Visit Us

 

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center offers a variety of daily activities for visitors at every level of physical prowess. We have an extensive exhibit hall with over 6,000 square feet that tell the story of the Expedition from beginning to end. This is supplemented by orientations videos and interpretive talks throughout the day.

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Our address is 4201 Giant Springs Road, in Great Falls, Montana.

To reach the Interpretive Center, you can call 406-727-8733.

 

Admission is $8 for anyone over 16. Children under 16 are free.

We accept all Federal passes.​

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Trails

The Interpretive Center grounds include a segment of the Great Falls River’s Edge Trail, as well as two short interpretive trails through the natural landscape. The Center also maintains the Sulphur Springs Trail, approximately eight miles downstream from Great Falls.

The South Bluff Trail starts at the south end of the parking area and extends approximately 3/10 of a mile to an interpretive wayside exhibit. The trail offers views of the coulees and cliffs along the east bank of the Missouri River and the different plant communities near the cliffs. Marmots, deer and different species of birds are common in season. The trail surface is compacted gravel.

The Grasslands Loop Trail begins near the Interpretive Center Amphitheater, north of the building. The trail loops approximately 4/10 of a mile through mixed prairie lands along the bluffs above the Missouri River. The trail also connects to the River’s Edge Trail system through an underpass north of the trail loop, as well as the East Coulee Trail to the edge of the Missouri. The trail surface is paved near the parking area and compacted gravel in the prairie areas.

The East Coulee Trail branches off beyond the Meadow Loop Trail and continues through a coulee to the banks of the Missouri River. The trail is approximately ¼ mile long and is steeply sloped in sections. The lower end of the trail connects to the River’s Edge Trail annex along the Missouri, and to Giant Springs State Park to the north. The trail surface is gravel.

The Cliff Trail begins at the patio on the west side of the Interpretive Center building and connects to the River’s Edge Trail annex and the Interpretive Center’s River Camp activity area. The trail is fully paved and ADA-accessible. The trail runs approximately ¼ of a mile with interpretive wayside exhibits along the way.

The Sulphur Springs Trail begins near Morony Dam, approximately 19 miles by road from the Interpretive Center. This moderate difficulty, 1.8 mile trail connects to Sulphur Springs, across the Missouri from the starting point of the Lewis and Clark expedition’s 1805 and 1806 portages around the Missouri Waterfalls. Be sure to wear closed-toed hiking shoes, and bring sunscreen, insect repellent and water.​​​​

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There are other sites nearby that are part of the Lewis & Clark Story. These include:

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Gates of the Mountains - Gates of the Mountains – Boat Tours and Marina

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The Great Falls of the Missouri - The Great Falls - Great Falls Montana Tourism

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Giant Springs State Park - Giant Springs State Park | Montana FWP

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Tower Rock - Tower Rock State Park | Montana FWP

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First Peoples Buffalo Jump - First Peoples Buffalo Jump | Montana FWP