Blog

If you’re a young adult getting ready to start college or a parent looking to buy a vehicle for a college student, finding something that’s affordable, dependable, safe, and efficient is critical. There's lots to consider when evaluating cars for college students. Whether you’re a student yourself or helping your child purchase a new vehicle we're here to help. more What Features Should Students Look for in a New Vehicle? Price This is the most important factor for budget-conscious car buyers, whether they buy new or used. In general, the new compact and subcompact cars with few options cost between $10,000 and $25,000 in the United States (MSRP). Midsize cars typically cost between $20,000 and $35,000, and sometimes even more. Full-size cars, including compact SUVs and crossovers, typically start at $25,000 and go up from there. Luxury brands are more expensive overall, but entry-level luxury cars can still be found for less than $40,000. An entry-level BMW, for example, won’t set you back much more than $30,000, and new Acura compacts won’t set you back much more than $20,000. Remember that as new cars become more sophisticated – and thus more expensive – these ranges may change. Used vehicle prices vary greatly as well, ranging from 80 per cent to 100 per cent of new vehicle MSRP to as little as 10% to 20% of MSRP. Make, model, age, condition, accident history, and whether the vehicle is purchased from a dealership or a private seller are all factors that influence used vehicle prices. Financing Options Even after negotiating, many college students do not have enough money to pay the full sticker price of a new car. Those with substantial savings – or with willing parents – may be able to afford the down payment on a new car  or a significant portion of the cost of a used car. All else being equal, it’s best to put down as much as you can afford, because interest charges on car loans can add significantly to your total lifetime cost of ownership. Make certain you understand how to negotiate an auto loan. MyAutoloan.com is a good place to start if you’re looking for an auto loan. Rates begin at less than 3%, and lease terms can be as short as 36 months or as long as 84 months. Vehicle Size If you go to an urban college or university where street parking is scarce and lot or garage parking is frequently scarce, you probably don’t need a pickup truck or full-size SUV; a compact sedan or hatchback will suffice. A larger, heavier vehicle, on the other hand, is probably more appropriate if you go to school in a small town or rural area and frequently drive in the snow, go off-road, or haul and tow stuff. Larger vehicles are generally more expensive, but used trucks and SUVs can be found at a discount. Fuel Efficiency Since the price of gas is always fluctuating, it is always recommended to look at the vehicle's EPA mileage ratings. The average MPG for a vehicle right now is around 25 MPG combined. If you can afford it, hybrid and all-electric options are becoming more efficient and may come with federal and state tax incentives. Most popular models have a hybrid option as well and they greatly increase the fuel efficiency. Safety Features and Rating For any car buyer, safety is a top priority. Many new cars, particularly those at the higher end of the market, include potentially lifesaving safety features like emergency braking and lane drift warning systems. Crash testing and rating is administered by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). The NHS gives out ratings of up to five stars, while the highest rating for IIHS is Good in six different crash tests. Every year, new safety features become available in higher-end vehicles, which eventually trickle down to more affordable vehicles. If having the best safety features money can buy is important to you, you should probably buy new and expect to pay a premium. Optional Extras and Features Every vehicle model comes with a slew of optional add-ons that can significantly increase the overall cost. If cost is your primary concern, resist the urge to add frills. Optional features such as heated seats and backup cameras, on the other hand, improve safety and comfort. Models with a lot of fancy features in the base version are more likely to be more expensive to begin with. Insurance Costs The cost of car insurance varies depending on factors such as the value of your vehicle, your driving record, your home address and state laws, and the safety and security features of your vehicle. Fortunately, the car insurance industry is highly competitive, so it’s simple to shop around for affordable rates online. Make certain you understand how to save money on insurance. Comparing multiple offers from companies such as Liberty Mutual or Esurance can help you save a lot of money every year. Warranty Most manufacturers offer a 36-month or 36,000-mile limited warranty coverage (which covers all components other than normal wear and maintenance items). The powertrain coverage is usually for 60 months or 60,000 miles. Hyundai still offers one of the best new car warranty programs. A limited warranty for 60 months or 60,000 miles and a powertrain warranty