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When the temperatures start to drop and snow begins to fall, Great Falls, Montana, comes alive with a variety of exciting things to do. If you're looking for some of the best events and activities to enjoy this year in Great Falls, check out a few of these top options. Parade of Lights The official kickoff to the holiday season in Great Falls begins on November 30 with the Parade of Lights. During this annual event, a parade that features a procession of beautifully decorated floats will start on Sixth Street before traveling down Central Avenue. The parade will then end with Santa Claus lighting the town Christmas tree located at the Civic Center. While you're at the event, you'll also have an opportunity to enjoy food, music, gift vendors, and more. more Christmas Stroll The festivities don't stop with the Parade of Lights. On December 6, head to downtown Great Falls to take part in the Christmas Stroll. This annual event brings memorable fun, great food, and plenty of holiday cheer to Central Avenue. Some of the special events during the Christmas Stroll include the Polar Plunge, pictures with Santa, Showdown Rail Jam, and KMON Ball Drop. You can also take the kids to Santa's Village so they can write a letter to Santa, decorate cookies, and make crafts. Banff Mountain Film Festival The Banff Mountain Film Festival brings exciting films to 550 communities around the world, and Great Falls is always the first stop on the tour. This year, the festival will occur on November 8 at Mansfield Theater. Although the Great Falls Ski Patrol presents the festival, the films aren't always about skiing. Instead, you might have a chance to watch everything from profound adventures to humorous stories. Plus, not only will you get to enjoy some great films, but you'll also help support a good cause since proceeds of the festival go to the all-volunteer Great Falls Ski Patrol. Showdown Montana If you're looking to get outside and enjoy all the snow that accumulates in Great Falls, there's no better place to do it than at Showdown Montana. This alpine ski area is located south of the city in the Little Belt Mountains. The ski area has a total of 36 trails that range from easy to difficult. You can also stop by the Skier's Edge Pro Shop to get all the equipment you need and head to King's Hill Grille to warm up with hot food and drink. Silver Crest Trails The Silver Crest Trails are another great option when you want to get outside and enjoy nature. These trails are also located south of Great Falls near Showdown Montana. Here, you'll find around 8 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. The gently rolling terrain and forest setting make these trails good for all skill levels. When you're ready to have some fun in Great Falls this winter, you know you'll have a great time when you check out these top activities and events. Image by mendo_video_productions via cc by 2.0

Shopping at a thrift store has a variety of benefits. First, you can find unique items at budget-friendly prices. Additionally, your money often goes back into the local community to help those in need. If you're interested in doing some thrift store shopping in Great Falls, Montana, check out a few of these top options. Runway Fashion Exchange If you're looking to update your wardrobe, but you don't want to spend a lot of money doing so, head to Runway Fashion Exchange. Here, the same pair of jeans that you can find at the mall for $100 will only cost you around $10. This means you can easily get more than one pair and a few new shirts as well. Plus, if you need to clean out your closet before you can get anything new, Runway Fashion Exchange will pay you cash for your fresh and trendy clothing. more A Time or Two When Angie Seabury opened A Time or Two, she wanted to make it possible for everyone to look great without spending too much on clothing. That's why her store offers high-quality clothes without a high price tag. A Time or Two specializes in classic pieces that will look good year after year. If you feel like you need to completely refresh your wardrobe, stop by and let Angie pull some pieces for you to try on. You never know how many amazing outfits you'll be able to purchase. Habitat for Humanity ReStore If you're doing some renovation or remodeling around your house and you need building materials, stop by Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Contractors and businesses that have leftover, unwanted, or returned items they can no longer use donate the goods to this home improvement thrift store. While inventory can change daily, you'll often be able to find area rugs, cabinets, flooring, appliances, hardware, tools, antiques, and furniture. Even better, proceeds from the sales help fund home construction in the area. Once Upon a Child Sometimes, it might seem like you put your children to bed wearing one size and they wake up the next morning wearing a completely different size. To help keep your children in the right size and keep