Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Reviews

A beautiful interpretative center for the Lewis and Clark expedition. On a beautiful bluff over the Missouri River below Black Eagle Falls, you experience sone of what they saw 200+ years ago.

A well-balanced, informative presentation about Lewis and Clark. Beautiful location on the river. Very helpful staff and volunteers.

This place is definitely worth visiting, especially if you have a national parks pass. A lot of time can be spent here. The accomplishments of Lewis & Clark are pretty amazing. They have some good educational videos here they show in a comfortable movie theater. They have extensive information on Lewis & Clark and a lot of exhibits. The old woman volunteer that introduced us to the facility was passionate and knowledgeable about the subject. There is a lot of information about both Lewis & Clark and the Native Americans.

This site is unique en USA, pretty worth to visit for learning the American history about the expasion to the centre, southwest and west of mainland northamerica. It's very well conserved, maintained and cared site, not expensive. Its gift store has many choices for all kind of likes, not really that pricy. There are 2 levels in the building with many items on walls, shelf, cabinets, on the floor on display with wording description in English. There are local enthusiastic volunteers who can take you back in the time XIX century by telling / explaining in details the main facts of Lewis and Clark federal expedition, they are very aknowledged persons in history. No eating indoors, elevator is avilable for both levels, and there's access for handicap persons to all the instation in and outdoors. You should not miss to hike / walk on the trails outside and along the Missouri river. Many American and foreign tourists visit this sitre weekly. You can also drive to Giant Springs State Park and to the 3 falls with damps on the river, all in same area not really faraway from each other. We could enjoy aan excellent Family day on that zone for almost 4 hrs. We'll always enjoy watching the river and its islands from outlooks up the clifts, whenever visit Great Falls again. C - M - S from Speedycreek, SK, CAN.

What a way to bring Lewis and Clark to life!!! This center was fantastic for the entire family (my husband and I went with our four kids-- 16, 14, 12, and 9). The staff was amazing!!! One worker brings his Newfoundland dog (like Lewis' Seaman), andtge dog just lays on the floor as you walk in. He let the kids let him, and when he stood up, you could see how huge he really is. The intro videos were good, and the two historical " talks" we attended (one on Lewis' air gun and the other on what was going in the world while the expedition was occurring) were informative and interesting. All of the exhibits were detailed and were richly filled with information -- it's not a dry, boring museum; it captivates you with eAch exhibit. My husband and sons enjoyed trying their hands at portaging by pulling the rope to see how far they could portage each day (not far). My youngest enjoyed filing out the junior range badge sheets and hunted for info through the center. Oh, and some enjoyed trying on "dress up" clothes of the time. We also really enjoyed the employee who was seeing moccasins and who told us about the different types of hides and how to "bead" an article of clothing -- an arduous process.

One employee gave us a great tip and told us how to explore the falls -- we went ryan dam to see the great falls and went across a walking bridge to an island that was a park (to fully see the falls). We were able to picnicon the island and enjoy a beautiful day and marvel that THIS is what Lewis would have seen.

This center is worth the trip!!! If you are anywhere close, make the extra drive and go visit. We planned driving 5 hours to specifically go here, and it was well worth it -- a highlight of our trip!!!

Nice setting, lots of information and illustrations about the Lewis and Clark expedition. I enjoyed reading some of the diaries and letter written by the travelers. Interpretive center staff were very knowledgeable and eager to share information

Great museum and is definitely worth a visit. Plan on one to two hours. There is lots to see and a great move about the history of the area.

We stopped here right after opening having received great reports from friends.

We only had an hour and one half to spend which was totally inadequate to explore the depth of the displays and videos. Living in Lewis and Clark country in Washington, we have seen other parks and displays. This was as good as any. If we didn't have a pre-scheduled appointment elsewhere we would have stayed at least a couple more hours.

Great facility, well presented displays, and extremely educational.

This was well worth the time it is a national park if you have a pass if your senior it’s free it was great informative wonderful people plenty of help and suggestions on places to go I don’t miss it

It is an amazing feat that is covered thoroughly at this center... the exhibition covers each part of the Lewis & Clark journey.

Although we have been to many L&C sites, we learned a lot a this one. Probably the most comprehensive look at the entire journey you'll find.

This interpretive center provides a fascinating and balanced account of the Corps of Discovery and the details of their journey. We were very impressed with the depth of information offered here. The presentation of information was very well done.

This visit was a favorite and rekindled our interest in the Native American cultures and communities that were encountered along the way.

If you are at all interested in Lewis & Clark, westward expansion, and/or Native American history, this is an absolute must!

Great museum, have been there twice before. Took a friend there for the first time and was disappointed to find only the lobby area and gift shop were open. On the plus side we weren't charged an admission fee, but there is so much more to see in this museum that wasn't available. We'll try again.

An almost chance drop in to this amazing centre . The volunteers are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The story of this expedition/ adventure is fascinating. A real gem in history.

Beautiful!! Just go! Get there before 4pm to see the fishery! Shortest river was beautiful at sunset...

Enjoyed the stop here. Great presentation. Small enough to keep kids interest. Adults and children will enjoy.

Haven't been here in years, so stopped by recently on a trip to Great Falls. This is still a remarkable place. It's not a large museum, but it has a wonderful collection of educational activities, historical artifacts, tremendous art, & a gorgeous location. The folks who work and volunteer here are very knowledgeable and look forward to helping one get a sense of what the times were like when Tribes roamed freely and many of the battles that ultimately took away much of their lands. Get a since of what it was like when Lewis & Clark & Company explored this area and the people they met along the way.

A must when you come to Great Falls even if you are not a history buff. Staff are very friendly and go out of their way to describe the displays on arrival. The films are worth viewing to get an understanding of the displays. Very well laid out displays with some hands on. Great for the whole family and a definite recommend.

I learned so much from this! Before their adventure was only a chapter in my history book but after this center I felt like I really knew what they experienced. The young man who gave the interpretive lecture on mountain men was great.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Museum is a must-visit: interesting, interactive exhibits take you through the expedition in a most engaging way. I went through in two hours, my husband took over three. The films introduce you to what you’ll see, and interns guide you as well. The immaculately clean, modern building is a pleasure to be in, and the well-stocked gift shop boasts wonderful souvenirs and books. It’s an A Plus experience!

Starting with the volunteer staff members which were friendly and excellent to all the displays... extremely informative and thought provoking. Well done to all who helped put this together.

What a wonderful museum. This museum covers the entire journey of Lewis and Clark and does it great depth. So much information and presented in a very interesting way. Well worth the drive to go see. We spent over three hours there.

This amazing center is worth your full attention! Please watch available films in the theatre. The exhibits are beautifully displayed and the information historically accurate. The story of these explorers is amazing and often not understood or appreciated.

All of the exhibits are open with the exception of the films being shown. The entrance fee is still waived at this point. The exhibits are well done and the interpretive center is well worth the visit if you're in the area especially since it is free

Lewis and Clark have been front and center in the West's consciousness ever since the Bicentennial of their journey in 2004-2006, and I helped draft the enabling legislation for the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park (including the former Fort Clatsop National Memorial), located near the mouth of the mouth of the Columbia River. But this is far and away the finest exhibition of their expedition that I've ever seen. We planned to just duck in and use the washrooms, but we ended up staying several hours. The place just sucks you in. Bravo, National Park Service!

The site provides a great walk through the Lewis and Clark expedition. They have easy, short clips to bring you across the trail with artifacts and paraphernalia to represent the experience. They offer speaker talks throughout the day to share more explicit stories relative to the area. It’s a good way to spend time.

If you like Lewis & Clark history, don't miss this Interpretive Center! Features segments of the Ken Burns film and displays of the Expedition's portage around the falls. Lots of interesting information about the Native peoples of the area.

The center accepts the US National Parks Senior Pass for entry so it cost us nothing! Regular adult admission is $8.