for 10-years or 100,000 miles. Taxes and Fees State by state, title fees, registration fees, annual vehicle taxes, and other ongoing levies on vehicle owners differ. When you buy a new vehicle, the dealer usually includes the title fee and the initial registration fee in the final price and handles all of the paperwork for you. When you buy used, you are responsible for completing the paperwork and paying the applicable fees. In general, vehicle fees and taxes are proportional to the assessed value. As a result, recurring taxes tend to decrease over time and are significantly lower overall for used vehicles. Parking Cost and Availability This is one factor that is completely independent of the car model you choose. It can, however, influence your decision to purchase a car in the first place. If parking is scarce or prohibitively expensive on or near campus, in your residential neighborhood, or both, consider foregoing a private vehicle in favor of carsharing or public transportation until you relocate. Discounts for College Students A majority of manufacturers offer current students or recent graduates discounts on new vehicles. Most offer up to $500 off or flexible financing options. These manufacturers include Buick, GMC, Chevy, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Subaru, Toyota, and several others. Here are is a list of all the current student discounts. Manufacturer Program Name Special Offers & Discounts Eligibility & Requirements Expiration Acura Acura College Graduate Program $500 off purchase/lease on 2021 or newer (excludes NSX) Graduated in the past 2 years or next 6 months, Full-time employment or commitment Ongoing Audi Audi College Graduate Program Eligible for flexible terms and rates Graduated in the past 2 years or next 6 months, Full-time employment or commitment, Monthly payment cannot exceed 25% of monthly income Ongoing BMW BMW College Graduate Program $1,000 off purchase/lease on new or pre-owned Graduated in the past 2 years or next 6 months, 6 months of credit history, Debt-to-Income ratio below 45% Ongoing Chevrolet GM College Discount Up to $1,000 off purchase/lease on 2020 or newer Current college student or graduated in the past 2 years 1/3/2023 Ford Ford Drive U $500 off lease or $750 off purchase on 2021 or newer Current college/trade student or graduated in the past 3 years, High School Seniors 1/3/2023 Honda Honda College Graduate Program $500 off purchase/lease on 2020 or newer Graduated in past 2 years or next 6 months, Full-time employment or commitment Ongoing Hyundai Hyundai College Grad Program $400 off purchase/lease Graduated in the past 2 years or next 6 months, Full-time employment or commitment 1/3/2023 Infiniti Infiniti College Graduate Program Eligible for flexible financing options Graduated in the past 2 years or next 6 months, Full-time employment or commitment Ongoing Lexus Lexus College Graduate Program $1,000 off purchase/lease Graduated in the past 2 years or next 6 months, Full-time employment or commitment 1/3/2023 Lincoln Lincoln College Plan $500 off lease or $750 off purchase on 2021/2022 Current college/trade student or graduated in the past 3 years, High School Seniors 1/3/2023 Mercedes-Benz Rising Star College Graduate Program Eligible for special finance offers, under $50,000 Graduated in the past 2 years, Proof of Income Ongoing Nissan Nissan College Grad Program $500 off existing offers Graduated in the past 2 years or next 6 months, Full-time employment or commitment Ongoing Subaru Subaru College Graduate Program Eligible for special finance and lease offers Recent and soon-to-be graduating Ongoing Toyota Toyota College Grad Program $500 off purchase/lease Graduated in the past 2 years or next 6 months, Full-time employment or commitment Ongoing Volkswagen College Grad Bonus $500 off purchase/lease Graduated in the past 2 years or next 6 months, Full-time employment or commitment 1/3/2023 Volvo Volvo Graduate Program Eligible for flexible financing options Recent graduates with full-time job Ongoing To receive a graduate discount, you'll need to bring a few things with you to the dealership, including: A valid driver's license Proof of insurance, and insurance agent contact information Copy of your degree or transcript, and contact information for your school Proof of income or full-time employment, and contact information for your payroll or HR department Proof of commitment to full-time employment (if you're not currently working full-time) A few dealerships may ask for personal references The GM College Discount requires an authorization code before purchase, which can be obtained through their site. Taylor's Auto Max Buick, GMC, Nissan offers a discount to local graduating seniors, which can be found in the pages of their yearbook. So is it Better for a Student to Lease or Purchase? Leasing a car does result in lower monthly car payments. But for most college students and car buyers, it makes more financial sense to buy a car outright than to lease. In the long-term, leasing a car will be more expensive than buying. However, you should always explore your options and find the solution that best fits your situation.

Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com more 1. Give your Tires the Attention they Need Saves up to 8 cents per gallon. One of the easiest ways to improve fuel economy is make sure your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. A recent report from the Rubber Manufactures Association, the national trade association for tire manufacturers, revealed that only one of every six vehicles on the road today have their tires inflated correctly. This error can not only negatively impact your fuel economy, but it can also cause improper tire wear and vehicle handling. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, improperly inflated tires contribute to more than 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries annually in the United States. In addition to inflating your tires correctly, getting your tires rotated and balanced will also help to improve gas mileage. Always check your tire pressure in cool conditions, ideally when the vehicle has been sitting in shaded conditions for at least 8 hours. Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com 2. Get the Junk out of the Trunk Saves up to 6 cents per gallon. Cleaning your vehicle of any extra, unneeded items can also be an easy way to improve your vehicle’s gas milage. By reducing the weight in your vehicle, you can instantly increase your fuel economy. There are some items you should always keep in your car, like an emergency kit, jumper cables, and a spare tire. However, as little as 100 pounds can reduce your fuel economy. Clearing out unnecessary and unused items like forgotten backpacks, books, and work out equipment can help lighten the weight. The lightened load will also put less stress and strain on your vehicle’s components and systems, such as the engine and the brakes.  Add-ons like bike racks, cargo racks, and roof racks can also be removed, and rear-mounted cargo racks are a better option if you need to haul additional items. At highway speeds, roof-mounted cargo boxes can reduce fuel economy by 6-17%, while their rear-mounted counterparts typically have a 1-5% impact. Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com 3. Turn Off your Engine Saves up to 2 cents per gallon for every 2 minutes. Another easy way to save money on fuel economy is to simply turn off your car’s engine when idling. Idling refers to a running vehicle that’s not in motion, including stopping for a traffic light for over 30 seconds. You may have noticed that some newer vehicle models already feature a stop-start system. This allows cars to conserve fuel by automatically shutting down the engine when the car comes to a stop, and the engine will automatically restart when the brake is released. Idling uses more fuel than restarting your vehicle, and gives off 80% more pollution than when your car is in motion. Another fun fact – you don’t need to “warm up” your engine before you hit the road, it’s just a myth that costs you money! Auto experts say that you shouldn’t take more than 30 seconds to warm up your car in the winter months. The engine will warm up faster as it’s being driven, and it’s better to turn your engine off and start it again than to leave it idling. Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com 4. Use the Ideal Motor Oil for your Vehicle Saves up to 5 cents per gallon. Whether you decide to have a professional handle your oil changes or you prefer to do it yourself, be sure that you are using the best motor oil for your specific vehicle. There are a few primary engine oil types to choose from, including Conventional Oil, Synthetic Oil, Synthetic Blend Oil, and High Mileage Oil. There are also many factors you should consider for your vehicle’s oil, like the age of your vehicle, your own driving style, and the climate where you drive. Always follow the vehicles owner’s manual to determine the proper viscosity grade, engine oil specification, and oil drain interval. If you’re still not sure what oil to choose for your vehicle, and specifically which option is best for your fuel economy, you can book an appointment with one of our highly knowledgeable and friendly Service team members. Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com 5. Replace your Dirty Air Filters Saves up to 15% of fuel consumption. Your vehicle’s system traps contaminants in an air filter made up of paper and synthetic fibers. Over time, the filter becomes filled with dirt and debris, preventing the engine from breathing properly. As a result, the engine will have to work harder and use more fuel. Replacing your engine’s air filter will restore the vehicle’s performance and efficiency, while improving the driving ability of the car and its gas milage. Not only does a dirty air filter cost you more money at the pump, it also jeopardizes the vehicle’s engine. The best rule of thumb is to check your air filter once a year, and exchange your air filter according to the manufacturer’s specifications in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com 6. Give your Breaks a Break Saves up to 99 cents per gallon. If you find your left foot constantly pressing on the breaks while you’re driving, you’re causing a lot more damage than you think. Firstly, doing this will wear down the pads and rotors prematurely. Secondly, forcing your car to take sudden stops and quick accelerations can stress your vehicle’s system, causing it to use more energy and fuel to drive and to stop. Of course, sudden braking can’t always be avoided, but it should only be used when necessary. Instead, when approaching a traffic light or stop sign, take your foot off the accelerator and wait before applying the breaks by allowing your vehicle to slow down on its own. Not only will your car appreciate the stress taken off the breaks, but your passengers will enjoy a smoother ride as well! If you’re unsure about the performance of your breaks, you can schedule an appointment with our talented Service Team here to make sure you’re driving safely and efficiently. Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com 7. Consider a Front-End Alignment Saves up to 28 cents per gallon. We’ve all braced ourselves from the impact of hitting a pothole while driving in our vehicle. Over time, these impacts to our cars lead to a misalignment in the wheel system. Instead of rolling freely, misaligned tires drag along the road. A misaligned vehicle reduces mileage, causes premature tire wear, and forces your engine to work harder than usual. Fixing the issue will help improve steering, give you and your passengers a smoother ride, allow your tires to have a longer life-span, and can help keep your car out of the shop with fewer auto repairs.  If you notice your car pulling to one side of the road while driving, or you can feel vibrations while driving, it may be time for a wheel alignment. Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com 8. Fill your Tank Early or Late Saves up to 8 cents per gallon. Car fuel is dispensed by volume and gasoline, like all liquids, expands when heated. Because of this, gasoline will be denser in the cool temperatures of the early morning or late evening. The dense fuel will allow your vehicle to run longer on the same amount of fuel pumped into the car. Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com 9. Keep Up with Maintenance Saves up to 4% on fuel economy. One of the best ways to improve your gas mileage is to keep your car in great shape. A faulty engine or failed emissions test can drain your fuel tank.  ExxonMobil claims that regular tune-ups can increase efficiency by 4%. AAA puts this percentage much higher, saying that significant engine problems can cause you to use up to 50% more fuel. Ensuring your vehicle is running at its best performance level will not only help your fuel economy, but will also improve the driving ability and the car’s financial value. Our Service Team at Taylor’s Auto Max can diagnose any auto repairs needed and make sure that your car is operating at it’s very best. Click here to schedule an appointment. Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com 10. Take it Slow and Enjoy the Ride Saves up to 20 cents per gallon. When driving somewhere, most of us have a destination to get to or people to see. Usually, we want to get to our stop as quickly as possible, but constantly leading the pack on the road can cause your fuel economy to decrease. When you regularly demand your vehicle to accelerate quickly, you force your engine to work harder than it needs to. Aside from quick accelerations, if you simply lower your overall speed, you will notice your fuel can be stretched further. According to Integrity First Car Pros, you can save around 7% on fuel consumption for every 5-mph reduced. Driving along an open road in the beautiful state of Montana is an experience you shouldn’t rush. Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com Sources: https://www.ncconsumer.org/news-articles-eg/properly-inflated-tires-save-money-and-lives.html https://www.gmfinancial.com/en-us/financial-resources/articles/improve-fuel-efficiency.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/12/29/the-biggest-winter-energy-myth-that-you-need-to-idle-your-car-before-driving/ https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/oil-change/how-to-pick-the-best-motor-oil/# https://brakeexperts.com/why-does-braking-use-fuel/ https://www.pgfilters.com/blog/can-replacing-air-filter-improve-gas-mileage/ https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/alignment/benefits-of-wheel-alignment/ https://www.ndtv.com/business/petrol-diesel-why-you-should-refuel-in-the-morning-387240 https://www.integrity1auto.com/9-tips-to-increase-gas-mileage-up-to-45-percent/

Giant Springs State Park Giant Springs State Park is aptly named for being the nation's largest freshwater spring. The park features tons of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy, and you can find variety in many of these exciting events throughout Montana's changing seasons. The park features trails for biking and hiking, areas for bird watching, a fishing hatchery, photography lookouts, seasonal nature tours, and picnicking evens on the Missouri River. Bring the family for a day of nature-based learning when you visit the park center's exhibits and take part in the numerous kids' activities they offer. Be sure to see the Giant Springs, where the water stays a chilly 54 degrees year-round. more C.M. Russell Museum The C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls was named after Charles M. Russell, who was an early American artist whose artwork captured the essence of the West. The museum houses tons of art exhibitions that highlight the West's expansion, Native cultures, and more to teach visitors about the history of the pioneering of the West. Stroll through the Russell Riders Sculpture Garden or take a tour of the Russell House and Studio to see where the artist lived and worked. The museum also hosts classes, workshops, events, and activities for children, teens, and adults, making this stop a great way to spend an afternoon in Great Falls. Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge is another unique area to visit. Take the family and learn all about the native wildlife that calls the Great Plains home, where you'll find around 12,383 acres of wilderness on the western edge of the Great Plains northern territory, only 12 miles from Great Falls's city center. Benton Lake offers recreational activities like fishing during the summer, and you can hunt during the season for waterfowl and other game bird species. The refuge holds various educational activities, where you can participate in outdoor classes with several different themes, including kids' hunter safety courses, foraging, environmental studies, and more. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Nothing is as unique to Montana as the journey of Lewis and Clark. Take a historical tour at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center where you can relive the journey of Lewis and Clark. The center is built into a bluff for a spectacular view of the Missouri River, and the exhibits help inspire kids to explore. The indoor journey starts in the center's theater with an introductory video about the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Interpretive Center. Then, you're free to explore hands-on exhibits and take a look at the outdoor exhibition trails, where you can learn about the importance of wildlife and plant life during the time of Lewis and Clark's travels. Get out and about and discover the beauty and awe of Great Falls's natural surroundings. With these four places to visit, the biggest challenge will be choosing which spot to visit first.   Image by Pixabay

