Great Falls MT

Great Falls, MT – Nestled along the Missouri River and surrounded by natural beauty, Great Falls offers small-town charm with big outdoor adventure. Known as the Electric City, it’s a place where history, art, and rugged landscapes meet. From scenic trails to local breweries and cultural landmarks, Great Falls invites visitors to slow down and savor Montana life.

• Population: ~60,000
• Weather: Cold winters and warm summers (15–85°F); snow in winter, low humidity in summer.
• Places To Visit: Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Giant Springs State Park, C.M. Russell Museum, River’s Edge Trail, Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum.
• Top Activities: Hiking along the Missouri River, visiting art galleries, touring historic sites, fly fishing, exploring local breweries.
• Famous Food: Bison burgers, huckleberry treats, elk steaks, classic Montana beef cuts, and locally brewed craft beer.

Great Falls, Montana is a regional economic center known for its strong military presence, robust healthcare sector, and growing opportunities in education and public service. Below are some of the most in-demand jobs in Great Falls today.

Top 5 Jobs in Great Falls, MT

Great Falls, MT offers a variety of cozy and exciting spots for students to unwind, enjoy some leisure time, and explore the local vibe. Whether you're into nature, art, or just some good old-fashioned fun, there's something for everyone here.

Gibson Park – This picturesque park is perfect for a relaxing stroll, a picnic with friends, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. There's a duck pond and walking trails to explore, making it a serene spot to recharge.

Electric City Water Park – When the Montana summers heat up, students can cool down in this fun water park. With slides, a lazy river, and a splash deck, it's a great place to spend a sunny afternoon.

The Front Brewing Company – This local favorite offers craft beers and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for hangouts. They often have live music, adding to the fun and laid-back vibe.

Celtic Cowboy Pub and Restaurant – A lively spot offering a mix of great food, live music, and karaoke nights. It's a fantastic place for students to relax and enjoy a night out with friends.

Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art – Art lovers will appreciate the contemporary exhibits and sculpture garden. It's a peaceful and inspiring place to take a break from studies and delve into creativity.

Great Falls College Planetarium – Offering captivating star shows and educational programs, the planetarium is an excellent place for a unique and awe-inspiring experience under the stars.

Great Falls, Montana, offers access to quality higher education through its local colleges and universities. With a strong focus on practical education, trades, and community development, the city serves students seeking two-year degrees, technical certifications, and pathways to four-year institutions.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Great Falls

Great Falls College MSU – A two-year college affiliated with Montana State University, Great Falls College stands out for its associate degree programs, workforce development, and strong healthcare and technology training. It offers flexible schedules and hands-on learning, making it ideal for working adults and traditional students alike.

University of Providence (Partnership with MT State System) – Although primarily a private institution, the University of Providence partners with public entities and offers programs that support workforce needs through public-private collaboration. Some nursing and technical programs reflect this hybrid structure.

Montana State University (through outreach programs) – While the main campus is in Bozeman, Montana State supports distance education and extension courses in Great Falls, allowing local students access to reputable bachelor's and graduate programs in agriculture, health sciences, and education.

City College at MSU Billings (regional access) – City College serves the Great Falls region with satellite program access in trades, automotive technology, and business support services. It combines affordability with skill-based training for in-demand careers.

Helena College University of Montana (nearby)** – Located about 90 minutes away, this college serves Great Falls and surrounding areas with transferable general education courses, technical certificates, and aviation maintenance programs. Many students from Great Falls benefit from their accessible offerings.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Great Falls

University of Providence – A private Catholic university renowned for its strong liberal arts education, health science degrees, and graduate programs in criminal justice and organizational leadership. It creates a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and faith-based values.

Apollos University – An online university headquartered in Great Falls, Apollos offers affordable, accessible degree programs in business administration, information technology, and global leadership. It is a flexible option for both local and international students seeking online education with academic rigor.

Montana Academy of Salons – A private vocational institution offering specialized training in cosmetology, barbering, and skincare arts. It blends classroom instruction with real-world practice, preparing students directly for professional certification and licensing.

Bold Beauty Academy – Another respected beauty school in Great Falls, Bold Beauty Academy prepares students for careers in hair design, aesthetics, and nail technology. Its focused curriculum supports creativity and client-side learning experience.

Academy of Real Estate – A locally operated private institution that provides licensing programs and continuing education for real estate professionals. It offers flexible schedules and professional training tailored to Montana’s real estate market.

Great Falls, Montana, is home to several excellent high schools that offer strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and supportive communities. Whether you're looking for a public or private education, Great Falls provides quality options to help students succeed in high school and beyond.