This was a last stop on our week-long trip to Glacier Park. We were flying home the next day. We had less than an hour to explore this attraction before it closed at 6 pm.

I hope to have the opportunity to return for a less rushed experience. The center was impressive with much historical information about the Lewis & Clark expedition.

This is an amazing display and information centre. There are films running every 30 min on different aspects of the trip. Its a very large facility, so make sure you leave lots of time to see it all.

This is one of the best museums I've ever been in. It provides great info in interactive and meaningful ways. I've been in a lot of museums for these explorers and this one is the best. Kids and trends will find it engaging. All people will find it educational.

I fancied myself the expert on Lewis & Clark, having read Undaunted Courage and also paddled 150 miles of the Missouri Breaks Wild and Scenic River. But this museum taught me some new stories. The maps and overviews were very helpful. The admission price of $8 was maybe a bit high but I'd go again.

Actually this center and giant springs goes hand in hand as far as being interesting and informative about Lewis and Clark journey up the Missouri River in 1806, their endurance’s incountered on the way.

The Interpretive Center is a premier stop for anyone interested in the history of our country. Managed by the USDA Forest Service, this is the ultimate information source of the area's importance in the Lewis & Clark story. Through film, dioramas, and interactive displays, you'll experience the journey of the expedition as they explored this new land.

My spouse and I enjoyed the short film on the expedition's struggles during the portage around the Great Falls of the Missouri; we also enjoyed the fact that the museum chronicled not only the journey of the explorers and their important experiences, but also the experiences of the Plains and Northern Indians. This center really brings to life these experiences and the environment. Kudos to everyone for a job well done!

My spouse was so impressed, and so moved, that as soon as we returned home, he reread the book, "Undaunted Courage," which he had read many years ago.

I was afraid this was going to be a little boring, sometimes you just gotta be in the right frame of mind for historical stuff, but I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed this. From the knowledgable folks to the short film, the weaponry display and the Newf, it was all very enjoyable. Highly recommend, just be prepared to run through in 15 minutes, if its not your kind of thing or stay an hour or two, like I did. It's really worth it either way.

Lots of historical facts about the area. Very helpful staff is friendly and knowable. Easy walking tour.

This center covers the entire L&C mission - not just the portion in this area of Montana. It is designed to engage the visitor by including hands-on opportunities. Even if you are not much of a history buff, this center is well worth a visit.

We spent about three hours here, and wish we had had more time. It was very interesting and compelling about Lewis and Clark and team, regarding their journey across the north and west of the US, as part of the President Jefferson-chartered Corps of Discovery! It was also very informative about native Americans/ Indians, including Sacajawea, and their role in the expedition. Be sure to watch the two films- one by Ken Burns on the expedition and one on the long and strenuous portage to get past the multiple amazing Missouri River falls. The staff were very friendly and helpful. A forest service intern gave an informative and entertaining talk on grizzlies. There was one staff member who introduced us to Buddy, a 200-pound Newfoundland dog, similar to Captain Lewis’ Seaman, who made that first journey out west and back as well. There are interactive exhibits, to help make the insights on the expedition even more interesting to children. You come out of there with such an appreciation of the bravery, strength, determination, ingenuity, capability, discipline, and God’s favor for this group, which got them across this dangerous journey and back.

Lewis and Clark's voyage was epic. But even more interesting were the Native American cultures they encountered along the way.
This museum did a good job emphasizing multiple parts of the story - so it was not only about a band of mostly white explorers overcoming natural and cultural obstacles to reach the Pacific.
Very well done!
Special bonus -- Buddy, the Newfoundland dog who volunteers as a museum greeter.

Wow- this place was awesome. Do not miss the Ken Burns film and the walk through the museum (a timeline of the Lewis and Clark trip west), which was both very informative and interactive. Even my 13-year-old boy was impressed. Additionally, the setting and the building itself are just gorgeous. Worth a day trip from Glacier if you are there for a week!

This was one of the better museum/interpretive centers we visited on our trip. It was well laid out. The staff was excellent and knowledgeable. This is a must see for history buffs.

A surprisingly informative and worthwhile place to visit. Provides in-depth details on the expedition alongside a great documentary video by Ken Burns and spectacular views. We parents (50s) and daughter (high school) agreed it was great. We realized how courageous and ahead-of-their time Lewis and Clark were.

We arrived late in the day but told we could come back the following morning without paying again if we didn't complete the tour. We watched a short film, which I highly recommend, before starting our self-guided tour. The exhibits are wonderful and documented very well. We didn't get through the entire Center before time ran out and decided amongst ourselves we would stop by and complete it the following morning. Unfortunately, the lady that was at the front desk when we arrived had been replaced by a sour-faced unpleasant man who reluctantly showed us a map when we asked him about the area waterfalls. Amazing how that kind of experience can change your plans. We didn't go back the next morning and my "Very Good" rating is based on the actual Interpretive Center ONLY.

We have traveled the Lewis and Clark route from Missouri to Great Falls, and this center was, hands down, the best and most comprehensive of any of the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Centers along the route. We easily spent two and a half hours here, watching two films and seeing the entire exhibit. Much of this was a repeat for us having come up the Missouri for so many miles, but each exhibit gave us something new. Well worth the cost of admission (although our National Parks pass was honored, so we got in free). If you know little to nothing about Lewis and Clark, this would be a great place to start. But it is geared toward history buffs. We heard one woman exclaim, “I shouldn’t have come. This doesn’t interest me at all.” She shouldn’t have come. But if you are interested, even moderately, you’ll come away with a great understanding of the Corps of Discovery.

We were on our way back from Glacier and spent a day here waiting for our early flight. Went here for something to do and it was just Wow!. We ended up walking outside and then going to the dam sites. There was a lot to see and learn about at the center. We'd recommend it to anyone.

We stopped here for a couple hours prior to our river canoe trip. It is a very nice museum...but no artifacts. It takes you through the L&C expedition in a stepwise fashion, so you learn something as you go. They had some firearms from the period, which I always find interesting.

If you have a couple hours, go and see it.
Don’t miss the falls along the way.

Visited on February 23rd. Very welcomed from the moment we walked in by the wonderful staff. Special thanks to Alex and Ken and specially to Jim who really knows his subject and has fun doing it! The entire display and 2 related movies in HD are very well laid out and informative.
This is an interesting and engaging way to spend 2 hours or so.

Give yourself time...lots to see and read their story. This wS my 2nd time and saw more this time that I missed the first time.

As soon as we walked in we were greeted by Butler the dod and his owner who welcomed us in. The whole team make the visit special.
They go above and beyond for their visitors.
The museum was so interesting with lots to look at.
Our whole family has a great morning here.

This was a wonderful interpetive center. It was a large museum. We also saw a couple getting married there. You could go with a guide or on your own as we opted. I enjoyed the visual aspects of what it was like to navigate the missouri river. I learned new facts about Lewis and clarks journey. There was also a film you could watch in a theater and beautiful views of the river. If your in the area its a great place to stop.

One of the nicest Interpretive Centers we've ever visited. We saved the $8 entry fee by using our Senior NP pass. If you have ever wanted to learn the true story about the Lewis & Clark expedition this is the place to visit. It is all set up in phases, with 6,500 square feet of exhibit space, so it takes you from the start and the reason for the journey all the way to the finish. The various phases are in rooms with historical facts on the wall with simulated artifacts and things to really tell you the story. There is also a large theater that show two films alternately. There is also a nice gift shop. It is amazing and if you are anywhere near take the time to visit. It is more than worth the price. If you have the time there is a beautiful walk that will take you down to the river. It's an easy walk down but, remember that you have to come back uphill.

