Featured City Friday highlights fun and interesting features of our agent’s cities across the mountain west region. To finish off our adventure, let's head to "the Electric City"...

Great Falls, MT

Great Falls, the county seat of Cascade County, Montana, has a population of around 58,000 people - making it the third largest city in the state. Great Falls gets its name from five nearby waterfalls along the upper Missouri River. These waterfalls are the same ones Lewis and Clark had to surpass during their westward exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. They now sport hydroelectric dams, giving Great Falls the name "the Electric City." The city was founded in 1883 when Paris Gibson visited the area and was deeply impressed by the possibilities for building a major industrial city near the falls with power provided by hydroelectricity. By 1887, the town had 1,200 citizens and the Great Northern Railway arrived in the city. And now it's home to a few universities, many tourist attractions and some awesome downtown shops!

Unique Attraction

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Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Built into a scenic bluff, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center's exhibits and ranger programs bring alive the spirit of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the 8,000-mile journey across western North America. The center has a range of exhibits and activities including introductory videos, boat-pulling simulations, audio tours, outdoor trails and educational programs. The center also showcases the important experiences with Plains and Northwest Indians as well as the plants and animals the members documented. The entry fee is only $8 per adult while children 15 and younger get in free! Check out the center when you get a chance!

Festival/Event

visitgreatfallsmontana.org

Lewis and Clark Festival

Each year, the Lewis and Clark Festival is held on the third weekend of June in downtown Great Falls, Montana. The festival highlights the Lewis and Clark Expedition and their stay in central Montana in 1805. Here, festival-goers can witness reenactors in historic dress as they recreate the adventures endured along the Missouri during this time. There even are Native American dancers and drummers, a bluegrass concert, children's activities and a tour through the Gates of the Mountains. If you get a chance, check out the fine arts and food vendors as well! You don't want to miss this awesome experience!

Top Restaurant

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Road House Diner

The Road House Diner has "the best burgers around," according to their website. Tara and Jason Beam opened the diner in 2015 and operate it open to close each day. They value local, quality ingredients and are known for having outstanding service! Tara even competed on the Food Networks's show "Guy's Grocery Games" in an all-burger showdown, and won! Their burgers are some of the best around and are customizable in any way you desire. If you're looking to try something new, order the PB&J Burger - a burger with bacon, cheddar, peanut butter and grape jelly. It's simply delicious! Stop by the Road House Diner the next time you're nearby; you won't be disappointed!