your budget happy at the same time, check out Once Upon a Child. This thrift store specializes in gently used baby gear, toys, and children's clothing and shoes. You'll also find all the items you need to help your children get through the changing seasons, including rain boots, snowsuits, hats, mittens, and gloves. St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store has an excellent variety of just about everything you need. You can find gently used furniture, appliances, clothing, household items, and more. Plus, every purchase at the thrift store makes it possible for the charity to help the community by providing meals, clothing, diapers, utility assistance, and other services. Whether you're looking for new clothing or furniture for your home, you know you can find unique items and great deals when you shop these excellent thrift stores in Great Falls. Image by bellaellaboutique via cc by-sa 2.0

'Tis the season, and that means it's time to get your shopping done. If you're in the Great Falls, Montana, area, you're in luck.  There are plenty of options to choose from, whether you're looking for local offerings or name-brand clothing.  Here are the best places to shop near Great Falls: Downtown Great Falls Shopping local often brings the biggest surprises, and you can feel good about supporting local businesses. For one of the best local shopping experiences, head to Great Falls' downtown area. Many of the local favorites call this shopping and entertainment area home. You'll find over 30 businesses here that specialize in a great array of items. Grab a cup of coffee at one of the quaint coffee shops before exploring the stores. Get your outdoor gear at Bighorn Outdoor Specialists. Stock your kitchen at the Great Falls Original Farmers Market, and get your tea at In Cahoots For Tea. Buy the perfect gift at Candy Masterpiece, Dragonfly Dry Goods, and Adam & Eve. You can easily spend the whole day shopping in downtown Great Falls. Holiday Village Mall If you're looking for the brands and stores you know, head to the Holiday Village Mall. Whether you're trying to find your next outfit or check off items from your Christmas shopping list, Holiday Village has you covered. You'll find department stores such as Hobby Lobby, JCPenney, Scheels, and Ross here. If you're looking for small clothing stores, you can shop at Buckle, Zumiez, Tradehome Shoes, among others. GameStop, Spencer's, Hot Topic, Claire's, Bed Bath & Beyond — you'll find it all at the mall. For the greatest amount of options in an easily walkable space, Holiday Village Mall is a great option for speed shoppers. Great Falls Marketplace The Great Falls Marketplace is another great shopping area that offers plenty of options. The many free-standing stores in the area let you get through your shopping list quickly. These stores include Barnes & Noble, Home Depot, Pier 1 Imports, Office Max, and more. If you want to make a full day out of your trip, see a movie at the Carmike 10 Theater and have dinner with the family at Chili's or Taco Del Mar. When you need a great selection of specialty stores to get what you need, the Great Falls Marketplace is where you need to be. North 40 Outfitters Here is where you get all the items you need to keep your life running. North 40 Outfitters has a great selection of apparel, as well as farm, ranch, home, and garden needs. Get the tools you need for the job, the car parts for your fixer-upper, and your home upgrades at North 40. You'll also find a great section for outdoor gear here. Whether you're getting ready for your hunting and fishing trips, preparing for the campground, or looking to get out on the water, you'll find everything you need here. Good luck on your shopping expedition. If you want to get it all done in one day, visit any of these shopping areas and stores to make small work of your list. Image by JD Hancock via cc by 2.0

If you're in the Electric City without plans for dinner, consider yourself lucky. Great Falls has a great selection of restaurants that will satisfy any craving. Rather than hopping into the fast-food drive-thru, check out these places to eat near Great Falls: Dante's Creative Cuisine If it's a fine dining experience you're looking for, take a date to Dante's Creative Cuisine. Just below the Missouri River, Dante's brick building serves up great chef-inspired cuisine that will make you want to come back for your next celebration. Dante's is big on steakhouse specialties and Italian food. Whether you're looking for a prime rib dinner or pasta with bread and salad, this restaurant has you covered. Roadhouse Diner For a delicious burger you'll need a nap after eating, head to Roadhouse Diner. They grind and hand-patty their own burgers every few hours to ensure you're getting the freshest cheeseburgers in Montana. Go for lunch and grab their classic Roadhouse Burger, or get adventurous and get the Widowmaker, which is a two-patty burger covered in ghost pepper bacon and three types of chopped peppers on top. If that's not crazy enough for you, they have a PB&J Burger that's exactly what it sounds like. This burger joint is not to be missed by aficionados of the American classic. Suki Cafe Dim lights, soft music, and authentic Asian food — if you're looking for a sushi roll made with expert hands, try the Suki Cafe. In addition to a lengthy sushi menu full of favorites, you'll find soups, appetizers, pad thai, teriyaki dishes, and more. This is one of our favorite spots for date night, but it's great for any occasion. 