This center is a great museum with incredible visual displays. There is a hands-on animal fur display and another for children to try on typical period clothing. We attended part of one lecture (left early due to a five-year-old in the group). I wished I could have stayed for the entire "What If" lecture. The first 15 minutes of the 20-minute video were also excellent (five-year-old again prompted early departure). The center overlooks the Missouri River and is well worth the time.

Enjoyed the displays and interpretative movie. Great to immerse yourself in the history! Walked the grounds along the river and can picture the difficulties Lewis and Clark faced.

A good, educational presentstion.
The flow is easy to follow.
There were a lot of interactive displays that you're encouraged to touch, so would be great for kids.

I loved the short movie about the portage. The exhibits and displays are very well illustrated to interest the visitor. This is the best Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center I have visited. The staff is very helpful. It's free if you have a national parks pass.

A very informative and interesting presentation. The 2 films were very good. It gave me a better understanding of the trip made by the exploration team. Walking the outdoor trail was also an enjoyable experience

What a gem the L&C interpretive Center is in the heart of Montana. Loved the display and the friendly staff! Can't wait to return!

Salvaged our trip to Great Falls. I had no idea how the falls impacted the Lewis and Clark expedition until visiting this center!

What an outstanding experience! The Center is filled with information and artifacts about the Lewis & Clark Expedition and the docent who was there with us was a true fountain of knowledge. There were so few visitors that morning, that he toured the museum with us offering great highlights and insights. The museum has so much information; it must be the most complete Lewis & Clark site in the country. The setting on the river is fantastic and we loved going outdoors to walk many of the paths along the river and up the bluffs. Do not miss this place!

I went with friends from out of town and was so glad I did. This museum does a nice job of covering a very important part of our nation’s history. I left with a new appreciation for the struggles And ingenuity on this expedition

Had no idea what this center was when we arrived. We have a NPS annual pass so our tour was free. It includes a movie that was very interesting. There is a museum and lots of history.

We have seen Lewis and Clark areas on previous trips to the Northwest and Midwest, and were surprised at how much more about the expedition we learned. The center tries hard to include the Native American aspects of the story, which is admirable but so much unfamiliar information needed a little pruning.. Nicely situated above Missouri River near portage site.

The interpretive center has a collection of artifacts and does a great job of telling the story of Lewis and Clark. The exhibit tells the story from the start in 1804 and what occurred after the expedition. Lots of material to read with paintings, maps, personal accounts, artifacts, and reconstructed articles. Good representation of the native people encountered during the expedition. There are easily walkable trails around the center. A variety of movies run throughout the day. I watched one about the medicine of the day and how the corps survived. Expect to spend about 2 hours here.

This is a great center that really does a wonderful job ( one of the best I've been to) on Lewis and Clark's journey. Very informative and very well done.

They did a very good job making this museum educational but not boring. Spent more time here than I planned because it was so good.

This is a fantastic museum for anyone interested in the Lewis and Clark expedition. Great displays and information with lots of things for everyone to see. Great place, I highly recommend it!

It had been about 10 years since my last visit and it still holds the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition out for all to share. Going in the winter time, we enjoyed no crowds and plenty of time delaying at the exhibits. Plenty of hands on displays for younger visitors. The visuals out the large observation windows overlooking the river add a nice open feel to the exhibits. There is a great walking path along the river towards the falls whch should not be missed.

This was an unexpected fabulous museum. It is well done. Workers were very engaging and knowledgeable. A group of school kids came in while we were there and workers did a great job interacting with them. I would recommend this attraction.

If you are a fan of history then this is a must stop. It is a wonderful depiction of the Lewis and Clark expedition. We learned a few things that are incorrect in the excepted legend of their trip. It sits right on the Missouri river at one of the falls they had to portage around.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is well worth a visit. The exhibits are well done and the staff were friendly. We did not plan enough time to see the exhibits and watch the movies. Definitely give yourself sufficient time to do both.

We love everything Lewis and Clark and really looked forward to this place. Nothing prepared us for being greeted at the door by a 200 pound Newfoundland dog, the same breed as Seaman of Lewis and Clark fame. So cool! This is a must stop for history enthusiasts. We suggest taking in the Ken Burns film in the auditorium before touring the museum - it offered great context to what we were viewing. Staff is very friendly and answered a lot of questions. Only regret is that our travel schedule did not allow us to spend more time walking and reflecting along the MIssouri River right outside the door.

This museum / interpretive centre for the Lewis and Clarke expedition is very well done and a credit to all that have been and are now involved. Our volunteer guide was Larry, and he explained everything with some much enthusiasm and knowledge, there was wasn't a question he couldn't answer. The re-creations of the journey they took and the challenges they faced, is hard to believe they made it back home again. The design for the centre blends in to the landscape on the side of the riverbank. I'm not sure ANYONE these days could emulate the journey they did and for the length of time the expedition took and still survive. Truly a remarkable achievement. Well worth visiting when you are in Montana.

Whether you are a newbie or an expert of the L&C Expedition you will find this museum helpful. The info is presented in such an engaging way that it’s not boring. There’s something for adults as well as children. If you can, plan to stay at least a couple hours.

This center was so informative, and made the subject of the Corps of Discovery interesting to all ages. A good portion of the center focuses on the portage around the falls, with displays depicting the raw strength and determination the men put forth. The short documentary shown while we were there cleared up many questions I had. I noticed many child- friendly, hands-on displays. We were especially impressed by the staff. Their knowledge of the subject and their genuine enthusiasm is apparent.

A very well designed and maintained museum. Good films, great talks nice displays and grounds. We were pleased that were able to use our National Park pass to get in. We enjoyed walking the paths above the river.

Great place to look and explore the Lewis and Clark journey. Nice people who answered all my questions. They are knowledgable about this era. Very clean restrooms.

Great center..very informative. We loved the way the center was laid out. The movies also gave us more insight to the perils of the adventure. I would hate to think we had to travel and pull our boats up the mountain. Make sure you hike to the falls

Went here with a tour group. They have some great information on the Lewis and Clark expedition. Saw two great informative movies. Also a presentation done by a local expert. The staff was very friendly.
There’s a Newfoundland named Buddy on site. SO CUTE!!

Everything was well laid out.The guides were informative and helpful. The movie was interesting and enjoyable to watch.

great hiking. see where Lewis & clark stayed along river, stop by fish hatcheries, good info at interpretive center!

Lots of cool visuals to show the story of discovering the west. Maybe 1-2hrs to walk through reading and looking at the story embedded here. If you take some extra time you can see some neat documentaries in the theatre there as well. Absolutely beautiful outside to walk along the river. Definitely worth a stop

My husband is a huge Lewis and Clark fan. This center has great speakers and programs along their very fair account of the Corp of Discovery trip. They really are informative of how the narrative people helped them along the way. The explanations of their trip from conception to the end seems fair from all points of view and extremely detailed. If you are interested in Lewis and Clark, you must not miss this stop.

The website says it is closed on Mondays, but we drove out anyway, just to see it and discovered it is OPEN on Mondays, the website just hasn't kept up. We had a great time strolling through the exhibits; there are also movies illustrating the great Lewis and Clark adventure, and a great deal of attention given to Sacajawea. I loved the area where it shows how everything had to be dismantled and carried over hills and back to rivers. It was an amazing undertaking, and a miracle it worked out as well as it did.

Learned an incredible amount at this center. There was so much to see, exhibits were well done and informative. Docents were very knowledgable and helpful on whatever question.

On the banks of the Missouri, this interpretive center is fantastic. We could easily envision Lewis and Clark exploring the West.
The docents were mature men and women who loved their subject and made it come alive.
Great exhibits and lots to learn here if you choose to take advantage of all they have to offer.
Highly recommended!

Museum did a great job balancing providing informative displays for adults and having hands on things the kids could explore to keep them interested. The main floor is designed so that you follow the full journey from start to finish and it goes through the many challenges the members of the group faced. Our kids really enjoyed the museum and doing the Jr Ranger program. Afterward we walked the nice paved trail down to the river and watched the birds swimming on the river. The museum is connected to the state park via a nice bike trail.

