Great Falls, Montana is a thriving and popular city, a vacation destination that is attracting more people every year. The city has plenty to offer. This modern city has many attractions that will thrill the whole family. The city is still small enough that it has the vibe of a small town with friendly people and local events.

One of the most interesting things about the city is its connection to the long ago days of the Wild West. Many call Great Falls the capital of Western styled artwork, and when you start exploring some of the local galleries and museums it is easy to see why.

One of the most popular museums to visit is the C.M. Russell Museum. Russell was an artist who painted landscapes of the West, capturing the culture and the beauty of the land in his brushstrokes. The museum has thousands of pieces of Russell’s work from the 1800s and early 1900s, which include subject matter that one would expect from an artist who worked in his time. You can find paintings of cowboys, the Plains people, and much of the native wildlife.

The museum also has work from other artists, such as Seltzer and Schildt. You will also be able to see the Browning Firearms Collection, which has shotguns, rifles, and revolvers from the era.

If you like art, or if you just want to experience the vision of the Old West through the eyes of an artist who lived during that time, the C.M. Russell Museum is the place to be.

The museum is located at 400 13th Street North in Great Falls, Montana. Admission for adults is $9, seniors and military are $7, students $4, and children who are 5 and under are admitted to the museum free of charge.

Great Falls, Montana has a very active fine arts community, which you will quickly notice upon your first visit to the town. The residents of Great Falls take great pride in the natural beauty that surrounds them, and you can see that pride in every work of art they create. There are dozens of art galleries, shops, and museums scattered throughout the town, but the most notable museum in the city would probably be Paris Gibson Square.

Paris Gibson Square was once the city’s high school building, but it was rededicated as a center for arts and culture in 1977. Great Falls, Montana has declared the building a historic landmark and has placed it on the National Register. The building itself is a wonder of past architecture, with classic lines and a Tudor style. Inside the building, you will find some of the most beautiful contemporary art pieces in the northwest. There are seven different galleries, each with different themes. Once you have enjoyed your fill of the inside works, you can stroll through the garden and admire the amazing sculptures. Many of the works are by Montana artists, but you will also see plenty of national and international artists represented.

There are several community programs sponsored by Paris Gibson Square, too. You and your family can enjoy several different art classes, which are especially great for kids that are looking for after-school programs. You can try painting and sculpting, or you can join one of the yoga or Tai Chi classes. There are also many events throughout the year, including July’s Garden Walk and October’s A Night of Jazz and Spirits. Many of the events are for adults only, so be sure to check the age requirements with Paris Gibson Square before you plan a family outing.