3D International Restaurant If you've never been to the source of the glowing 3D neon sign across the river, it's time to make the journey. It's 3D International Restaurant, and it's a great place to cover all your family's dietary desires. This restaurant is most well-known for their Mongolian grill, but you'll also find food from everywhere else in the world as well. Start in Italy for your pasta dinner, come back to the U.S. for a cheeseburger, stop by the Atlantic for a halibut dinner, and follow it all up with a slice of chocolate cake. If your crew can't agree on a kind of cuisine — don't. 3D's has a little bit of everything. Smoked You've heard of Kansas City barbecue, and you've tried the Memphis stuff, but if you haven't had Montana barbecue, you don't know what you're missing. Smoked is one of Great Falls' best barbecue joints, and their slow-smoked meats will keep you coming back for more. Get your pulled pork, beef brisket, hot links, and more by the pound, on a bun, or on a combo plate. Whichever you choose, you'll love this restaurant's tasty creations. Whatever you're feeling at the time, there's a Great Falls, Montana, restaurant that has your craving covered. Explore these and the many other great restaurants in town to find your new favorite spot, or just try something new. Image by Roger Lee Photo via CC BY 2.0

The Great Falls, Montana region is one of the most visited places in the country. This is in large part because of all the fun things to do in the area. Great Falls is home to national parks, the Missouri River, water parks and more. Here's a list of some of the top activities you can enjoy. Electric City Water Park Located on 100 River Drive South in Great Falls, the Electric City Water Park offers tons of wet and wild fun. The Flow Rider wave machine is three rides in one. Enjoy the Lazy River that flows a quarter-mile around the Flow Rider in only three feet of water. For a little excitement, you can ride the Rip Tide slide into the Lazy River. For a truly exhilarating ride, you can surf the continuous wave atop a bodyboard on the Flow Rider. more The park features the Mitchell Pool, Montana's largest outdoor heated swimming pool. The pool is a combined competition-size swimming pool, and a deep water extension that serves as the splash zone for the Power Tower Plunge slides. Climb to the top of the 20-foot tall Power Tower Plunge water slide, featuring two 160-foot slides. The park even features Little Squirts Soak Zone, the largest kiddie splash pad in all of Great Falls. Giant Springs National Park One of the main attractions to Great Falls is the Giant Springs National Park. This 4,500-acre park covers both sides of the Missouri River. One of its main features is the spring itself. First recorded in 1805 by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Giant Springs is the largest freshwater spring in the country. Visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and learn from these explorers about this beautiful landscape's discovery. You can walk or bike the River's Edge Trail, view the amazing Rainbow Falls from its scenic overlook, and visit the state-run fish hatchery and learn all about farming fish. The park has miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, paved bicycle trails, and a picnic area along the Missouri River. If you like to fish, the park includes a fish pond outside the hatchery for the novice fisherman, or you can test your angling skills along the river's bank. Hunting is also provided courtesy of a land grant that accesses an area full of wild game birds and deer. Permits are required so be sure to check with park officials first. First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park For a truly amazing look at how the Native Americans and early settlers hunted Buffalo, come to Buffalo Jump State Park. You'll see one of the largest Buffalo Jump sites in the country. This sandstone cliff stretching over a mile was used to stampede buffalo over its edge to their death. The Education Center on-site details how the indigenous peoples used this tactic to hunt using interactive learning fun for the whole family. With so much to see and do in Great Falls, the next time you visit you should check out one of these three places. They're sure to make the day an enjoyable one. Image by AllAroundTheWest via cc by-sa 2.0

