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The Ultimate Guide to Parents Weekend in Great Falls, Montana

  • Writer: Matt Pickett
    Matt Pickett
  • Feb 26
  • 4 min read

Visiting your son or daughter stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base or attending Montana State University in Great Falls? Parents weekend is the perfect opportunity to explore everything our vibrant city has to offer while creating lasting memories with your loved ones. At Aisling Hotel & Suites, we've created this comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your stay in the Electric City.


Dining Options Near Aisling Hotel & Suites

While our suites offer full kitchens for home-cooked family meals, Great Falls has numerous dining options worth exploring:

Family-Friendly Restaurants

Fine Dining Options

  • Enbär (downtown, 3 miles) - Craft cocktails and upscale small plates in an intimate setting

  • Celtic Cowboy (downtown, 3 miles) - Historic pub and restaurant serving Irish-American comfort food

  • Dante's Creative Cuisine (2.5 miles) - Elegant dining experience with a diverse menu and extensive wine list

Convenient Coffee Shops


What to Do During Parents Weekend

Our front desk staff at Aisling Hotel & Suites can help arrange activities and provide local insights, but here are our top recommendations:

Must-Visit Attractions

Outdoor Activities

  • River's Edge Trail (access point 5 minutes from Aisling) - 60 miles of paved and dirt trails along the Missouri River

  • Missouri River Fishing - Our staff can connect you with expert fishing guides for a memorable outing

  • Gibson Park (10-minute drive) - Beautiful central park perfect for an afternoon stroll

  • First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park (20-minute drive) - Archaeological site just a short drive from Great Falls

Shopping Destinations

  • Holiday Village Mall (5-minute drive) - Major retailers and specialty shops

  • Downtown Great Falls (12-minute drive) - Boutique shopping and local art galleries

  • Farmers Market (seasonal, 10-minute drive) - Local produce, crafts, and food vendors


Why Choose Aisling Hotel & Suites for Parents Weekend

Located strategically between Malmstrom AFB and Montana State University, Aisling Hotel & Suites offers the perfect home base for your Great Falls visit. The Spacious Suites: Our extended-stay accommodations include full kitchens, separate living areas, and all the comforts of home. Ask about our Military & University Discounts: Special rates for families visiting service members or students


Sample Parents Weekend Itinerary from Aisling Hotel & Suites

Friday

  • Afternoon: Check into your suite at Aisling Hotel & Suites and enjoy our welcome reception (Friday evenings)

  • Evening: Dinner at one of our recommended nearby restaurants (ask the front desk for current specials)

  • Night: Relax in our indoor pool and hot tub or catch a movie at the AMC Classic 10 (5-minute drive)

Saturday

  • Late Morning: Take our shuttle to Malmstrom AFB (for military families) or MSU campus

  • Afternoon: Visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Giant Springs (our shuttle can drop you off)

  • Evening: Family dinner—either cook together in your suite's kitchen or try Mackenzie River Pizza

  • Night: Dessert at Big Dipper Ice Cream (we offer a return shuttle until 10 PM)

Sunday

  • Morning: Walk to a local coffee shop or bakery

  • Afternoon: Shopping downtown or visit the C.M. Russell Museum (ask about our discount tickets)

  • Evening: Early dinner before departing or returning your student to campus/base


Aisling Hotel & Suites' Tips for a Successful Parents Weekend

  1. Book your suite early - We offer special Parents Weekend packages but they fill quickly

  2. Check base access requirements - Our staff can provide current information for Malmstrom AFB visits

  3. Dress for the weather - Montana weather can be unpredictable; our sundry shop carries essentials

  4. Use our concierge service - We can make restaurant reservations and activity bookings

  5. Pack light - All suites include washers and dryers for your convenience


Events to Look Out For

Our events board is always updated with local happenings, including:

  • Montana State Fair (late July/early August)

  • Great Falls Farmers Market (Saturdays, June-September)

  • Military Appreciation Days (varies)

  • MSU Campus Events (check university calendar)

  • Western Art Week (March)

  • Ice Breaker Road Race (April)


Extended Stay Benefits at Aisling Hotel & Suites

For parents considering a longer visit:

  • Weekly and Monthly Rates: Significant savings for extended stays

  • Housekeeping Options: Daily, weekly, or as-needed service

  • Loyalty Program: Earn points toward future stays

  • Local Partnerships: Discounts at area restaurants and attractions

  • Community Integration: Weekly social events to meet other guests and locals


Final Thoughts

When visiting your student or service member in Great Falls, Aisling Hotel & Suites provides more than just a place to stay—we offer a home away from home and a gateway to everything Great Falls has to offer. From our comfortable suites to our knowledgeable staff, we're committed to making your Parents Weekend visit memorable for all the right reasons.


For reservations or more information about planning your Parents Weekend stay at Aisling Hotel & Suites, call us at (406) 333-1470

 
 
 

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