Great museum if you are interested in the history of the Lewis and Clark expedition. They have lots of displays and many hiking trails. Since it is a national park, we entered without paying a fee with a senior pass.

Took a family of 7 spanning all ages. All found something of interest. Walk the beautiful trails along the river. If you can, walk the trail to Giant Springs. Great videos in a nice theater.

Excellent overview of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Watch the Ken Burns orientation film in their theater prior to visiting the museum, to better follow the exhibits.

We were very pleased with our visit to the center. As a National Center it did take my National Parks Pass. It was a well laid out building with really good exhibits about Lewis & Clark as well as Native Americans. There was also a movie theater which showed a good movie of their voyage ( it was how’ve a little long for the children). There was also a beautiful river area close by which had a fish hatchery that held the kids attention. All in all a great place to visit.

What a view, great staff that were extremely helpful.
Told us about the different wildlife in the area and also about the
landscape.

What a tremendous look into the journey of the Lewis & Clark trail. I spent an entire day here reading and learning about all the aspects of the journey west. There are incredible exhibits to visit, very interesting short films by Ken Burns and other talks with docents. I pretty much had the place to myself which was awesome. Would highly recommend visiting this hidden jewel in Great Falls, Montana.

This depicts a nice piece of northern plains history. Coupled with a visit to the nearby Giant Springs State Park and Ryan Dam (Big Falls of the Missouri) one could spend the day on the Missouri River below Great Falls. Ryan Dam is outstanding during spring runoff.

Overlooking the Missouri River, this is an incredible gem covering the full journey of Lewis/Clark expedition. It is well done with displays exhibiting the interactions with each of the First Peoples they encountered along the way. There are 2 short films dealing with the exhibition. Both are good but if pressed for time, do take in the Ken Burns film. Allow 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the experience.

This is worth making a special effort to visit and you can combined with the CM Russell Museum. They are both worth a special trip to Great Falls.

While on a road trip to Glacier National Park and into Alberta we stopped at Great Falls near the end of the trip to see the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. The museum was very well done. There are several movies you can see while you are there and many of the displays are interactive. We also learned a lot of interesting facts from the docent on duty. Well worth the visit and it is part of the National Parks system so you can use your pass. Include a drive along the river to get an idea of the falls that Lewis and Clark had to portage around.

A very nice comprehensive museum for any interested in Lewis and Clark Expedition. As a western history buff, I found the layout and displays informative. Saw a great 30 video in the main theater on the Expedition that actually shorted my visit as I no longer needed to read 'all' the signage for every display. Great use of my time.

Enjoyed this center. The movie and exhibits were very informative. Staff was very helpful. Would recommend.

It was one of the better museums I've been to. There was adequate evidence provided of the venture of these two in 1803-1806 called the Corps of Discovery to find the northwest passage from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean. We enjoyed two films. The team encountered five waterfalls in this area to become Great Falls greatly changing their plans. We then drove to three of the Falls. Sadly as mentioned in other posts they had hydroelectric dams built on them. Water flow was restricted. Most unfortunate was the huge Ryan Dam over the largest of the dams. The Falls so specifically described by Mr. Clark in his diaries. If only they could have allowed more water to flow as it may have provided a better opportunity to see what they may have seen. Yet, a history buff must make the trip. On the river we saw cormorants, pelicans, seagulls. The riverfront offers many places to pull over. Nice town.

Was a very educational experience with all the exhibits very well done. With all the artifacts it really takes you back in time when they were doing their expedition. Very worthwhile visit.

What an amazing place. There are things inside and outside to see. The views of the Missouri River are terrific. The plants are ones which Lewis & Clark wrote about and are well labeled. The displays inside are entertaining and educational. There is a movie to watch, there are displays which are interactive as well as informative. I highly recommend a visit to The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.
Your Federal Park Pass gets you in but if you don't have that then the price is $8 for adults. 15 and younger are free.

If you enjoy anything to do with the history of Lewis and Clark this place is not to be missed. Leave at least an hour for your visit or more if you want to see the movies.

...not enough time.

We''re history buffs, and use of "buff" here seems ironically accurate considering where we were.

A friend had recommended we visit this museum and he knows us well. We allowed an afternoon and came away thinking it wasn't enough. We'll need to return. Not only is the museum well designed and the exhibits organized with multiple graphics, the curator(s) have done an excellent job of pulling together the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery expedition.

This is a USDA (Dept. of Forestry) interpretive center, one of many we've visited in our travels about the U.S. and we've driven in all fifty states.

I do recommend this exhibit. We intend to return.

NOTE: Although I've recommended "2-3 hours" below. If you really want to do justice to the exhibits plan for a full day.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center should be a must see for everyone visiting the Great Falls area. This is a beautiful building in the perfect setting on the Missouri River near Giant Springs. We loved our visit.

Housed in an amazing building, the Interpretive Center covers the expedition from conception through the aftermath.The displays and artifacts bring the adventure to life. A great museum if you are interested in the discovery of the Louisiana Purchase by Americans.

The museum was very well done with interactive areas for the kids. The greeters were friendly and helpful. The views of the fall were fantastic and, if you are up for a hike, there is a great paved path that leads down to the water.

We traveled to Missouri largely to trace the path of the Corps of Discovery, and the center in Great Falls was only one of many stops. We were pleasantly surprise at the variety and comprehensiveness of the artifacts and exhibits, and the layout that adheres fairly closely to the chronology of the travels makes for a coherent impression. A good many sidebars as well - dioramas, recreations, and original artifacts are all well displayed and documented.

Very charming and well laid out interpretive centre. Great introdutory film telling the story of the expedition, and then a wonderful and comprehensive display downstairs that brings the adventure to life.
welcoming friendly staff and a lovely gentle atmosphere. Enjoyed it very much!

My friend and I expected to spend an hour but ended up a full three hours at this informative center. Very interesting displays of the westward travels of Lewis and Clark, and American Indian history. Friendly staff and a beautiful facility. Great place to take kids.

We just happened upon the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center while looking at the falls of Great Falls along the Missouri River. How lucky we were! Please make this a MUST on your visit to Great Falls. The Center is very well designed and staffed. We were even greeted by a large, friendly dog of the breed that accompanied L&C on their trek. You needn't spend long, but the movie (about 20 min.) covers much of what you need to know to appreciate L&C's contributions to history and our nation. We flew into Great Falls as the starting point for our visits to Glacier and Yellowstone NPs. As you'll pass the Missouri River many times if you roam around western Montana knowing the history of L&C will add to your travels. PS--Admission is free if you have a National Parks Pass; otherwise $8 for adults.

Excellent movie in the center. Various displays regarding how Lewis and Clark discoveried the north and northwest parts of our country by exploring up the Missouri river.

Today, people get upset is traffic slows down on the interstate

If my review is useful, please give me a “helpful” vote.

1. Bottom Line Up Front. I have had the privilege of visiting quite a few museums of this type across the United States so my expectations are typically very high. I was not disappointed – this is an extremely nice, professionally-curated museum. It is sufficiently detailed to interest adults and has some inter-active displays to keep children engaged/interested. Lastly, I highly recommend finishing up your visit by driving out to the Great Falls/Ryan Dam to gain an appreciation of the distance they had to portage (18 miles) and the terrain they encountered.

2. Preparation. I typically research attractions prior to visiting them. A very good book on the subject is Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose. In order to make the most of my visit, I also watched two videos on You Tube.

2.a. The first video provided the history of the Louisiana Territory. The territory shifted ownership from France to Spain, back to France and then to the U.S. It was very interesting to learn the motivation/rationale for each of these countries to possess the Louisiana Territory.

2.b. The second video covered the actual expedition. There were actually two very good videos (each approximately one hour in duration).