Top Public High Schools In Great Falls, MT

• CM Russell High School – A well-established school known for solid academics, advanced placement (AP) courses, and a variety of extracurricular activities.
• Great Falls High School – One of the largest schools in the state, it offers a strong academic curriculum, athletics, and performing arts programs.
• Paris Gibson Education Center – A public alternative high school that focuses on helping students who thrive with smaller class sizes and personalized learning plans.
• North Middle School Academy Program – While primarily a middle school, its academy track offers advanced placement and pre-high school programs that prepare students early for success in high school.
• Riverbend Academy (Great Falls Public Schools) – A new program designed to provide a tailored learning environment for students seeking a non-traditional educational approach within the public school system.

Top Private High Schools In Great Falls, MT

• Great Falls Central Catholic High School – A well-regarded faith-based school offering a college-preparatory curriculum, small classes, and a strong sense of community and spiritual growth.
• Foothills Community Christian School – Known for its Christian foundation and focus on academic excellence, this private school emphasizes individualized learning and leadership development.
• Holy Spirit Catholic Schools (Junior High/Feeder to Central) – Part of the Catholic school system in Great Falls that prepares students for success at the high school level in a nurturing, value-based environment.
• Montana School for the Deaf and Blind (MSDB) – A public school with private services tailored to students with hearing or visual impairments, offering high school curriculum alongside specialized support.
• Heritage Christian School (Just outside Great Falls) – A private institution with a biblical worldview approach and a commitment to academic achievement, located in nearby Ulm but serving the Great Falls community.

Great Falls, Montana, may not have any major league professional teams, but it holds a proud tradition in heartfelt community sports and hosts several minor league and semi-professional teams that bring fans together from all over the region.

⚾ Baseball – Great Falls Voyagers (Pioneer League)

• Great Falls Voyagers – A long-standing member of the Pioneer League, the Voyagers are part of an independent baseball league previously affiliated with Minor League Baseball. The team has been a staple in the community since its founding in 1948 under different names. The Voyagers have seen names like Joe Crede and Mark Buehrle come through their ranks before heading to the majors. Home games are played at Centene Stadium, and the fan experience is known for its family atmosphere and local support.

🏈 Indoor Football – Great Falls Gladiators (UPFL)

• Great Falls Gladiators – Competing in the United Professional Football League, the Gladiators are a semi-professional indoor football team that draws fans with fast-paced action and competitive spirit. They offer an affordable and exciting football experience during the spring season.

🏀 Basketball – No Professional Basketball Team

• Currently, Great Falls does not host a professional basketball team. However, basketball is popular at the high school and collegiate levels, including teams from Great Falls High School and University of Providence.

🏒 Hockey – Great Falls Americans (North American 3 Hockey League – NA3HL)

• Great Falls Americans – The Americans are a Tier III junior hockey team and part of the NA3HL. They focus on developing young talent and have fed players into higher-level junior, collegiate, and even professional hockey. The team plays its home games at the Great Falls Ice Plex, offering fans a fun and energized hockey atmosphere.

⚽ Soccer – Amateur and Youth Leagues

• While there is no professional soccer team in Great Falls, the sport is growing at the grassroots level. Local clubs like Electric City Soccer Club provide youth training and competition. The community also supports adult recreational leagues, bringing people together to enjoy the game.

Great Falls, Montana, may not appear on national sports coverage, but its dedication to local teams and community-based athletics makes it a sports town full of passion and pride. Whether it's baseball under the summer sky or hockey in the winter ice arena, sports in Great Falls bring people together and keep the competitive spirit alive.

Great Falls, Montana, is a city full of fascinating natural features, rich history, and a vibrant community. Known as "The Electric City," it offers visitors and locals alike plenty of stories to discover. Here are some fun facts about Great Falls, MT:

1. Named After the Mighty Waterfalls – The city gets its name from a series of five waterfalls on the Missouri River that early explorers found awe-inspiring.
2. Lewis and Clark Stayed Here – The famous Lewis and Clark Expedition spent over 31 days in the area, portaging around the falls during their journey west.
3. The Electric City – Great Falls earned its nickname from being one of the earliest adopters of hydroelectric power, thanks to all the local waterfalls.
4. Home of Famous Art – It's the birthplace of the renowned Western artist Charles M. Russell, and the city houses a museum with over 2,000 of his works.
5. Sunniest City in Montana – Great Falls enjoys over 200 sunny days a year, making it one of Montana’s brightest spots.
6. Big Sky Meets Big Falls – The city lies along the scenic Missouri River and offers breathtaking views of both the water and the skies.
7. Air Force Base Nearby – Just outside the city is Malmstrom Air Force Base, a key part of the U.S. defense system and local economy.
8. Giant Springs State Park – This park features one of the largest freshwater springs in the country, producing over 156 million gallons of water a day.
9. River's Edge Trail – Outdoor lovers can walk, bike, or skate along the over 50 miles of riverfront trails connecting parks, historic sites, and waterfalls.
10. Montana State Fair – Held each summer in Great Falls, this fair draws crowds from around the state with its concerts, rodeos, and tasty fair food.