Montana is home to some of the most beautiful land in this country. Its nickname, Big Sky, is well deserved, and there's much to see beneath her big sky. If you find yourself visiting the Great Falls, Montana area, you need to visit Giant Springs State Park. Here are a few sites worth the trip. Hiking & Biking Trails If the tandem names of Lewis and Clark make you feel like stuffing a backpack, lacing up the hiking boots, and heading into the woods for a few months, than you need to visit Giant Springs State Park. The famed explorers, Lewis and Clark discovered the park, in 1805. Rarely in life do we have the opportunity to walk in the actual footsteps of those famous adventurers, but here we can. Giant Springs State Park has over 4,500 acres of land to explore. You don't have to imagine what Lewis and Clark saw, you simply need to go there and see for yourself. The park has over 20 miles of single-track trails perfect for mountain biking and hiking. If that seems to rigorous, then stick to the miles of paved trails and enjoy a leisurely stroll through this wonderland of nature. more Madison Aquifer The park is named Giant Springs because of the Madison Aquifer. One of the largest freshwater springs in the country, the Madison Aquifer pumps out 156 million gallons of crystal clear water every day. An amazing feat, but even more amazing is that the water originates in the Little Belt Mountains some 60 miles away to the south and east. It's estimated that the water takes 26 years to make the journey. One of the more unique aspects of the water is it stays at a constant 54 degrees, no matter the season. In the winter the spring fills the air with steam which then freezes to the trees presenting one of the most magical displays of frozen landscape you will ever see. Fishing & Hunting The Giant Springs State Park is on both sides of the Missouri River. The river is great for fly fishing and rod and reel casting for the experienced angler along the banks of Roe Island. For the novice fisherman, come down to the Family Fishing Pond and try your hand from one of the five docks. Hunting is also great within the park, thanks to a conservation easement from Northwestern Energy. Acres of land are dedicated to hunting waterfowl, game birds, and deer within the easement. Giant Springs State Fish Hatchery Giant Springs is the only park with a fish hatchery within its boundaries. This offers the rare opportunity to see how a hatchery operates. You can see how the hatchery uses the water from the river to fill its raceways, learn about how the fish are spawned, and even feed the giant trout in the show pond. Giant Springs State Park is the most visited state park in Montana. Come and see for yourself the beauty of nature on full display here. Over 300,000 people a year can't be wrong. Image by Tim Evanson via cc by-sa 2.0

Summer is a great time for getting out of the house more often and experiencing what Mother Nature has to offer. While those living in and around Great Falls are blessed with a multitude of outdoor activities all year long, there's nothing like enjoying a day out in the sun with friends and family. Here are the best places to do so in the area. Explore Little Belt Mountains on an ATV Montana's mountains are not only a source of fun activities in the wintertime, as they can also be enjoyed in the summer. They are mainly located in the Lewis and Clark National Forest and feature many spectacular trails along flat forest roads. Adventurers who rent an ATV and explore the area will be treated to spectacular views and exciting adventures, with many abandoned mines and old cabins along the way. Exploring the area reveals both its natural beauty and its glorious mining history. more Enjoy a Game of Basketball Summer is the best time for outdoor sports, with people of all ages flocking to the courts as the weather gets warmer. Basketball is very popular in Great Falls and there are 18 parks with either half-courts or full courts for everyone to play, no matter how old they are or what their skill level is. For those with a strong competitive streak, a 3-on-3 tournament named Spring Fling Hoop Thing is hosted every year by the Montana ExpoPark, with all the proceeds going to a nonprofit organization that aims to help young people in the local community. Spend a Day Out Golfing Golf is a typical warm-weather activity that allows players to spend a relaxing day outside while also enjoying a bit of competition. There are four golf courses in Great Falls, fit for players of all skill levels. The links at Anaconda Hills, Eagle Falls, Hickory Swing Golf, and Meadow Lark provide enough variety, not only in difficulty level but also in the outdoor surroundings. They are all beautifully designed and maintained, helping you fully relax and enjoy the game. Challenge Yourself by Going on a Rock Climbing Trip Rick climbing definitely isn't for everyone, but those who do it enjoy the physical challenge and the wonderful views at the end of their journey. There are plenty of areas around Great Falls that are perfect for rock climbing and those who dare to do it enjoy breathtaking views of mountain peaks and the surrounding nature. The most popular rock climbing spots around are Blackleaf Canyon and Memorial Falls, both less than an hour away from Great Falls. Those who want to practice beforehand can visit the Hi-Line Climbing Center, a great indoor facility for climbing enthusiasts. Summer offers unlimited possibilities to go out and have tons of fun along with family and friends. By visiting any of the places on this list you will not only enjoy a relaxing day out with your loved ones, but you will also be creating passions and memories that may last a lifetime. Image by mypubliclands cc by 2.0