3. Details of my visit.

3.a. Date/time. I visited the museum on a cold (39 degrees F) and rainy Saturday morning/afternoon in late September 2018. I note the weather because it prompted me to consider the type of weather conditions that the expedition members had to contend with during the two plus years of the expedition.

3.b. Other patrons. During my visit, there were approximately 25
other people in the museum.

3.c. Length of visit. I was at the museum for 3 hours; I read approximately 75% of the informative placards.

4. Directions.

4.a. Location. The museum is located at 4201 Giant Springs Road Great Falls, MT (obtained from the museum’s Trip Advisor profile).

4.b. Accuracy. I plugged the address in to my iPhone and it took me directly to the museum.

5. Access

5.a. Passenger vehicles. The parking lot can be accessed by any type of passenger vehicle.

5.b. RV and travel-trailer access. I realize that many people visiting attractions such as this one are on vacation and may be in RVs or pulling travel trailers. I would consider the parking lot to be accessible to oversize vehicles; there is a separate section of the parking lot allocated for RVs & vehicles with trailers.

6. Parking

6.a. The parking lot is paved.

6.b. There is no charge for parking.

6.c. There are approximately 75 parking spaces.

7. Admission. The charge for adults is $8.00; there are discounted rates for different groups/individuals.

8. Hours of Operation. Operating hours vary depending upon the time of year and day of the week. I recommend checking their website for current hours.

9. Prohibitions/permissions.

9.a. Weapons. There were no signs prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons.

9.b. Photography. Photography is permitted.

9.c. Service animals. To the best of my knowledge, service animals are permitted.

9.d. Packs/bags. There were no signs prohibiting visitors from carrying backpacks.

10. Aesthetics. The museum is located on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River and is very picturesque. The exterior is nicely landscaped with stone, and native grasses/trees. There are large windows on both floors that provide very nice views of the river. There is a paved walking trail at the bottom of the bluff that enables visitors to walk along the river; it is a relatively short walk to Black Eagle Falls.

11. Maintenance. The building appears to be very new with no wear and tear and is very clean and well-maintained.

12. Staff. The staff is very courteous and knowledgeable; they seem to be a mix of uniformed park service employees and volunteers.

13. Type/nature of museum visit.

13.a. Non-guided. Visitors may conduct non-guided tours of all the museum grounds/exhibits.

13.b. Guided. I do not know if guided tours are available.

14. Layout of facility.

14.a. Main floor. Entrance and gift shop.

14.b. Sub-floor. Exhibits.

14.c. Theater. There is an extremely nice, tiered theater that spans the top floor and sub-floor. I would estimate there are 150 seats. On the day of my visit, there were three 20-minute movies that were shown; one began approximately every hour on the hour.

15. Exhibits. Not all-inclusive.

15.a. Outfitting the expedition. This display contains uniforms, weapons and equipment issued to the soldiers. There is also a small diorama of the original boats as they looked as they departed St. Louis: two large pirogues (canoes) and a 55 foot keelboat (made in Pennsylvania). The keelboat could be propelled by rowing, poling, sail or towing. The keelboat was capable of carrying twelve tons of supplies but was too cumbersome and was returned downriver when the expedition reached present-day North Dakota.

15.b. Preparations for the expedition. This exhibit explains recruitment of expedition members and pre-expedition training for Merriwether Lewis (6 weeks of medical training). It should be noted that the expedition was not comprised of soldiers but rather of civilians that were recruited because of their skills and abilities and then assigned a military rank; they were held to strict rules of military conduct and discipline. The expedition began with the two Captains (Lewis and Clark), three Sergeants, twenty-four Privates and one guide/translator. As near as I can figure, there were two to three other civilians performing ancillary duties.

15.c. Mapping tools and procedures. This exhibit contains examples of surveying chains, compasses and sextants. Captain Clark was responsible for constructing detailed maps of the route.

15.d. Several exhibits depicting the expedition’s interaction with different Native American tribes along the way.

15.e. Animals encountered on the expedition. This display contains: Grizzly Bear, Bison, Mountain Goat, Coyote, Bobcat, Geese, Grouse, Ermine, various birds. Captain Lewis was responsible for collecting specimens of plants and animals and/or sketching them.

15.f. Interactive display. Animal skins/furs that can be picked up and handled: Bison, Grizzly Bear, Mountain Goat, Coyote, Wolf, Bobcat, Gray and Red Fox, Mink, Otter, Beaver, Muskrat, Ermine, etc.

15.g. Very large, full-scale diorama of expedition members hauling a dugout canoe up a steep hillside during the Great Falls portage (this exhibit actually spans the two floors of the museum). If the previous demands of the expedition were not already overwhelming, they faced a significant challenge when they encountered the five waterfalls on the east side of Great Falls, Montana. The expedition had to construct carts for the boats, extract them from the river, move them up steep cliffs and across 18 miles of rolling terrain and place them back in the Missouri River on the west side of Great Falls.

15.h. The return trip. The expedition split in two groups: one group with William Clark, the other group with Merriwether Lewis. They rejoined in present-day North Dakota and continued to St. Louis together.

16. Expedition Timeline.

16.a. 14 May 1804. Depart vicinity of St Louis in present-day Missouri; continue north on Missouri River. It should be noted that the Missouri River flows from North to South and that the expedition was travelling against the current for approximately eight months during their trip west.

16.b. 24 October 1804. The expedition constructed a winter quarters (Fort Mandan), in present-day North Dakota.

16.c. 7 April 1805. The expedition departed Fort Mandan and continued west on the Missouri River.

16.d. 21 June – 2 July 1805. The expedition conducted a portage around the five waterfalls near present-day Great Falls, Montana.

16.e. 17 August 1805. The expedition departed the Missouri River and begin their overland movement via horses.

16.f. 26 August 1805. The expedition crossed the Continental Divide.

16.g. 1 September – 6 October 1805. The expedition crossed the Bitterroot Mountains (Montana and Idaho).

16.h. 9 October 1805. Once again, the expedition continued their water route: Clearwater River, Snake River and Columbia River through present-day Montana, Idaho, Washington.

16.i. 20 November 1805. The expedition arrived at the Pacific Ocean. They constructed a winter quarters (Fort Clatsop) on the Columbia River near the Pacific Ocean in present-day Washington state.

16.j. 22 March 1806. The expedition departed Fort Clatsop and began the return trip to St. Louis.

16.k. 14 May 1806. The expedition arrived at the foot of the Bitterroot Mountains but unable to proceed due to snow.

16.l. 3 July 1806. The expedition splits in two elements to survey a potentially shorter return route.

16.m. 12 August 1806. The two groups rejoin on the Missouri River in present-day North Dakota.

16.n. 23 September 1806. The expedition arrives in St. Louis in present-day Missouri.

17. Handicap access. I am not handicapped but understand that this can affect someone's decision whether or not to visit a site/attraction. Visitors who are wheelchair-bound or have difficulty walking can access the museum with little/no difficulty. There is an elevator to permit access to the first floor and sub-floor.

18. Child friendliness. This attraction is child friendly. There are two or three displays/exhibits that are interactive.

18.a. On the day of my visit, there were approximately 4 children (with their parents) in the museum.

18.b. I would remind parents and teachers (of school groups) that
this is a museum and not a playground; loud & un-restrained actions detract from the enjoyment of others.

19. Amenities/creature comforts. Food & drinks are not permitted in the areas of the museum that contain exhibits.

19.a. Restrooms. There are restrooms on both floors.

19.b. Water fountains. There are water fountains on both floors.

19.c. Food & beverages. Bottled water is available in the gift shop. Food is not available for purchase.

20. Gift shop. There is a medium-size gift shop inside the museum; it is well-stocked with a wide selection of items oriented towards adults and children (t-shirts, ball caps, books, coffee mugs, toys, etc.).

