Great Falls : Montana

The third largest city in Montana, Great Falls was founded in 1884 and was incorporated in 1888. Situated on the Missouri River, Great Falls is the county seat of Cascade County. It lies approximately 50 miles east of the Continental Divide, 120 miles south of the Canadian border and 180 miles northwest of Billings. The climate of Great Falls is greatly influenced by the topography of the region. The Continental Divide to the west, and Big and Little Belt Ranges to the south are responsible for producing the winter “chinook” winds. The average annual rainfall is around 15 inches while snowfall is about 63 inches.

Elevation: 3334 feet

Land area: 19.5 square miles

Latitude: 47.50 N

Longitude: 111.29 W

Population: 56,338 as on 2005

Local festivals include:

    * Blues & Brews
    * Lewis & Clark Festival
    * Montana State Fair
    * RiverFest

Attractions:

    * Cascade County Historical Museum
    * C. M. Russell Museum
    * Lewis & Clark Historic Trail Interpretive Center
    * Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
    * Montana Law Enforcement Museum