For those of us who spend a large chunk of our day behind the wheel, driving becomes second nature, and often we forget about safe practices along the way. By incorporating a few simple steps into your routine, you could save a life, be it your own or your passengers, in the event of a collision. Reduce your risk while out on the road with these four safety tips that every driver should know. Wear Your Seat Belt Ever since you can remember, mom and dad have told you to buckle your seat belt. Now that you're in the driver's seat, practicing this basic rule can mean the difference between an afternoon is cruising with friends or one spent in the hospital. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that buckling up is the most effective step you can take to protect yourself in a crash. While most states have passed laws mandating seat belt usage, the NHTSA reported that they saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017 alone. more Check Car Seats Young passengers need special protection when riding in the car. Routinely check child seats and boosters to ensure they are correctly installed to prevent injuries during a wreck. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a car seat reduces the risk of your child dying in a car accident by 71%. Most late-model vehicles include a set of upper and lower fasteners to buckle in car seats securely. Always use a seat that's appropriate for the child's age, height, and weight and replace them immediately as your child outgrows it. Buying a new car seat can seem overwhelming, as there are dozens of options on the shelves. Refer to WebMD's website for help choosing between rear- or forward-facing seat or a booster and consider having your local fire station install it for you. Don't Multitask From texting to eating on the run, multitasking takes your attention away from the task at hand. Even the use of in-vehicle technologies like navigation systems and the radio can divert your eyes long enough to cause an accident. Set your route and dial in your favorite station before you hit the gas. Only make calls or send texts once you've arrived, or pull over if you need to contact someone right away. If the kids are fighting, do your best to ignore them until you've come to a complete stop. Pack an Emergency Kit Emergencies happen when you least expect them, and safe drivers want to be prepared. A plastic bin stowed away in the trunk, filled with supplies, can aid in getting help, making minor repairs, and signaling your troubles to other drivers. Consider packing a spare cell phone and battery pack, a first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a pair of work gloves. Pack additional items during the winter, such as a windshield scraper, a blanket, and a small folding shovel. No matter how skilled a driver you are, do your part to keep the roadways safe. Practice these steps to help stay safe on the road and arrive alive. Image by Pixabay @Free-Photos

Have you had a look at your car's dipstick lately? Most drivers know how important oil is to a well-running engine. If you're not sure, here are five reasons why you should never skip an oil change. It Lubricates Your Engine Many of your engine's components, like pistons and valves, are continually moving as you cruise down the road. To avoid being damaged, they need to be adequately lubricated. Oil provides this vital role. Over time, the heat from the engine breaks the oil down, and it becomes contaminated with dirt and debris, making it impossible to do its job. more Keep Your Cool Oil helps keep engine components cool. Moving parts create friction, which in turn generates heat. Engine oil is the perfect solution to reduce friction and prevent your engine from overheating. Oil Changes Removes Sludge Every time you change your oil, your technician replaces the oil filter as well, removing particles and sludge from your engine's systems. Dirt and dust are deadly to your vehicle, causing corrosion over time, decreasing the life of your car's motor. If you don't change the oil regularly, it breaks down and turns to sludge. Keep your engine running at peak condition with clean oil. You'll See Better Gas Mileage Your vehicle's overall fuel efficiency is affected by several factors from where you live to your driving habits and how well you maintain it. A poorly lubricated engine won't perform at its best, leading to increased fuel consumption. According to one study by the U.S. Department of Energy, routine changes with the right kind of oil can improve your gas mileage by as much as 2%. While that figure may seem low, for the average commuter, that could equate to a free tank of gas each year. The agency recommends oil that's labeled "Energy Conserving" to ensure it offers friction-reducing additives. Your Car Will Last Longer It's a simple fact that owners who routinely change their oil can expect their vehicle to last longer than those who skip this critical maintenance. Buildup from dirty oil makes your engine work harder, wearing out internal components faster. An engine that works too hard will end up with a shorter life span, and a lower value if you plan to sell it or trade it in on something new. Having copies of these regular maintenance records increases its resale value, according to the experts at Kelley Blue Book. Dan Ingle, Vice President of KBB's valuations, reports that regular oil changes are a better indication of proper upkeep than tune-ups and further states that this habit is a good sign that your car has been cared for. Getting your oil changed regularly may seem like a hassle. However, it's a vital task if you want to hop in your car and go. Look for online coupons to save a few bucks. If you're not comfortable changing the oil yourself, hire an experienced professional mechanic to do it for you, like those you'll find at your local dealership.

