Montana still has a reputation for being a bit wild and untamed. This is the home where the buffalo still roam, and wild horses run free across the plains. The town of Great Falls was originally inhabited by Paleo-Indians, and many of their marks on the area still remain. Current residents and visitors can find museums throughout the area with artifacts and exhibits detailing the very first settlers to the area.

The plains and mountains of Montana were perfect for the hunters and gatherers. There was never a shortage of food supply, with crops growing easily and bison grazing close by. The same soil that sustained the Salish Indians still provides the residents of Montana with some of the best locally grown produce in the country. Often, the corn and potatoes that you buy in the grocery store came from Montana. Great Falls takes pride in the food that it produces, as well as the many handcrafts that are created from resources in the area.

Montana was introduced to the rest of the country through the exploration of Lewis and Clark in 1806. The two men are still considered great heroes, and Great Falls features the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center where visitors can learn about the trip. The center also features several exhibits on the local Native Americans, as well as lectures and special presentations on the fur trappers and other notable people of Great Falls history.

Great Falls is now a huge supplier of electricity. The waterfalls and hydroelectric dams in the area have earned the town the nickname “Electric City.” While we are still learning about the power of water, Great Falls has long been an industrial city. The city’s industrial history is still visible in many of the buildings, though modern buildings and structures now accompany them.

As you might expect, Great Falls was named for the five waterfalls that captivate visitors and residents to the Great Falls area. Lewis and Clark probably thought these waterfalls were quite beautiful, until they had to find a way around them. The falls now draw people from all over the world, and they also help to power many of the surrounding areas through hydroelectric dams. The power of the water has earned Great Falls the nickname “Electric City.”

Aside from some beautiful water scenery, Great Falls also has some amazing landscape scenery. There are hundreds of outdoor activities for the residents, including hiking, boating, and climbing. There is no way to ever claim boredom with so many things to see and do. The small-town feel belies the population, which claims over 56,000 people. The friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and vibrant culture make Great Falls a fantastic place to raise a family.

If you think that Great Falls is familiar, it may be because you have seen it in a film or two. The 1992 Brad Pitt favorite, A River Runs Through It, was filmed in Great Falls and the surrounding area. One glimpse at the scenery in that movie will have you packing your bags and heading to Great Falls. If a visit isn’t enough for you, then the city will welcome you as a new resident with open arms.

The real estate market in Great Falls is quite healthy. Real estate professionals claim that it is one of the most affordable places in America. The homes are widely varying in styles, too, so you are sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. If you crave history and charm, the homes near the center of town are perfect for you. Outer-lying subdivisions can provide the more modern homes, if you so desire.

Are you considering a vacation to Great Falls, Montana? You won’t be sorry that you came, as this wonderful city is brimming with fun activities for everyone to enjoy.

Giant Springs Heritage State Park is a piece of Great Falls history for you to explore. This vast fresh water spring was discovered in 1805 by the Lewis and Clark expedition. It pumps out more than 300 million gallons of water every single day. You can go to the state park to bird watch, see a little wildlife, or discover some history. You can also stop and throw out a blanket and enjoy a picnic lunch with your family. The nearby fish hatchery is also a big tourist draw, as kids just love to feed the hungry fishes!

If you have little ones with you then a must-see attraction is the Children’s Museum of Montana. This kid-friendly and hands-on museum will allow your kids to explore the many exhibits such as “build your own model city” and “generate your own electricity.” They will also make fun discoveries at the exploration station. Morning activities at the museum usually include story time or music activities. There is never a dull moment here and these exhibits are sure to be your child’s favorite part of their Great Falls vacation.

If you don’t have kids, and are looking for more grown-up fun then why not head to the beautiful 18-hole Anaconda Hills Golf course? If that does not quench your golf thirst then head over to Zahara Valley Golf club for more golfing action. From there, you can also check out the Malmstrom Air Force Base. It has lots of exhibits like uniforms, model aircrafts and even actual aircrafts such as the Shooting Star and Mitchell Bomber.

There really is no end to the fun you can have in the Electric (and eclectic) City of Great Falls, Montana!

If you find yourself in Montana and in the wonderful city of Great Falls, you might enjoy the events and festivals the area has to offer. The nightlife is abundant and the local area’s activities are always entertaining. If you feel the need for something a little more cerebral however, then you will want to seek out the city’s many museums.

The C.M. Russell Museum offers a lot by way of brain entertainment. The Old West can still be found in the corridors of this building. The painter Charles M. Russell really brings to life the western landscapes of old. Even the very souls of the people living during the 1800s seem to speak from his thousands of illustrations and paintings. You can visit the artist’s two-story blue painted house. This prime piece of Great Falls, Montana real estate was purchased in 1900 for the small sum of $800 dollars. There are five galleries of the iconic painter’s works in this museum for you to enjoy. You can certainly spend a whole day admiring the works and life of Russell in this fantastic museum.