Mining has significantly influenced American history, shaping many states' economic, social, and political environments. It was certainly the case for the state of Montana, where the gold rush that started in the mid-1800s started a revolution that would change the entire landscape. Those living in or around Great Falls, Montana, can explore the state's mining history by visiting these locations. World Museum of Mining As the name clearly suggests, the World Museum of Mining is the ideal place to visit if you want to learn more about Montana's mining history, and about mining in general. It's also one of the few museums anywhere in the world that is located at the site of an actual mine yard, giving visitors a firsthand experience of how life must have been as a miner over a century ago. The whole area is an accurate recreation of a mining town from the late 1800s, with 15 perfectly preserved historical structures and 35 additional buildings made from old materials. There are also 66 major exhibits which show the visitors what kind of tools miners have used throughout the years. However, for the best way of getting a true feel of how life was for a miner, the underground exhibit lets you go through many parts of their life and daily activities. Virginia City National Historic Landmark District A huge gold deposit was found in Alder Gulch in 1863, leading to a large number of gold-seekers flooding the area in the space of only a few months. As a result, by early 1864 the Virginia City area had grown to more than 30,000 residents, an eclectic mix of dubious individuals and pioneers who had settled there with their families. Soon after, Virginia City became the capital of the Territory of Montana, but as the gold ran out so did the area's popularity and prosperity. It was only in the 1940s that a couple from Great Falls, Sue and Charlie Bovey, realized the historic significance of the area and started purchasing and consolidating some of its buildings. Fast forward to modern times and the town is now a National Historic Landmark and one of the best-preserved gold rush era towns in the country. Philipsburg Historic District Philipsburg began its growth in 1864 when silver was discovered just south of town, and pretty soon the town was experiencing a demographic boom. Just like most other mining towns, its progress was suddenly halted by the depletion of the nearby mine, but Philipsburg experienced an unlikely revival in the late 1800s, becoming a hub for companies who were shipping prime materials to markets in other states. Nowadays Philipsburg is one of Montana's best-preserved mining towns, with an impressive number of buildings being kept in good condition. The discovery of gold, silver, and other precious materials in the Western part of the United States lead to a huge influx of people relocating, leading to new commercial routes and prosperity. By visiting any of these locations you will get an idea on how life used to be for the people that built modern-day America. Image by LunchboxLarry cc by 2.0

Whether you're trying to find something for your kids to do during summer break or for family time during the school year, it can be challenging to find an attraction that all of the kids want to do. Better yet if you find that the attraction is worth the price. Here are some excellent kid-friendly attractions in Great Falls, Montana, to consider the next time that you are looking for something fun to do with your children. Children's Museum of Montana The Children's Museum of Montana is located at 22 Railroad Square. It is an engaging place to visit with toddlers to elementary school aged kids. Whether they play on the museum's pirate ship or try to dig up some dinosaur bones, there are plenty of fun yet educational activities that can keep kids active and entertained. Oddfellows Park Located at 920 River Drive South, Oddfellows Park is a good choice when you're looking for a place to spend time outside with your kids. You can pack a tasty picnic to enjoy together on clean picnic tables or participate in watersports such as fishing, kayaking, and swimming. If you have older kids, consider walking along the River's Edge Trail that you can hike toward downtown or to a restaurant for lunch. The Party Place & Kids Fun Zone The Party Place & Kids Fun Zone is located at 901 9th Street North. Its new location is a mix between a birthday party location and a play area with inflatable play structures. There are also arcade games, laser tag, and air hockey tables. In online reviews, customers frequently note how affordable it can be. Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center For kids that love to learn about history, check out the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. It is located at 4201 Giant Springs Road. It is the perfect place to learn more about the real Lewis and Clark expedition in detail. Additionally, the museum features stunning river views. At the very least, you can walk around an air conditioned museum in a wonderful location. Visitors that have a National Parks pass can gain admittance into the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center at no charge, as it is managed by the National Parks System. It's also a popular destination for school and camp field trips. Electric City Water Park Electric City Water Park is located at 100 River Drive South. While this water park is only open seasonally, it doesn't make it any less fun of a place to visit. You can relax while floating down the lazy river or play together in the kids' water play area. There are some concessions available for purchase if anyone needs a drink or a snack to hold them over until dinner. Fortunately for children visiting or living in Great Falls, there are some amazing kid-friendly attractions to visit. Some provide fun recreation specifically for this demographic. Others aren't directed only at kids but could be a fun family activity that everyone enjoys. Image by SheltieBoy cc by 2.0

Centene Stadium in Great Falls, Montana, is home to the Great Falls Voyagers minor league baseball team. Constructed back in 1940 and 1941, the stadium has 3,200 seats and hosts 38 Voyagers baseball games every season, along with many other events including concerts and other sporting events. The biggest draw to the stadium is the Voyagers, so make sure to see a game this season. The Team The Great Falls Voyagers play in the Pioneer League, and they are the Advanced Rookie affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. The team has a long history and has also been affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants. 2019 is the 50th consecutive year of affiliated baseball in Great Falls, with the first game ever starting as a pickup game back in 1887. Opening day in 2019 celebrated 50 years of affiliation with throwback music, trivia, and history. more Watching the Game There are several ways you can watch the game at Centene Stadium. If you go as a group with your school, community, or business, you can all sit at the Grady Picnic Grounds, which has two different sections. The MVP Deck will host groups of up to 50 people, and the Picnic Pavilion hosts up to 150 people. Luxury suites are also available. These are all furnished and have a refrigerator, private restrooms, air conditioning, and a suite attendant that will get you the food and drinks that you want. Watch the game from inside the suite or out on the patio. You can also get a regular ticket and sit in the stands to watch the game with the rest of the fans. The Orbit's Kids Club Kids 12 and under can become a part of the Orbit's Kids Club. Membership comes with a welcome letter from Orbi, a membership card, free general admission to one Sunday game, and a free birthday ticket if a parent books a birthday party. Kids will also get to play postgame catch on the field and receive invites to special Kids Club events, including player autograph sessions and coaches and players clinics. They will also get a chance to throw out a first pitch at a Sunday game. Visit the Hurlbert Hall of Fame The Logan Hurlbert Hall of Fame Room is up the stairs from the main entrance and features displays that chronicle over 100 years of professional baseball in Great Falls. The display gets its name from the longtime club manager, Logan Hurlbert, and was put together by the team historian. You can see artifacts and memorabilia from many different years, starting with the original Electrics through the Voyagers. The hall of fame opens up at 6 p.m. on game nights. Bring the whole family to a Great Falls Voyagers baseball game this season. This family-friendly venue offers great baseball, activities for the kids, and fun for the adults. Tickets are on sale right on the MiLB website and you can also find out about any special events. Image by vsmoothe cc by 2.0

