The Great Falls, one of the high points of the Lewis and Clark
expedition, was a series of five waterfalls near what is now the city of Great
Falls, MT. There are only four of the five now viewable, the fifth was
submerged with the creation of the Rainbow Dam impoundment. The remaining
four, Black Eagle Falls. Lower Rainbow Falls. Upper Rainbow Falls and Great
Falls, are viewable from a special trail (River's Edge Trail - no motorized
vehicles allowed). You can view Black Eagle Falls; Lower Rainbow Falls and
Upper Rainbow Falls as well as from vehicular turnouts along River Drive (en
route to Giant Springs Heritage State Park - site of one of the largest,
natural, cold-water springs in the world).
While in the area we urge you to stop in at the Lewis and Clark
National Historic Trail Interpretive Center on Giant Springs Road. Not only do
you get an outstanding view from the Center, which is on a bluff overlooking
the Missouri River, the Center's exhibits and live programs are very
informative for those wishing to appreciate the significance of the site. You
can phone the Center at 1-406-727-8733 during normal business hours.
How
to get to the Great Falls of the Missouri:
Heading northbound
on I-15 from Helena, shortly after passing exit 228 (US-287) you will
see the Missouri River on your right. I-15 follows the Missouri downstream to
Great Falls. At I-15 Business (exit 280), head in towards downtown Great
Falls. Just after you cross the Missouri River in River Drive. Head north on
River Drive to see some of the Great Falls of the Missouri and the Lewis and
Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. At the Veterans Park, River
Drive splits off to the right and Giant Springs Road continues straight
(following the river). Take this left fork which puts you on Giant Springs
Road. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center is about
3/4 of a mile further.
For more information:
You can phone the
the Lewis and Clark
National Historic Trail Interpretive Center at
1-406-727-8733 during normal business hours.