The Great Falls History Museum is sure to give your brain a workout. Take a little stroll through time as you look through the museums permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as the archives, which are all stored in the 47,000 square-foot building. You will learn about everything from local art to the history of the city and the state. Make sure you see the cowboys and cowgirls exhibit to really get into the Montana spirit.

Other museums to check out in the area include the Montana Law Enforcement Museum, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and the Children’s Museum of Montana. Now that you have read about all the fantastic museums this state has to offer, perhaps it is time to look into Great Falls, Montana real estate and become a permanent resident.

Have you been living a while in Great Falls, Montana and feel like you are stuck in a rut when it comes to good restaurants? Your favorites will always be great, but if you eat at the same restaurant every week the monotony can make you a little crazy at times. How about venturing outside your comfort zone and trying something completely different?

Have you tried Bert and Ernie’s Tavern & Grill yet? This place does have all the regulars like chips and salsa and cheddar fries, but it also has some new twists like the hot seafood salad, and the Pishkun burger, which is made from buffalo and is covered in blue cheese. Don’t forget to order from their wide variety of beers so you will have something refreshing to wash all that food down with.

Another fantastic restaurant to consider, especially if you are looking for something a little more upscale in the Great Falls area, is Dante’s Creative Cuisine. Locals and tourists alike rave for the roasted garlic and olive oil dipping sauce that starts out every meal. Try the flat iron steaks, crab and shrimp Alfredo, or even the seafood pasta.

If you haven’t been to Borries yet, go put your shoes on and head over there right now! Many locals deem this the best restaurant hands-down in Great Falls. Comfort foods abound on the menu like fried chicken and spaghetti, toasted raviolis, and hearty soups. The western-themed art on the walls will really help keep you in the Montana spirit.

Other excellent restaurants in the area to check out if you haven’t already done so, include Penny’s Gourmet To Go, Goode’s Q and Bayou Grill, the Breaks, Big Mouth BBQ, and the kid-friendly MacKenzie River Pizza company.

Great Falls, Montana has tons of little hole in the wall restaurants that serve up some finger licking food. Get yourself out of your comfort zone by trying something new. Expanding your palate might become your favorite new hobby!

If you are considering a move to Great Falls, Montana due to work, changes in circumstances, or just a need for a change of scenery then you probably want to know a bit more about the Great Falls, Montana real estate market. You also want to learn a thing or two about the people that make up this fine city.

Great Falls is named as such because of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the five different waterfalls they had to successfully navigate around. The population of this great city is over 56,000 people of varying races, though Caucasians make up the largest percentage. The city has many fine monuments, activities, and its fair share of historical recreation events. You can check out the world’s smallest river, the Roe River, and also see the Giant Springs. Great Falls is also home to the Malmstrom Air Force Base and Museum, which displays actual aircrafts such as the Voodoo and B-25J. The city also has five hydroelectric dams, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the “Electric City”.

As far as Great Falls, Montana real estate is concerned, Coldwell Banker has listed it as one of the most affordable areas in the United States and Canada. The average listing price is $224K. There are a number of homes in foreclosure going for a fraction of that price. The median income of the area falls under 40,000. There are many top ranked schools in the area for those with children such as Meadow Lark Elementary, and Sunnyside Elementary, as well as a number of excellent high schools.

Why not take up the spirit of Lewis and Clark and come explore the city for yourself? We are sure you will agree that the city of Great Falls, Montana is a great place to call home and the perfect place to raise a family.

You have been having a splendid vacation thus far, but all good things must come to an end. As the day winds down, try not to stay cooped up on your last day of vacation! Get out of those Great Falls, Montana motels and go shopping! No trip is complete unless you pack your bags full of goodies and souvenirs. If nothing else, they sure make your friends back at home jealous.

Holiday Village Mall is going to be the first stop for most shopaholics. This mall houses all of your big name department stores like JCPenney, Sears, and Herbergers. There are also over 60 different boutiques and specialty shops for you to look through here. You can even stop into the Crystal Casino on the premises if you have any money left to burn.

Bring your friends back a Great Falls delicacy of huckleberry chocolates from the Candy Master’s store. This store has everything a chocolate and candy lover could dream of, like taffy, handmade chocolate covered cherries, creamy truffles and even sugar free chocolates. They also have gift boxes of chocolates if your friends back home deserve something that sweet.

The New and Old Shop of Great Falls sells pretty much everything, from jewelry to antiques and collectables and even hardware and candles. You can even find old bottles and ancient books. You never really know what you will discover amongst the treasures of this store.

