Facts for Kids

Great Falls is a wonderful city in the United States, known for its beautiful scenery and friendly people. It is located in Montana and is the third most populous city in the state. Great Falls has a population of about 60,000 people 🏙️. It was named for the amazing waterfalls found along the Missouri River, which were important to people long ago. The city is also filled with parks, museums, and fun activities for families! 🦄🌳

Great Falls has a strong economy with many different industries at work 🔧. Some of the main areas include agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. The city is known for its production of grains like wheat 🌾 and barley. This is important not only for the state but also for the country! Great Falls is also home to Malmstrom Air Force Base, which helps provide jobs and services for the community 💼. Tourism is another growing industry, with visitors attracted by the city's parks and attractions. 🏞

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Great Falls was established in the late 1800s. The city got its name from the five stunning waterfalls on the Missouri River. The famous explorers Lewis and Clark traveled through this area in 1805 🚀. The city grew quickly with the arrival of the railroad in 1887. Many pioneers came to Great Falls seeking new opportunities, and it flourished as a center for agriculture and trade. 🛤

️ The city also hosted Native American tribes, such as the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre, who lived in the region for generations. 🏞

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Great Falls cares about education! 📚

The city has several public schools that focus on giving children a great start in their learning journey. Great Falls College provides opportunities for older students to continue their education and learn new skills. 📖

The city also has libraries with lots of books to explore and learn from! Local schools encourage student clubs and activities to help kids grow and make new friends. Education is an important part of what makes Great Falls a thriving community! 🎓

Great Falls is a diverse city with people from many backgrounds 🌍. The community includes various cultures and traditions, which make it a welcoming place. About 90% of the city's population is White, with the rest being Native American, Hispanic, and other ethnicities. 🎉

The city's age range is also diverse, with kids making up about 20% of the population. This mix of cultures and ages helps create a lively atmosphere and brings special celebrations and events to the city! 🎈

Getting around Great Falls is easy and fun! 🚍

The city has a public bus system called the Great Falls Transit, making it simple for families to travel to different places. You can also see lots of cars and trucks on the streets, as it’s a busy city! 🚗

Many people enjoy walking and biking when the weather is nice 🌞. Since Great Falls is near major highways, it's easy to travel to nearby cities and attractions. Plus, the Great Falls International Airport connects travelers to other places! ✈

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Being in Great Falls means there are so many fun outdoor activities to do! 🌞

You can go hiking in the nearby Lewis and Clark National Forest or have a picnic at one of the beautiful parks, like Gibson Park 🌳. The Missouri River is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing 🚣‍♂️. In winter, families enjoy snow activities like skiing ⛷️ at nearby ski resorts. There are also great places to bike and walk around the city, letting you experience the outdoors in a safe and fun way! 🚴

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Great Falls offers lots of exciting cultural attractions! 🎨

One popular spot is the C.M. Russell Museum, where you can see artwork by famous artist Charles Russell, who loved to paint cowboys and Native American scenes. Another great place to explore is the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, which teaches about the famous expedition. 🗺

️ The city also hosts fun events and festivals throughout the year to celebrate its culture, bringing families together. From music to art, Great Falls has something for everyone! 🎶

Great Falls loves to celebrate! 🎉

There are many events and festivals held throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Great Falls Horse Park, which hosts rodeos and horse shows 🐎. The Montana State Fair is another exciting time, where kids and families get to enjoy rides, delicious food, and fun games 🎡. Other events include art exhibits and music festivals that showcase amazing local talent. These celebrations bring everyone together to make great memories! 🎊

Great Falls is located in north-central Montana 🌄. It's surrounded by beautiful mountains and prairies, making it a perfect place for anyone who loves nature! The city sits at an elevation of about 3,500 feet above sea level. 🌍

The climate in Great Falls can be a bit chilly, especially in winter when it snows ❄️. Summers are warm, with temperatures often reaching around 80°F (27°C). With its diverse geography, Great Falls is home to many animals and plants! 🦌