Wanted to visit this historical site on our way cross the state and was pleased that we stopped. After the first introductory film, I walked slowly around the exhibits taking in the experience of what Lewis & Clark went through during their lifetime for the President of the United States. The second film focused on the what occurred in the Great Falls area. The scenery outside the building was fabulous and walkers can enjoy a pleasure time of the views along the river. A must see if in the area.

Beautiful building located along the Missouri River. Very information, well laid out. Good place to go especially on a hot day. Good for the family.

Have lived on many different locations of the trail. This by far is the best situated for the story telling.

Try to attend one of the talks given by the Rangers. They are very knowledgeable and bring the history to life. There is a life-size replica of one of the canoes. Gives you an idea of how daunting the mission was. Your National Park pass will let you get in for free

the best interpretive center around - very informative, interesting, and entertaining for both adults and children. .

You can’t get any closer to a most critical segment of the explorers’ journey- the portage around the Falls. Lots of trails in area. Museum itself is very well done, and takes you through their entire journey. Interactive as well as some excellent displays. Allow at least two hours, but more if you want to spend time on trail or at nearby Giant Springs.

Its not the Smithsonian or anything, but not bad for a museum - family friendly and the size as right (spent about 2 hours in the museum itself).

This was a very enjoyable museum. Even the way it is arranged is special. The films were a nice jumping off point and then we proceeded through the center. We've been to the Arch and the new museum there, which is pretty extraordinary, but we learned new things here. For instance, we didn't know Lewis and Clark took a Newfoundland with them and the Indians stole the dog! (There's even a statue to the dog on the lower level.) This was the first time we realized the enormity of the portage around Great Falls thanks to the life size model here. Thoroughly enjoyed this!

The museum walks you through the time line of Lewis and Clark's voyage. The museum has great displays and their are trails outside along the river. Go early to avoid the crowd.

The website isn’t accurate. It’s not really open. We’ve been numerous times and it’s wonderful. However, during the pandemic only the lobby is open along with the gift shop. You can wander the trails along the Missouri My suggestion is to head straight to Giant springs and pass over the interpretive center until it’s fully open

We were very disappointed from this center...the building is nice with plenty of parking but we found the content to be boring.

unfortunately because of covid it was mostly closed. the upstairs area was open with a few displays. will go back to see it all

I am proud to have been part of the design team for this project. A great addition to Great Falls, MT

Love the detail and life-like scenery replicas. Gift shop is great! Bought sweet grass Would go again.

Extremely interesting and very educational. Great area on the river and nice picnic area. Recommend it for all ages.

great place to visit, and learn of the history of the upper Dakota Yellowstone River Basin. There's a lot of history with a lot of interesting facts that can be learned and passed forward to Future Generations.

This is a very interesting part of history not taught in schools. Very few people today would be capable of overcoming the difficulties and enduring the hardships that these men did.

If close to great falls MT area come here! You won’t be disappointed. You may use you national park pass or state park pass to get the family in free. Also Military was free. Really a nicely put together museum of the travels of Lewis and Clark. You get a first glimpse of life how it was then. Their team spent a good time in great falls due to having to bypass the falls of the river. Watch a 20 minute movie and be let into a self paced review of history. Once complete you may walk around the outside and see some great land marks. Just down the street is another park grand falls and is a good picture spot for all. Spent about 2hrs here and another hour exploring down the road. Don’t pass on History, learn about it and teach our children about it.

Highly recommend visit to the Interpretive Center, nice reproductive interpretation of the struggles President Jefferson's commissioned team met when they could no longer traverse the Missouri River. Well done. Little walking free parking

This is a great place to go if your on your own, or with a whole tribe of kids! You will see lots of interesting things, and learn a whole lot of history that will amaze you. The items that are housed there are weak marked, and the staff is sure to answer any question you may have as they are very well versed.

Highly recommend, a great couple of hours enjoyed at the center. If you are a history buff, this is your place! Great views of the river if you have a camera in hand.

I'm glad I came to Great Falls, MT, a few days earlier than necessary. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center provided a good reminder of early explorers and, most importantly, the people whose home this was way beforehand. After you visit the center, check out the actual falls further up the Missouri River. Ryan Dam has an island park perfect for family picnic (but not pets).

This museum was well done! The ladies on each floor were extremely helpful, informative, and pleasant. I appreciated the interactive pieces and the number of details in the display. The only area for improvement was the gift shop. I would have appreciated a few more postcards, shirt designs, and other trinkets.

This was our finally leg of our father and son trip and what a great way to end our journey to Montana. The L&C interpretive center takes several hours with the movies and museum so dress comfortable and take your time both inside and out.

Unfortunately we did not have enough time to see all of the exhibits in the Interpretive Center, but we will be back on our next trip. The insights into the lives of the native Americans and the encounters with explorers were useful. The overall impression one gets is that the men on the expedition were tough as nails.

We learned so much about the Lewis & Clark expedition. From the outside it looked like a small museum and we figured we would be in and out in no time, but it’s so much larger than expected and has so much to see and read. We loved it.

My Husband and I recently visited this museum. I was very impressed with the helpfulness and knowledge of its employees. A long our way through the museum where stationed docents who were quick to explain things and also recommended the different movies that are shown at the museum pertaining to the Louis and Clark expedition. I would highly recommend people see the movies that play at the museum, they were very informative and brought life to the subject. I am not a big reader so listening to the docents made it easier for me to enjoy.

Good chronologic history of the Lewis & Clark expedition. Interesting artifacts. Don't miss the 2 movies - they really bring together the whole story.

We were able to get in for free with friends that had a senior national park pass. Bonus!! We watched two great movies about Lewis and Clark. The interpretive center in the basement walked you through from the beginning of their journey to the end. It was very well laid out and extremely informative. We need to go back because we didn't do any of the outdoor stuff.

Easy to find, huge parking lot, big rig friendly. Just know all that is currently open is a small lobby, gift store and trails.

I love the Lewis and Clark history and over the years have visited several sites. This one is well done and situated overlooking the Missouri River. There are two films, one an adaptation of the Ken Burns mini-series. They are shown in a beautiful and comfortable auditorium. The exhibits are really great. The even have a real Newfoundland dog like the one on the expedition. Well worth your time if you like history.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center sits overlooking the Missouri River in sight of the falls that proved to be the first in a series of portages for Lewis and Clark on this stretch of river. A powerful sculpture showcases this difficult maneuver as you enter the museum, set against the backdrop of the Missouri. Our visit began with an excellent film on the Corps of Discovery produced and narrated by Ken Burns. A museum volunteer then shared a story about John Coulter, a young expedition member who stayed in Montana while the rest of the party returned east after reaching the Pacific. The exhibits are comprehensive and give you a full picture of the Corps of Discovery's two-year journey. The building itself is beautiful and blends into the surroundings. Outdoor trails along the river continue the interpretation of this leg of Lewis and Clark's journey. Operated by the US Forest Service, this is definitely worth a visit for a fascinating piece of our nation's history.

This center with exhibits and film not only immerses a visitor in discovery and exploration, but provides incite to the hardships and triumphs of the corps. Children can search exhibits through a scavenger hunt. Stroll the paved walkway (below the museum) along the Missouri River to Giant Springs State Park and Fish Hatchery. A stairway or elevator can take you to river level.

Visited this interpretative centre with my husband. Watched two separate movies about Lewis and Clark’s expedition from St.Louis to the Oregon coast. Great exhibits outlining the journey. Beautiful views of the Missouri River from the centre. Helpful staff. We learned that the expedition had actually been ordered by President Jefferson. Well worth a visit.

We are well versed in the history of the Lewis and Clark Journey of Discovery. We found that the Interpretive Center added greatly to our wealth of knowlege especially in understanding the topography of Montana and what to expect when we traveled to see the Falls. The docents were very kind and knowledgeable. Worth your time.