Other interesting shops to check out before you leave include the Viking Shop, Riddle’s Jewelry, Anita Goudeau Designs, and Big Horn Wilderness. With all these wonderful shops you are sure to find the perfect little something for everyone on your list. Once you have shopped till you dropped, it is time to head back to the Great Falls, Montana motels and look through all your new purchases. With all of your new treasures, it will be hard to decide what to keep and what to give as gifts to your friends back home!

Many local people find themselves in Great Falls, MT with nothing to do on the weekends. Guess what? It doesn’t have to be this way! This city is alive with a booming event schedule and enticing night life. All you have to do is “be in the know.” So step out of your house or out of the Great Falls, Montana motels you are staying in and go out to find a party weekend that you won’t soon forget.

As far as local area events are concerned, you can choose activities such as Taste of Great Falls, or the Great Falls Original Farmers Market. Both of these events feature some delicious food. The farmer’s market is the best place to buy the freshest produce as well as baked goods and some homemade jam to go on top. Don’t miss out on the Montana Car Show, and at the start of each month be sure to enjoy the free trolley rides to the First Friday Art Walks. A fantastic free event in June is the Luminaria Walk. This event will have live bands and entertainers as well as over 1,000 sparkling luminaria twinkling in the twilight.

Other locals will tell you the best two bars in Great Falls, MT to get your nightlife started out on the right foot are Eight Ball Casino, and Club Cigar. The crowd at Eight Ball is young and hip and usually found playing pool or cashing in on the casino games. Club Cigar has an older and more sophisticated feel to it. It too has pool tables as well as a shuffle board. It mostly features big tables so you can sit down and socialize. After all, that is the point of a good nightlife scene, right?

Before you head back home, or to your room in one of the Great Falls, Montana motels (if you aren’t a local) why not try out some of the other happening nightspots? The Lions Club, Sip ‘N Dip lounge, Brick Sports Pub, and the Aces Tavern are all open late. Now your weekend is full and you no longer have to fear the dreaded phrase: I’m bored.

Did you just move from a strict state like Texas or Utah and now find yourself in the happy gambling state of Great Falls, Montana? If you are a new transplant to the great state of Montana, then welcome! Let us be your guide to the best casinos in the city. You can start getting your feet wet in the gambling world this weekend!

Montana has over 27 cities that have legalized gambling, and the wonderful city of Great Falls, MT has the most gambling facilities of them all. One of the most recommended casinos in the area is Eight Ball Casino. This is a happening spot and a large part of the crowd is early to late 20’s. The drinks flow here and there are plenty of pool tables to go around, not to mention so many slot machines that your arm is more likely to fall off before you can try them all out!

Some of the best Indian-owned casinos in Great Falls, Montana are Beacon Bar and Casino and Casino Emerald City, both of which offer tons of slot gaming and some of the best table games you have ever seen. Other nearby casinos to check out are Jim’s Casino, Gold Dust Casino, Lucky Lil’s Casino, Riverboat Queen Casino, Barrel O’ Bucks Casino, Reno Casino and many more. You are sure to find all of your favorites like blackjack, roulette and craps tables in Great Falls, MT. It’s hard to imagine not having fun in a place called Lucky Charm Casino, where surely the odds are in your favor. (Or so the leprechaun says)

Whether your gambling love is Texas Hold ‘Em, Blackjack, or penny machines, you are sure to find a casino that fulfills all your gambling dreams and desires in the casino-friendly city of Great Falls, MT. Come and roll your dice this weekend!

You know the city must be a “tourist trap” if the threat of alien abduction exists. There is at least one more reason why Great Falls, MT is so popular with traveling residents and locals alike, and it has nothing to do with golf courses. One historical episode is worth noting, and after hearing the story, you may develop your own morbid fascination with the Legion Stadium baseball field in Great Falls.

Legend has it that in August of 1950, an unidentified flying object was observed by Nick Mariana, who was the general manager of the Great Falls “Electrics” minor-league baseball team. (The event was also supposedly witnessed by his secretary) They were inspecting the empty stadium before a game and caught sight of a bright flash. Both eyewitnesses claimed to see two bright silvery objects rotating while flying at high speeds. Mariana described them as 50 feet wide and one hundred feed apart. Mariana also one-upped other dubious UFO claims at the time by actually filming the objects using a 16-millimeter movie camera. The film recorded for about 16 seconds.

The media latched onto the story and went UFO-crazy for a while. Even national media outlets began to pick up the story. The film Mariana shot is now the talk of many urban legends locally and across the country. The film can still be viewed online. To this day, Great Falls, Montana and the Legion Stadium retain a certain mystic aura thanks to this sensational story. Every once in a while, newscasts, TV programs and local documentaries will touch on this interesting tale of city folklore.

Interestingly, since the Mariana incident, over 100 other UFO sightings have been reported in the small city. This makes Great Falls one of the most active locations for UFO sightings anywhere in the country. Who says only humankind find Great Falls such an “electric” city?