The history of Great Falls begins with the expedition of Lewis and Clark in 1805. The group heard the falls of the Missouri River from over seven miles away. It took the expedition over a month to portage around these falls. Before leaving the area, the group celebrated the Fourth of July, helping to set the stage for city founder Paris Gibson, who arrived 70 years later.
Unlike many western cities, Great Falls was thoughtfully planned. Gibson knew the town needed to be exceptionally well organized. Hence, he ensured a precise, arrow-straight design for the streets. Gibson also established 886 acres of parks around the city. He understood that beauty was vital to any flourishing town, so he also made sure ash, fir, and elm trees were planted along the streets and boulevards. Using the waterfalls located north and east of the city, Gibson took full advantage of the potential for hydroelectric power by building the first dam at Black Eagle Falls. Over time, many other dams and hydropower plants were built there, earning the town the nickname "The Electric City."
Today, Great Falls has a population of over 60,000 and offers a wide variety of restaurants. Because of Gibson's foresight, Great Falls also has 57 city parks for visitors. The Charles Russell Museum is an excellent place to learn more about this famous artist. Other places to visit include The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretative Center and the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art.
Montana State Fair - Every July, the fair offers a week of entertainment, including rodeos, concerts, and carnival rides.
Ice Breaker Road Race - Thousands of runners, walkers, and joggers enter to win this competitive race in April every year.
Kids' Fishing Day - Each year in June, this event offers a fishing competition as well as educational events for the whole family.
If you go 340 miles south of Great Falls, you'll find Grand Teton National Park. This park is home to abundant wildlife, blue lakes, and breathtaking views. With over 200 miles of hiking trails, you can spend days just hiking. However, Grand Teton National Park also offers boating, floating, biking, fishing, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing.
Located just over 300 miles from Great Falls, Yellowstone National Park has something to offer everyone. Known as the first national park, it encompasses almost 3,500 miles of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The dormant volcano under this park created geysers and hot springs that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
At 150 miles from Great Falls, Glacier National Park is closer than any other national park. Known as the "Crown of the Continent," this park contains over 1 million acres, including 130 lakes, over 1,000 species of plants and animals, and 734 miles of hiking trails. This park also offers ranger-led programs, hiking, backcountry camping, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and boating opportunities.
Missouri Headwaters State Park marks the beginning of the Missouri River. It's full of vegetation, wildlife, and beauty. Inside the park is Three Forks, a Missouri National Historic Landmark. Be sure to explore the various hiking, fishing, and canoeing opportunities this park offers.
In western Montana, you will find a gem of a park, Salmon Lake State Park. This state park has a lot to offer, with the Mission Mountains on one side and the Swan Mountains on the other. While in the park, enjoy various activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming, and bird-watching.
Once a thriving town, Bannack State Park is now an intriguing ghost town managed by Montana. This state park has a rich and interesting history and is considered a National Historic Landmark. While here, you can experience ghost walks, gold panning, and living history.
When looking for monuments in Great Falls, it might be beneficial to check out these top 10 landmarks in Montana. One of the most interesting landmarks is the First Peoples Buffalo Jump. This monument showcases one of the largest buffalo jump sites in the country.
Lewis and Clark Pass requires a 1.5-mile hike, but it is well worth it. At the top, the view is magnificent.
In Gibson Park, the Great Falls Statue of Liberty replica stands proud. This smaller version of the actual statue in New York was part of the Boy Scout's "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty" movement in the 1950s.
The top campgrounds and RV parks in Montana include a variety of parks near Great Falls. With 178 sites, Great Falls KOA has daily, weekly, and monthly rates. It is within walking distance of downtown. With 191 sites, Dick's RV Park has access to the Sun River and Meadowlark Country Club. It offers daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Prewett Creek RV Park and Campground can be found nearby in Cascade, Montana. It is located across the street from the Missouri River, next to a store with fishing gear, groceries, and propane. It also offers daily, weekly, and monthly rates.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Great Falls, MT RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What do I need to know before renting an RV in Great Falls, MT?Great Falls has plenty of freeway and highway access to make RV driving a breeze. The city also has ample parks, bodies of water and open spaces to visit. Be sure to include time in your plans to explore the River's Edge Trail, the C.M. Russell Museum, or some of the many local craft breweries in town.
What are the RV rental requirements in Great Falls, MT?There is no special license needed to rent an RV, but it never hurts to check state websites. if you are unsure about traveling there and any regulations they may have, double-checking with the state will provide some peace of mind!
What are some tips for first-time RV renters in Great Falls, MT?Renting an RV in Great Falls, MT means endless blue skies, wide open roads and some epic Montana steak. With all the wide open space between destinations, make sure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of food before you hit the road. You'll find plenty of RV campgrounds with showers, laundry, and other fun amenities. Busy season is in the summer so book early to get your spot, or visit off-season to avoid crowds.
What are the minimum age requirements for renting an RV in Great Falls, MT?The minimum age requirement for renting an RV is 25.
What is included in my Great Falls, MT RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Are there pet friendly RVs for rent in Great Falls, MT?Looking for a pet friendly RV rental? Use the pet-friendly filter when searching on RVshare.com to find the perfect one for you!
Can I have my Great Falls, MT RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
Are there one way rental options from Great Falls, MT?One way rentals can add flexibility to your trip, but there are typically costs associated with returning the RV back to the owner. Learn more about one way rental options at rvshare.com/one-way-rv-rentals.