If you've ever seen a waterfall in person, you know how great of a sight it can be. Every year, many people go on trips to find waterfalls. Fortunately, the Missouri River makes it easy. Within a 10 mile stretch of the river near Great Falls, Montana, there are five waterfalls that you can visit near our Buick, GMC & Nissan dealership. If you like to look at natural wonders, then check out the five falls near Great Falls, Montana. Shop Vehicles For Sale in Great Falls, MT at Taylor's Auto Max Explore the surrounding waterfalls with a brand new vehicle! Our new and used car dealership in Great Falls, MT offers a wide selection to choose from. Get started by checking out available vehicle inventory for sale below: Used cars for sale Buicks for sale GMCs for sale Nissans for sale 1. The Great Falls The Great Falls is the largest of the five falls. It towers over the others at 87 feet and is the furthest south in the chain. It is a great way to start or end your trip to get the full grandeur of the experience. If you want to visit the Great Falls, it is best to do so in early spring or in the fall. At its full flow, the falls are more than 900 feet wide. However, it runs almost completely dry in the summer since the water has to be diverted to a nearby dam due to increased power consumption in the summer. Still, it is an interesting place to visit any time of year, especially since you get to see the back of the falls without getting wet. more 2. Rainbow Falls The Rainbow Falls gives you a more interesting view as it has been modified by the Rainbow Dam just upstream. Rainbow Falls is more than 1,600 feet wide when it is at peak capacity. However, the dam restricts the flow in the center much of the time, so the falls split in half and run down the sides of the river. 3. Crooked Falls Crooked Falls is further upstream and gives you another display of a natural shaping to the falls. It follows a wide horseshoe shape and has a 19-foot drop. You can see the falls easily and it is not far from Black Eagle and Colter Falls. 4. Black Eagle Falls Black Eagle Falls is another option for your trip. It is an impressive 26-foot drop. It was the first of the Five Falls to have a dam built to power nearby cities. At full capacity, the falls return to its full 26-foot overflow. However, you can see it in various states based on the power needs of nearby Great Falls Montana. It gives you an easy way to see both an uncovered dam and a waterfall. 5. Colter Falls Although still included in the Five Falls, Colter Falls is the hardest to see. That is because it was modified by the dam so much that the area around it became a reservoir. So, the falls are underwater most of the time. The only time that you can see the falls is if there is extreme drought and the dam is forced to dump most of its water. If you can find it, it is a rare treat. Visiting the Five Falls can be a lot of fun when you go at the right time of year. If you are lucky and well prepared, you'll get to see all of them. View Vehicle Lease Deals & Specials at Taylor's Auto Max Are you in the market for a new or used car, but want a price that won't break your budget? Then check out our current lease specials and used car offers. We have competitive pricing on new and used Buicks, GMCs, Nissans and more! Used car offers Buick lease specials GMC lease deals Nissan lease & finance offers Image by ahisgett cc by 2.0

Great Falls is in a gorgeous part of Montana, and many people visit to see some of the state's best natural beauty — namely, sights like Giant Springs State Park. However, you don't have to put on your hiking shoes and slap on some sunscreen to enjoy life in the city. If the weather doesn't permit outdoor activities and you just need to escape the elements, try one of these indoor activities in the area. C. M. Russell Museum The C. M. Russell Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Great Falls, indoors or otherwise. The museum is named for Charles Marion Russell, an artist and cowboy who was born and raised in Great Falls. Russell was known for his thousands of paintings, including many breathtaking landscapes and scenes depicting life in the western United States. You can see some of Russell's best works at the C. M. Russell Museum. It can be found at 400 13th St. N. The museum's open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. more Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is a fantastic choice for a cultural experience in Great Falls. Located at 1400 1st Ave. N., the museum is unmissable as the architecture alone makes the site worth visiting. Inside, you'll find a rotating selection of exhibits exploring life in Montana, as well as national culture and significant events. The museum also hosts a variety of events, including first Friday art walks and the Arts on Fire festival auction. The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday from 5-9 p.m., and Saturday from noon-5 p.m. It's closed every Sunday. Admission is free. Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center For a look at the significant role that this area played in an important part of U.S. history, visit the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. This center sits along the Missouri River and is located at 4201 Giant Springs Road in Great Falls. You can attend events such as film festivals, documentaries, and public art projects. The center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and closed every Monday. Great Falls Ice Plex If you love ice skating or hockey, Great Falls Ice Plex is the right place to spend some time. While public skating is one of the most popular activities here, you can also attend lessons to learn how to skate and watch or play hockey. The rink hosts several leagues. Great Falls Ice Plex is situated at 4001 29th St. SW. It's open for public skating Sunday afternoons starting Oct. 1. Other events and special daily openings are posted on the rink's calendar. Great Falls is a beautiful city with lots to do, but you don't have to settle for outdoor activities. Consider one or all the above indoor activities the next time you're planning an afternoon or evening in the area. Image by m ark6mauno via CC BY 2.0

