HotelTonight – Last-Minute Hotels in Beautiful Great Falls
Great Falls, Montana is a city full of history, natural beauty and electricity. This town has earned the nickname, "The Electric City" because of its abundance of dams, and I certainly found a certain electric energy in this Montana town. While it's not as lively as the college town of Bozeman, Great Falls still has a certain energy that I liked, and I think it had something to do with the fact that locals took advantage of the great outdoors. After all, they simply have to take a quick walk or a short drive to immerse themselves in beautiful outdoor settings, which is part of the reason why Great Falls locals are so friendly. I was only in Great Falls for a weekend, but thanks to the advice of locals, I felt like I was able to see the best that the town has to offer. And, of course, I booked my Great Falls hotel through HotelTonight, so I never had to worry about hassling with accommodations. As soon as I checked into my hotel, I was ready to head out into nature and explore Great Falls.
The Falls
Naturally, you can't come to Great Falls without seeing the falls. While there are many dams and falls in the Great Falls area, one of the most impressive is the Ryan Dam. This hydroelectric dam is located on the Missouri River just 10 miles out of the city, and it is a breathtaking display of the fusion of nature and human creation. The dam is 61 feet tall, and it's built on the largest of the Missouri's five Great Falls – which, you probably have already guessed, inspired the name for the town.
The River
Where there are falls, there are also rivers. And trust me, there are many rivers in and around the Great Falls area, so if you're into any river activities, you'll be in luck when you visit Great Falls. One of the most popular rivers in the area is the Dearborn River, which is a tributary of the Missouri. Locals consider the Dearborn one of the most scene rivers in the entire state, so it's the perfect place to go kayaking or fly-fishing.
Parks
There are so many parks in this area of Montana that it's almost impossible to choose which ones to visit when you're in town. If you have to choose just one, though, make sure you check out the Giant Springs State Park, where you can explore countless picturesque springs and pools. If you have time to check out other parks during your stay in Great Falls, consider visiting Gibson Park or West Bank Park. No matter which parks you visit while in Great Falls, though, you are sure to get your fill of the great outdoors.
Museums
Great Falls has more to offer than just beautiful parks and rivers – it also has many great museums. If you want to learn about the history of this region and the people who have lived here, you might want to visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Lewis and Clark actually passed through the Great Falls area on the Missouri, and this city prides itself on its rich history. Other museums in the area include the Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum and the C.M. Russell Museum.
Downtown
After a long day of hiking, kayaking and exploring Great Falls' natural wonders, you're probably going to be hungry. Good thing downtown Great Falls has plenty of dining options for you to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for something quick and cheap or you'd rather have a nice sit-down meal, you'll be able to find it downtown. As the heart of city life in Great Falls, downtown is the place to go for a night out. This downtown boasts great dining, shopping and entertainment options, and you're sure to meet a few friendly locals along the way. Be sure to ask them for tips on exploring their city – they'll be happy to pass along their favorite local suggestions.
HotelTonight – Book Your Hotel in Great Falls Montana
Great Falls, Montana was never on my travel bucket list, but I sure am glad that the opportunity arose for me to visit, because I loved every minute of my time in Great Falls. If you want to see majestic falls, lovely rivers and beautiful prairies, you should plan a trip to Great Falls. There's so much to see and do in Great Falls, so you will never be bored. I'm already hoping that I'll have a reason to return in the future, and when I do, I'll be sure to book my Great Falls hotel through HotelTonight. I always know that I can find great last-minute hotel deals on HotelTonight, so I never have to stress or worry about accommodations when I plan a spontaneous trip.
