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Great Falls: The heart of Montana

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GREAT FALLS HISTORY

In 1803, Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the Corps of Discovery to find “the most direct and practicable water communication across this continent for the purposes of commerce.” Lewis and Clark documented their experiences on the banks of “the thundering great falls of the Missouri” in their famous journals. You will enjoy reliving their epic expedition in a visit to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.

In 1882, Paris Gibson, a Minneapolis city planner and engineer, recognized the potential in the area’s abundant resources and central location and with the backing of railroad magnate James J. Hill, became the city’s first developer. Gibson’s legacy was a carefully planned city incorporating 56 parks, a heritage of beauty that makes Great Falls unique today.

GREAT FALLS...ALWAYS IN SEASON

Located in the heart of Montana, Great Falls is a progressive city surrounded by three mountain ranges, nestled in wheat fields with the Sun and Missouri rivers converging near the center of the city. A moderate climate with clean, pure air, low humidity, and long days of sunshine is enjoyed by Great Falls residents and visitors. Southwesterly Chinook winds make most winter days warm and pleasant.

ALL ABOUT GREAT FALLS AND CASCADE COUNTY

Population

  • Great Falls: 56,338
  • Cascade County: 79,401
  • Elevation: 3,300
  • Founded: 1882

Attractions

  • Children’s Museum
  • CM Russell Museum
  • Giant Springs Heritage Park
  • Gibson Park
  • Great Falls Symphony
  • The History Museum
  • Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
  • Montana Expo Park & State Fair
  • Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
  • Rivers Edge Trail
  • Showdown Ski Area
  • Ulm Pishkun Archaeological Site

Finances

  • Per capita income: $21,724
    State: $19,338

Residential Real Estate

  • Median sales price (2006): $138,000

Outdoor Recreation

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Downhill Skiing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • National Forests
  • National Parks
  • And much more . . .
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