Great Falls is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities throughout any season, particularly in the winter. With the decline of visitors during the colder months and the city's proximity to numerous forests and mountains, you can relish peace and quiet and some striking views of nature. If you're in the area during the cold time of the year, here are a few fun activities you can look forward to. Snowshoeing If you're a fan of hiking, you don't have to let the best trails in Great Falls go unexplored just because the snow has stacked high. Instead, strap on some snowshoes for a rigorous winter activity. Though the weather can make hiking more difficult, there's a greater chance for seclusion compared to spring and summer. more Caving This part of the state is known for some deep and gorgeous caves. While it might be more comfortable to explore them when the weather is warm, the stunning experience of seeing huge icicles and frozen rock formations makes it worth bundling up and hiking out to some popular spots around Great Falls. The best part is that there are some lower elevation caves in the island mountain ranges that are excellent for beginners. Great Falls is also a starting point for more experienced hikers who plan on exploring caves along the Rocky Mountain Front. Ice Skating Ice skating and hockey are year-round favorites in Great Falls thanks to a fantastic local rink. However, if you appreciate these sports, you can try them outside and have an unforgettable winter experience. Gibson Park is one of the most popular places for ice skating and hockey in the city. Ice Fishing Ice fishing is another popular local activity that takes advantage of the freezing temperatures. You'll need to dress warm and invest in some fishing gear, but this sport is unique and a way to relax on a pristine day in Montana. With the Missouri River cutting through the city and feeding into many other lakes and streams nearby, the area is full of opportunities to enjoy this pastime. Holter Lake is one popular spot where you can catch perch. Wadsworth Pond and Bynum Reservoir are two other optional locations for ice fishing. Cross-Country Skiing Numerous remote trails are within a short drive from Great Falls, giving visitors quality options for a challenging pursuit that will reward them with spectacular sights. For something closer to the city, check out Eagle Falls Golf Course. It stays open in the winter and gives cross-country skiers access to a local selection that spans two miles. For something more rigorous but still tailored to this sport, visit the Silver Crest Trails in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Don't let the frigid weather keep you cooped up in Great Falls. Several national forests and mountain ranges are waiting for you to explore. During the warmer seasons, you can plan your adventures ahead of time. Image by Jeff Pang via CC BY 2.0

While Montana is more famous for its big skies and open views than its nightlife, you can still find places to relax and enjoy yourself when you're in a Montana city like Great Falls. Set along the banks of the Missouri River, Great Falls has plenty of things to do, both before and after the sun goes down. Sip 'n Dip Lounge The Sip 'n Dip Lounge is an unusual bar located in the O'Haire Motor Inn on 7th Street South. The Sip 'n Dip is an old-fashioned tiki bar with retro seafoam-green seats, a thatch roof, and an electric organ for live music events. The lounge also has a glass window behind the bar that lets you see into the hotel's swimming pool, where every evening they put on a mermaid show to entertain the guests. The Sip 'n Dip Lounge is internationally famous after being featured in a 2003 GQ article and for making stellar drinks. Celtic Cowboy You'll find the Celtic Cowboy Irish pub and restaurant near the western end of 1st Avenue South. The pub is a recent addition to the Great Falls nightlife, but it takes its name from the Welsh immigrant Robert Vaughn, who was the first European settler in the county and got the nickname "the Celtic Cowboy" thanks to his success in ranching. The pub serves meals all day, and they have a long list of Irish and international beers on tap for you to enjoy between noon and closing time. The Do Bar and Casino The Do Bar and Casino sits right where the 3rd and 4th Streets meet north of the Missouri River. The place stays open most of the day, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., and there's plenty to do while you're here. They offer the usual pub games like pool and have a stage where you can catch live shows or sign up for an open mic night. You can also head over to the casino room and try your luck at one of the slot machines and electronic games. For drinks, the Do Bar offers several unique cocktails and local brews. Steinhaus The Steinhaus is a German-style bar located in the heart of downtown Great Falls on 1st Avenue North. The bar offers a rotating list of beers that includes a lot of Montana microbreweries and has a friendly, social atmosphere. Steinhaus has a full menu of German pub food available, but regulars often get their food from the local pizzeria Howard's Pizza next door instead. If you end up stopping by, make sure you order a Ghost beer. While many people come to Montana to enjoy the open ranges, the tall mountains, and the thick forests, the cities in the state have their own appeal. With bars, lounges, and even casinos on offer, Great Falls, Montana, has an active nightlife that gives locals and visitors alike plenty to do after the sun sets. Image by marco monetti via CC BY-ND 2.0

