First-Timer's Guide to Visiting Montana from Great Falls

Why Great Falls is Your Perfect Montana Base Camp

Welcome to Montana, where the sky truly is bigger and the adventures are limitless. As a first-time visitor to the Treasure State, choosing the right home base can make or break your Montana experience. Great Falls offers the perfect balance of city conveniences with easy access to Montana's spectacular landscapes and attractions.

Situated along the Missouri River and centrally located within the state, Great Falls serves as an ideal launching point for exploring Montana's diverse wonders—from the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park to the historic Lewis and Clark Trail. With Aisling Suites' apartment-style lodging, you'll enjoy all the comforts of home while embarking on the Montana adventure of a lifetime.

Part 1: Planning Your Stay at Aisling Suites

The Advantage of Apartment-Style Lodging

When visiting Montana for the first time, having a comfortable, spacious home base is essential. Aisling Suites offers distinct advantages over traditional hotel accommodations:

Fully-equipped kitchens: Save money by preparing your own meals with locally-sourced Montana ingredients
Separate living spaces: Relax in comfort after long days of exploration
Laundry facilities: Pack lighter and stay fresh throughout your extended stay
Cost-effective extended stays: Significantly more affordable than standard hotels for trips longer than a few days
Local neighborhood experience: Immerse yourself in authentic Great Falls living

Booking Tips for First-Time Visitors

Book early for summer months: May through September is peak season
Consider shoulder seasons: April/May and September/October offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather
Ask about extended-stay discounts: Many first-time visitors underestimate how much time they'll want to spend exploring Montana
Inquire about custom amenities: Aisling Suites can often accommodate special requests for longer stays

Part 2: Getting to Know Great Falls

Must-Visit Local Attractions

Before venturing further into Montana, take time to explore Great Falls' impressive offerings:

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center: Immerse yourself in the epic journey of America's famous explorers with interactive exhibits and educational programs.
C.M. Russell Museum Complex: Discover the art and legacy of famed Western artist Charles M. Russell, whose paintings and bronze sculptures captured the spirit of the Old West.
Giant Springs State Park: Visit one of the largest freshwater springs in the country, flowing at 156 million gallons per day. The adjoining fish hatchery and scenic River's Edge Trail make this a perfect half-day excursion.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park: Explore one of the largest and best-preserved buffalo jumps in North America, where Plains Indians herded bison over cliffs as a hunting technique.
River's Edge Trail: Spanning 60 miles along the Missouri River, this scenic trail system is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.

Local Dining and Groceries Near Aisling Suites

Take advantage of your fully-equipped kitchen by stocking up at:

2J's Fresh Market: Upscale grocery with local Montana products
Great Falls Farmers' Market: (Saturdays, June-September) for fresh local produce
Electric City Coffee & Bistro: Grab breakfast and excellent coffee
Roadhouse Diner: Award-winning burgers when you don't feel like cooking
Celtic Cowboy: Historic pub with Montana-inspired cuisine
Mackenzie River Pizza: Local Montana chain with creative pizza options

Part 3: Montana Excursions from Your Great Falls Base

Glacier National Park: The Crown Jewel (2.5 hours from Great Falls)

A visit to Montana isn't complete without experiencing Glacier National Park's stunning alpine landscapes.

Day Trip Itinerary:

Leave Aisling Suites early (6-7am)
Enter through East Glacier entrance
Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road (check seasonal openings)
Stop at Logan Pass Visitor Center
Short hike at Hidden Lake Overlook (2.7 miles round trip)
Return to Great Falls by evening

Overnight Option:

Pack your overnight bag (keep the rest of your belongings secure at Aisling Suites)
Stay at Many Glacier Hotel or St. Mary Lodge for one night
Enjoy sunrise at Many Glacier valley
Return to your comfortable Aisling Suites apartment the next evening

Missouri River and Outdoor Recreation (15-45 minutes from Great Falls)

Great Falls sits along the legendary Missouri River, offering exceptional recreation opportunities:

Guided Fly Fishing: Book a trip with a local outfitter for world-class trout fishing
Missouri River Boat Tours: See the landscape from the perspective of Lewis and Clark
Belt Creek Hiking: Explore Sluice Boxes State Park for dramatic canyon scenery
Bob Marshall Wilderness: Access points to this massive wilderness area are within day-trip distance

Historical Day Trips (1-2 hours from Great Falls)

Montana's rich history is accessible from your Great Falls base:

Fort Benton (40 minutes): Visit the "Birthplace of Montana" with its preserved historic district
Helena (1.5 hours): Explore Montana's capital city, including the stunning State Capitol building and historic Last Chance Gulch
Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum & Air Park: Learn about Montana's military history (make reservations in advance)

Part 4: Seasonal Considerations

Summer (June-August)

Advantages: Ideal weather, all attractions open, longest daylight hours (up to 16+ hours)
Challenges: Peak crowds, higher rates, need for advance reservations
Aisling Suites Tip: Request a unit with air conditioning; though rare, summer temperatures can occasionally reach the 90s

Fall (September-October)

Advantages: Stunning fall colors, fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures
Challenges: Variable weather, some seasonal closures beginning in October
Aisling Suites Tip: Perfect season for longer stays with lower weekly rates

Winter (November-March)

Advantages: Snow sports, winter wildlife viewing, lowest rates
Challenges: Cold temperatures, limited access to some attractions
Aisling Suites Tip: Ask about heated parking options and winter activity packages

Spring (April-May)

Advantages: Spring wildflowers, newborn wildlife, awakening landscapes
Challenges: Unpredictable weather, muddy conditions on some trails
Aisling Suites Tip: Book a unit with a good view to enjoy dramatic spring storm watching

Part 5: Practical Tips for First-Time Montana Visitors

What to Pack

Layered clothing: Montana weather can change rapidly
Quality footwear: Comfortable hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes
Sun protection: The Montana sun is intense, even on cooler days
Binoculars: For wildlife viewing opportunities
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated in Montana's dry climate

Transportation Tips

Rental car recommended: Public transportation is limited in Montana
Gas up frequently: Distances between services can be substantial
Download offline maps: Cell coverage can be spotty in remote areas
Check road conditions: Particularly important in spring and fall

Cultural Etiquette

Respect private property: Always obtain permission before entering private lands
Wildlife awareness: Keep safe distances from all wildlife
Conservation mindset: Follow Leave No Trace principles in natural areas
Friendly greetings: Montanans typically wave or greet strangers—feel free to reciprocate

Your Home Away From Home

Montana's vastness can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. By choosing Aisling Suites in Great Falls as your base camp, you'll enjoy the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and accessibility to Montana's greatest treasures.

The apartment-style accommodations allow you to settle in, unpack once, and explore at your own pace—whether you're staying for a week or a month. From the comfort of your fully-equipped temporary home, you can experience the authentic Montana that locals cherish while having all the amenities you need to relax and recharge for each day's new adventure.

Welcome to Montana—we're glad you've chosen Great Falls and Aisling Suites as your gateway to the Last Best Place.

Your Montana Home Base in Great Falls