Lots to see and do once you walk through the doors. Allow at least 3 hours to see all the great history that awaits.

My mother in law was here from California and we took her. Was her in her late 70's, my husband and me in our 50's and daughter, her husband in their 20's. It was a great time for all.

The museum is not to be missed. Overlooking the Missouri River, the Interpretive Center provides a great narrative of the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Native Americans and georgraphy they encountered. The story is an impressive tribute to the grit and determination of those on this important journey.

We were traveling thru the area and noted as a 5 star review in our guidebook. We stopped and were blown away by this museum. The staff were wonderful and helpful. Loved the dog "Buddy", who helped to greet all. The museum was well organized, easy to follow, very educational and the Ken Burns videos were very informative. Great job!

This is a very nice facility with outstanding interpretive displays. Since it's right next to Giant Springs State Park, it's easy to hit both at the same time. This is Great Falls's best one-two punch all in one spot.

This is a "don't miss" when you are in Great Falls. It is extremely well done, complete with docents, films (one by Ken Burns), and fascinating displays of artifacts illustrating the epic Corps of Discovery adventure.

They correct you when entering that this is an interpretative center not a museum, just think of it as a hands on museum about Lewis and Clark, Native Americans, and the West. You could spend hours here, but it was relatively quiet on a Wednesday morning in August. It would be nice if there was a cafe as it is four miles from town.

What a wonderful educational experience. If you thought you knew everything about the excursion go there you will learn more. A fabulous facility in a beautiful place on the river. Get the cheap Federal pass before the huge price increase while you are there.

Our visit was very short, but the staff helped us to get as much information as possible by showing us where the most important pictures and historical items were. They even helped us to find items in the gift shop so they were could get to our next event on time. Our first contact was with Buddy, the Newfoundlander. Weighting over 200lbs and very gentle. We will have to go back whenever we past thru again. Add this to your must see in Great Falls, Montana. Entry free $8.

I think perhaps it'd be a great place to take school kids, or something. I was thinking that the whole time i was down there.

Opened in 1998, the Lewis & Clark Interpretative Center in Great Falls, Montana, allows visitors to re-live the 1804-1806 Lewis & Clark expedition's 8,000-mile journey across western North America in the comfort of this beautiful museum that was built into a scenic bluff with spectacular views of the Missouri River. Located at 4201 Giant Springs Road, the center brings alive the spirit of exploration by chronicling the epic journey of Lewis & Clark as well as important experiences with Plains and Northwest Indians. Start with two introductory videos in the 158-seat theater. Join a ranger for a program or explore the many hands-on exhibits in the center. The centerpiece is the two-story diorama of the portage of the Missouri River's five giant falls. Test your strength pulling a boat against the Missouri River's current. Listen to a 30-minute audio tour or choose an optional 45-minute audio of actors portraying William Clark and George Shannon reminiscing 20 years after the exploration. That's not all. Learn details of the plants and animals that Lewis & Clark documented. Enjoy scenic overlooks and native landscaping. Before you leave, be sure to visit the Portage Cache Store for mementoes.

We had to adjust our schedule to see this because during the "winter" schedule (September?) they close on Sunday & Monday. There was no way I was going to bring a friend to Great Falls and not show her this museum. She was impressed. I think it's one of the best of the Lewis & Clark museums I've been to.

We stopped at this facility and were amazed at the knowledge of the staff and the quality and extent of the exhibits. So MUCH information. Well presented and really enjoyed our time spent. Will be doing more Lewis and Clark stops over the next couple of years. Such an undertaking - 4,000 miles - no maps - just Indians to help plan and guide.

We spent an afternoon here. The staff is very dedicated and friendly. We saw two films and went through the exhibits. There is a ton of information. They also have worksheets for kids to use to explore the exhibit.

The Lewis and Clark expedition is thoroughly explained in a self-guided tour. The exhibits are thoughtful and informative and from many points of view. The short movies were fantastic! The rangers and volunteers were also very helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed the museum and the outside trails. Having a Senior Parks pass made it easy to see it several times.

We brought my parents here, who were able to get us free entrance (usually about $9pp, I believe) with their Senior National Parks pass. I would have been happy to pay the entry fee, because the museum was awesome! I learned a lot about Lewis and Clark. The interactive exhibits entertained us all (from age 5 to 65) and the movie was decent. We also enjoyed walking along the river front, despite the blustery winds. Highly recommend for anyone who is interested in American history.

My husband & I attended this historical gem with our adult son & all were impressed. The movie is a must to give the background information you need to understand all of the material. The whole story of Lewis & Clark's exploration is presented in excellent detail - the route, the challenges, Indians encountered as well as geographical obstacles. It was like Lewis & Clark were there sharing their daily journals. Also seniors may use their national park pass.

A well put together center that goes over all of the details of the incredible expedition. You need a minimum of 2-3 hours to see, read and take in all of the information.

Close to Giant Springs (see 2 great things in 1 visit), hands on displays, videos, lots of museum type things to see. Trek out back down to the Missouri river and walk rivers edge trail.. great way to spend some time enjoying nature and learning about some history!

I used to teach American history in elementary schools. Lewis and Clark were features of fifth grade history in the Pacific Northwest, so I had a fairly thorough knowledge already about the Expedition before my wife and I came to this interpretive center. But I still learned a lot. I wish that this place had been closer to where I taught. I would have done field trips here. They lay out the whole story in a timeline you walk through, as they enlarge upon what happened at that particular time and place. Plus the displays are excellent, such as a life size example of a portage they had to do.
They also have an elevator and a gift shop.
If you are into history, the Lewis & Clark Expedition, or just like museums, this place is worth taking your time to see.

We have been to 4 Lewis and Clark interpretive centers over the years and each one is different. They give you information on the local area and what was found. This makes it interesting so we will stop at others and learn about different parts of the trip that they made.

We arrived about 9 am. A docent explained the layout of the building, it's exhibits and the role of Lewis & Clark in the area, then we were off to explore on our own. The building has some original artwork by Charlie Russell and several exhibits and artifacts relating to Lewis and Clark's trip through the area. It tells a great story of the exhibition. While we were there, a school group was on a tour. The docents kept the children engaged. From the building you can see the Missouri River. On the drive to the center, we saw several geese and marmots on a golf course. At the center, there was a family of marmots near the main entrance and a resident dog. The parking lot is large and can accommodate many vehicles. This is a great place to stop and learn the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

A must for all visitors to Great Falls, great films,lectures and exhibits.Staff are very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful

See the journey of Lewis and Clark through life size dioramas that you walk through as you wend your way through their path. Theater shows and lectures that bring the tale even closer with Q and As. Lots to see and learn, pretty cool gift shop also.

Staff helpful and eager to make your visit enjoyable. Exhibits were well done. Wish there were a few things from the actual expedition, but what is there is representative.

This center is awesome. So many interesting talks, exhibits, videos. They really tell the history and it comes alive in a very engaging way. Annual national park pass gets you in to this park!

Enjoyed the layout and information Could be a very good family/rainy day option for 90 minutes Good contextual presentation

My wife and I spent about three hours into percent. It’s not long enough. There were a couple of very helpful movies. If I was to return, I would plan for at least four hours. The setting is also a spectacular - beautiful views of the river.

This museum contains a detailed and comprehensive account of the L&C expedition and its historical context. It's pitched to reach out to adults and younger visitors alike, and there are regular video screenings to support the static displays. An informative way to spend a morning or afternoon, especially when the weather isn't great.

What a well-designed, artistic, and informative museum! It’s very hands-on for children, too. The docents were very helpful.

If you’re in Great Falls, this is a must see museum. The staff is great and are willing to share their knowledge insight.

The museum is laid out in a chronological order and does an excellent job of telling the story of this expedition, which was a key moment in the expansion of the US.

Looking at the displays and artifacts gives you a great appreciation for the arduous journey Lewis and Clark made with their expedition.

