For a Great Falls one day itinerary, pair the C. M. Russell Museum with Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, then choose Black Eagle Dam or Centene Stadium for the afternoon. Paris Gibson Square offers free admission and is about a 5-minute drive from Central Motel.
- Morning: Visit Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, open Tuesday through Saturday.
- Next: Add the C. M. Russell Museum.
- Afternoon: Choose Black Eagle Dam or Centene Stadium.
- Getting around: Great Falls has weekday and Saturday bus service, as well as taxis and rideshare services.
Start with Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art gives your Great Falls museums itinerary a free starting point, with contemporary art, a sculpture garden and a historic sandstone setting.
The building at 1400 1st Ave N was completed in 1896. It served as Central High School for 34 years and Paris Gibson Junior High for 45 years before closing in 1975. Community volunteers renovated and reopened it as Paris Gibson Square in 1977; the museum has presented contemporary art exhibitions and related programs since then.
Permanent displays include the Lee Steen installation of Outsider Artwork, created in 2001. The grounds also include a sculpture garden.
The museum is ADA accessible: an elevator serves all floors, accessible bathrooms are on the first floor, a wheelchair is available near the elevator, and a powered door is at the west-side entrance. Its classrooms, galleries and gift shop are wheelchair accessible.
Admission is free, and free off-street parking is available. The museum is open Tuesday from 10am to 9pm, Wednesday through Friday from 10am to 5pm, and Saturday from 10am to 3pm; it is closed Sunday and Monday.
Holiday closures include Christmas Day through New Year’s Day. For more on the building and its exhibitions, read the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art visitor guide.
Add the C. M. Russell Museum
The C. M. Russell Museum is another named arts and cultural attraction to include in a day of Great Falls museums.
The city visitor information identifies it among Great Falls’ arts and cultural attractions. The museum-focused stop can follow Paris Gibson Square before you head to an afternoon landmark; check the museum’s official site for practical visiting details. The C. M. Russell Museum guide covers what to know before you go.
Choose an Afternoon Stop
Black Eagle Dam and Centene Stadium offer two different ways to round out a Great Falls day trip.
Black Eagle Dam
Black Eagle Dam is a local landmark option for an afternoon outdoors. Check access conditions before you set out; the Black Eagle Dam visit guide focuses on planning a stop there.
Centene Stadium
Great Falls Voyagers play at Centene Stadium as part of the Pioneer League, so it can suit an afternoon centered on baseball. Game schedules and access can vary, so verify current details with the team before planning around a game.
How do you get between Great Falls sights?
You can use local bus service, taxis or rideshare to get around Great Falls, or drive between the museums and afternoon stop.
The Great Falls Transit District serves Great Falls and Black Eagle. The visitor bureau gives weekday service as Monday through Friday from 6am to 6:30pm and Saturday service from 9:30am to 5:30pm. The transit district is at 326 1st Ave S, and its phone number is 406-454-9974.
Taxis and rideshare services are available in Great Falls; the visitor bureau provides 406-202-8111 for taxi service. If you drive downtown, the city says there are more than 2,000 public parking spaces, including curbside spaces, lots and garages. Some streets offer free parking, but time limits may apply; follow posted signs.
Check Hours and Travel Times Before You Go
Confirm opening details and transport options before setting your itinerary, especially if your museum visit or afternoon stop depends on a specific schedule.
Paris Gibson Square’s hours vary by day and include holiday closures. Transit also follows weekday and Saturday schedules. For current museum hours, closures and transit details, check the official site before you go: use the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art and Great Falls Transit District websites for their respective updates.
FAQs
Is admission to Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art free?
Yes. Admission is free, and free off-street parking is available.
Which days is Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art open?
It is open Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday. Hours differ by day, and holiday closures apply.
What are the afternoon options in this itinerary?
You can choose Black Eagle Dam or Centene Stadium. Great Falls Voyagers play at Centene Stadium as part of the Pioneer League.