Giant Springs State Park was first discovered in 1805 by the Lewis & Clark expedition. It has one of the largest freshwater springs in the country. The water is always 54 degrees no matter what time of year it is, and in the winter months, the water vapor freezes on the trees creating a beautiful winter scene. In the summer, there are tons of activities for the whole family, from hiking to biking, bird-watching, and more. Explore Giant Springs State Park this summer. Visit the Springs It's an easy walk from the parking lot to the springs and a beautiful site when you get there. The gushing springs flow from under the ground into the Missouri River. The water that comes in is clear and pure, and you can watch as it mixes with the muddy river water. The path up to the dam is suitable for all ages and offers some great views of the river. more Visit the Fish Hatchery The Giant Springs trout hatchery is a must for any visit to the park. The production facility has 24 outside raceways and one show pond. The hatchery building has egg incubators and 40 interior raceways that visitors can view from the visitor center. The hatchery stays open to the public every day and offers tours on weekdays. The inside exhibit has loads of information and a viewing window where you can see in the hatchery tanks. If you go outside, there is a trout pool where you can see the fish and feed some of the largest ones. Food dispensers next to the pool will take nickels and give you a handful of the pellets to feed the fish. Explore the Hiking and Biking Trails There are many hiking trails to explore in the park. The River's Edge Trail to the Rainbow Dam Overlook is excellent for hiking and biking. It runs for 4 miles and offers bird-watching and beautiful views. The park also has over 20 miles of single track biking trails and miles of paved trails for bikers and walkers. You can also hike over to the Ryan Dam to see all the different birds and wildlife that live here. Visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center allows visitors to relive the 8,000-mile journey taken by the famous explorers. The experience starts inside with two videos in the large theater. You can join a range for one of the programs or walk through the center and explore the many hands-on exhibits. The exhibit hall offers a self-guided experience where you can test your strength pulling against the Missouri River's current or go on a scavenger hunt. Head outside with a ranger or go out and explore the trails on your own. There are tons of things to do and explore at Giant Springs State Park. In addition to the springs, there are several waterfalls to see, a variety of birds to view, and fishing in the river. Image by Tim Evanson cc-by sa 2.0

Are you looking for something to do this summer? Check out these upcoming events at the Four Seasons Arena. The month of July has something for everyone. Collective Soul Saturday, July 27 sees the high energy Collective Soul invade Four Seasons Arena. The band is celebrating 25 years on the road in 2019. The set list for this special tour is sure to include new songs from their album "Blood," The show is also likely to take a trip down memory lane and revisit songs from their debut album "Hints Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid."  Some of the other fun and positive music for the evening could include songs like "The World I Know." Between songs, fans enjoy watching the chemistry of the band. The music does not seem rushed or forced, but as if the group is inviting fans to a jam session with friends. more Four Tops Take a trip back to Motown with this family-friendly concert. The Four Tops take the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 28. Some of the band's famous hits include the soulful "My Girl" and "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)." Fans can enjoy a show that brings up the roots of rock and roll. The show mixes soul with a string of early R&B music for a night of fun and memories. Tracy Byrd Country fans will enjoy a night at the Four Seasons Arena when Tracy Byrd takes the stage. Byrd made a name for himself in the 1990s with fun songs like "The Watermelon Crawl."  One of his other up-tempo hits is "I'm From the Country." Couples often use his hit "Keeper of the Stars" for weddings and other special events. The show is on Monday, July 29 at 7:30 p.m. Fans are guaranteed to enjoy a mix of classic country with new additions to his set list. Don't miss out on Tracy Byrd's legendary hits and enjoy the Montana State Fair in Great Falls, Mt. Get tickets now. Hairball Fans of arena rock enjoy Hairball's lively shows. The band is known for mixing fun with their take on songs like Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer." They are a tribute band but do not focus on one artist. Instead, Hairball brings an entire genre of music to a new generation. Hairball brings their exciting blend of music to the Four Seasons Arena on Tuesday, July 30. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Trace Adkins Country music fans enjoy another night at the Four Seasons Arena on Wednesday, July 31 at 9:00 p.m. Trace Adkins brings his classic voice to the arena for an entertaining show. Adkins tends to blend heartbreaking ballads with a string of up-tempo songs to keep the crowd entertained for hours on end. He is known for songs like "It's All About Me" and "Every Light in the House." He has also done ballads like his patriotic tribute "Still a Soldier." Tickets for all of these shows are on sale now. As you pick out the events you want to attend, talk to your friends and family. Bring them with you so you can enjoy things together. Remember to check the photography policy for the individual event before you leave. Image by Cindy Funk via cc by 2.0