appointment.

400 3rd St NW
Great Falls, MT

This is one for all railroad lovers! The museum is filled with objects and artifacts highlighting the history of Montana’s railroad systems.

1400 1st Ave N
Great Falls, MT

This contemporary museum, housed inside Great Falls’ original school house, features self-taught artists. The galleries change out with new exhibitions often, however, you’ll always be able to see three amazing permanent displays: Lee Steen, Three Thousand and Counting, and Ruins I-IV.

422 2nd St S
Great Falls, MT

This place has all the history of Cascade County. You may see The History Museum also referenced as Cascade County Historical Society. Just know, they are one in the same. The exhibits inside The History Museum tell the stories of where we’ve been. You’ll have the opportunity to conduct research about the area through their archives and research center.

301 2nd Ave N
Great Falls, MT

The Montana Room, located within the Great Falls Public Library, holds a special collection of materials relating to Montana. The Montana Room is a non-circulating, restricted, research collection devoted to materials dealing with Great Falls, Cascade County and Montana. It is home to the largest dedicated Montana collection by number of items of any public library in Montana. It also houses the only display of the original stained-glass windows from The Valeria Library, the first library in Great Falls. The Valeria Library was named after Paris Gibson’s wife Valeria and opened in 1890. The purpose of the room is to provide, preserve and protect this type or material for present and future use.

2300 Central Ave
Great Falls, MT

The artwork of Mother Raphael Schweda is part of what makes a tour of the Ursuline Centre memorable. The museum provides a 100 year history of the Ursuline sisters and the education that occurred at the Academy. Additionally, the chapel and green parlor showcase the architecture of the time. Plan ahead, tours of the facility are done by appointment only.

Great Falls

Great Falls, Montana, United States

local history, there's something for everyone at Great Falls's 11 museums! You'll need at least a few days to get through them all. Let us know if you need help planning your trip! Email information@visitgreatfalls.org.