Great Falls, Montana, is a city packed with history. Head to one of these historical spots or museums this weekend to learn more about the fascinating past of this wonderful place. more C.M. Russell Museum If you want to learn more about life in the Midwest during the 19th and 20th centuries, this is a wonderful place to learn more. The artist for whom the museum is named, C.M. Russell, is best known for his paintings that captured how Great Falls went from frontier land to a settled city. There are 15 galleries inside the museum where you can see paintings, sculptures, and letters from C.M. Russell. Also on the premises are Russell's original home as well as his cabin which he used as an art studio. The cabin is set up just as it was when he used it to create his works. For those that want to see what life looked like in Great Falls back during the cowboy days, you'll love getting a peek into the past at this museum. Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center Great Falls was an important place along the Lewis and Clark trail. If you head to the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center, you can learn about their journey, what they found when they first arrived in the region, and why it was such an important place as the frontier was settled. The interpretive center is very hands-on. There are films to watch, lectures given every week, and you can even go on a ranger-led tour along the nearby trails to learn more about the area. Inside the center, you'll find permanent exhibits like the interactive boat along the Missouri River. Test your strength to see if you can pull the boat along the river's current. In addition to telling the story of Lewis and Clark's journey, the interpretive center also teaches you about the lives of the Plains and Northwest Indians who were native to the Great Falls region. Learn about the plants and animals that Lewis and Clark discovered. First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park There's something very unique to Great Falls in the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. Only a short drive from downtown Great Falls, this state park is home to a prehistoric Native American buffalo jump. A buffalo jump is a cliff edge that was used by the Native Americans to drive the buffaloes to their death. Be sure to stop into the visitor center to learn exactly how the Native Americans drove the buffalo to this particular jump. You'll also learn about the devastation of the buffalo population once this area of the west began being settled. From the visitor center, it's a short walk to the buffalo jump. Alternatively, you can drive to the cliff edge. The views from the jump over the prairie are some of the best in the area. From here you can hop onto several walking trails. The park often hosts different events like yoga or photography classes during the warmer summer months. Check out one of these historic sites and museums this weekend to learn more about the history of Great Falls and its people. Image by AllAroundTheWest via CC BY-SA 2.0

Montana's natural beauty appeals not only to nature enthusiasts and the outdoorsy population, but also to large film production companies. Every year, producers and their casts travel to Montana to film full movies or television shows or to shoot individual scenes. You might be surprised to learn that many famous movies and TV series were produced in Montana. Here is a little sneak peek at some of them. more Forrest Gump This well-known 1994 romantic drama portrays the life story of Forrest Gump, a kind but slow-witted man from Alabama. Based on the 1986 novel by Winston Groom and directed by Robert Zemeckis, the movie stars Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise, Robin Wright, Sally Field, and Mykelti Williamson. The movie's two famous scenes in which Forrest Gump is running through Montana were filmed in or around Glacier National Park in Northwestern Montana. The first scene, where you can see golden wheat fields for a brief moment, was shot near Cut Bank, Montana. The other scene, picturing snowy mountain peaks in the background as Forrest jogs across a stone bridge, was filmed at the St. Mary Entrance to Glacier National Park. Beethoven 2 "Beethoven 2" is the first sequel of the famous 1992 family film "Beethoven." "Beethoven 2" was produced the following year due to the unexpected popularity and financial success of the original "Beethoven." The movie was directed by Rod Daniel, and it stared Charles Grodin, Debi Mazar, and Bonnie Hunt. Though the Newton family's home was in Pasadena, the scenes in the park were shot at Montana's Glacier National Park. Always A remake of the 1943 romantic drama, "A Guy Named Joe," "Always" is a 1989 romantic comedy-drama directed by Steven Spielberg. It stars Richard Dreyfuss, Holly Hunter, John Goodman, Brad Johnson, and Audrey Hepburn. "Always" is a true Montana film ― not only was it produced in Montana, but also features Montana residents. Its production took place at Kootenai National Forest, Montana. Several scenes were shot in and near Libby, Montana. "Always" recruited about 500 Libby's locals for wild-land firefighter roles. The opening scenes with the plane hovering over the lake were filmed at Bull Lake, Montana. Yellowstone This 10-episode cowboy drama from Paramount Network just aired in June of 2018. It stars Kevin Costner, Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, and Lude Grimes. In its production, "Yellowstone" took advantage of everything Montana has to offer ― its natural splendor, impressive estates, and historic sights. The family's ranch pictured in the series is the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana, the state's historic landmark. The production of court scenes took place in the Old Supreme Court chamber in Montana State Capitol in Helena. Some scenes were shot at the Crow Indian Reservation in Southern Montana, by the Big Hole River between Butte and Melrose, in a small town of Darby, and in the Bitterroot Valley. These movies and TV series are just a few highlights of the numerous productions taking place in the state of Montana year after year. Next time you watch these movies, think about Montana. Image by DRs Kulturarvsprojekt, Licensed via CC BY-SA 2.0