I think most people will spend at least 90 minutes if not, two hours here.

We have stopped at this center several times. It never disappoints. The displays are well done. We especially like the portage display. This was an amazing expedition. This center is well worth your time.

Despite checking their phone twice, we showed up to a closed facility. And not alone as two other groups were there too. So, it could be great, but you will want to check to make sure they are there.

I was there in the summer of 2024 and found it super interesting, which is reported here about the trips of the two pioneers very vividly. The museum is also just across the river and the "falls"... there was not much going on either, so you could see all the exhibits in peace. With the most beautiful and interesting museum on my Montana trip

A truly excellent and comprehensive museum covering the Lewis and Clark expedition. A great combo original artifacts, art works and historical information. Excellent for the whole family.

I walked away from this beautiful facility with a renewed appreciation for Lewis and Clark's incredible journey, and especially for Sacajawea, without whom, they would have never made it past Mandan country. The volunteers at this museum really make it all the more special, plus it's just a short walk to Giant Springs and the fish hatchery. Our thanks to all for a great visit. We had a marvelous experience.

If you are interested in the early history of our country, do not pass up the opportunity to visit the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.
The exhibits are amazing and often interactive and hands on. Be sure to see the documentary films as they help to put this amazing undertaking in perspective. Give yourself at least 2 hours; we took longer.

The courage and stamina of those men and the importance of Sacajawea cannot be overstated. I am now getting Stephen Ambrose's "Undaunted Courage" off the shelf for a second read.

This is not a museum but a center to help you better understand not just Lewis and Clark but the culture of the peoples they encountered as well as the problems they faced. It is located a few miles outside of Great Falls and easy to reach. There are some nice walking paths in the immediate vicinity, and bike paths that go for miles. People that have the National Parks pass get in for free.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is well worth the time it takes to watch the videos and wind through the exhibits.

There were many interactive exhibits, which helped us learn so much about these important explorers!

An amazing museum that shows what challenges Lewis and Clarke conquered on their epic trip to the west coast. The men in the expedition had to be physically and mentally superior. I remember studying this in high school many years ago but this museum puts it all in perspective. Well worth the visit and when you are in Montana you will understand more of the places you visit if you went through this place early on in your trip. The fee is waived if you have the National Park Pass.

Wonderful presentations by period dressed gentlemen on the times and travels of Lewis and Clark. There were also food vendors and arts and crafts of high quality.

Our family of four recently visited and found this to be a great experience. My kids (10&12) really enjoyed the exhibits, the Ken Burns film, and the friendly staff.

It’s a fairly small facility, but it includes a ton of information is designed very well.

You can see everything (though not all the films) on a two hour visit, but could stay longer, hike the paths, etc.

The price is great, and the staff were very knowledgeable and friendly.

We arrived at opening and there was no wait. I imagine later in the day, especially if a tour group is present, it could get much more crowded.

You will discover so much more than you thought you knew about Lewis and Clark's journey. The staff are amazing, friendly and know so much about the history of Louis and Clark and the Native Americans that made their journey successful.

Way up there in Montana! History came to life! The parks staff must have been with the explorers! They were all so knowledgeable! The center walked you through their journey to the head waters of the Missouri River then on to the snake river then on to Columbia river gorge! I have never learned so much history and enjoyed it so much!

Interesting Museum, but alot of the exhibits are still shut down, but the gift center is open... Great views

If you want to learn about the amazing journey of Lewis and Clark, this center will teach you most everything. 2 different movies to watch, displays, dioramas, and more. Plan to spend a couple of hours. It is also on the banks of the Missouri at the great falls, so take some extra time to appreciate the river and the falls.

We came from Washington state to see this Center and were not disappointed. It has offerings for all ages and lots of information on the Lewis and Clark expedition. The view of the Missouri River was awesome.

We actually visited in summer of 2018 and highly recommend a visit if you have any interest in the history of the ,U.S. influenced by the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Stopped by for a couple hours while visiting Great Falls. Found the facility to be superb and the exhibits fantastic. My 12 year old daughter was reading and viewing everything and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Wonderful layout to this centre, allowing you to join Lewis and Clark on their travels. Very informative and engaging displays.

Very informative. A great place to learn of the history of Lewis and Clarke. The staff is very knowledgeable and extremely helpful.
The displays are fun to play and learn. And don't forget to give love to the building mascot-Buddy-a very nice handsome dog that greets all visitors

Had a great tour and loved the personal introduction at the door!No rush just a great visit. Sorry we missed the movie.

Just on the edge of the city, this Center offers an excellent overview of the Lewis and Clark trek. Even though we've been to other similar places at other points of their journey, we still learned lots. With the theatre offering films and talks, we easily could have spent more time here. And we didn't even touch the trails. The program for kids is good too.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is a rare find in Great Falls / Central Montana. The Center has an exceptional exhibit of the Lewis & Clark journey. The exhibits are not just signage with facts, but exhibits to see and experience. The center offers short films also in a comfortable theatre. The Center is located right on the river and you can enjoy the outdoors with either a short or long walk along the river.

Friendly and welcoming museum guides are available and have lots of information to share. Take time to stop and visit a guide - you will learn much!

Allow for about 2-3 hours to tour the museum. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the outdoors.

A helpful tip: If you have a national park pass, it will work here and you will not pay a fee to enjoy the museum.

There was so much to see here, I think it merits at least half a day. We walked from Giant Springs State Park with our kids. The kids adored the Newfoundland dog that greeted them. There was so much information about the Lewis and Clark expedition and the local tribes, with hands on activities for the kids and educational films all day. Highly recommend!

I like to follow what these two captains were doing: Lewis and Clark. On this place, they had adventures near the Missouri river.

There were a lot of paintings.

It was hard with their boats, at times the river was against the crew. They continued.

We saw their weapons and we saw how the American Indians dressed, ate and hunted. There were some difficult animals, like a bear running towards them.

Lewis & Clark always tried with diplomacy.

I liked this museum.

At the end, everybody was welcome to enter in a place with lots od chairs.

They were excited. The news: The Buffalo areback in the States, Canada and Europe. That was great news!

This is a must see!

VERY worthwhile! So much information! Could be overwhelming, but it’s set up in a nice “flow”, info broken down and easy to read for all. Highly recommended if you’re interested in American history, Lewis & Clark, or exploration at all.
I’d suggest 2-3 hours.

My 11 and 13 year old daughters really enjoyed the journey through here. Was fun and very educational. They really enjoyed the scavenger hunt and received a small prize at the end.

Snakes all around the outside.
Absolutely boring. Same information you get at the C.M. Russell museum. Truly no point to having this place. A lot of open space wasted.

As a person from Montana, we learn all about Lewis and Clark in school. What we really should have done is gone straight to this wonderful museum where the story is brought to life in stunning detail. It is exceptional and educational as well as fun!

Perched on a bluff above the Missouri River , the interpretative center has something for the whole family. Staffed by enthusiastic volunteers for the most part, they will gladly answer any w you might have. You can see one of Great Falls of the Missouri that delayed Lewis and Clark a month as they poraged their boats and supplies around the five falls.

Driving from Glacier to Billings we needed a break. Who knew that Great Falls is the center of the US ICBM program. And this.

As a California native I didn't have an appreciation for The Louisiana Purchase but I do now. This center includes a full size replica of the canoes used to portage supplies across the five great falls of the Missouri. The is a display of the trip, plus other rooms with other displays.

Take the time!

Long time Lewis and Clark fan, was traveling through and made the stop. Well worth the time and money.

First, the NPS guides, although they mean well, were overly-chatty to the point of not letting one do the self-guided tour without them on their shoulders. Second, there were lots of groups of kids come through rampaging and yelling. Considering the pathway is narrow, windy and has blind corners, this is not good. These NPS staff should spend less time haranguing adults and more time corralling the kids.

I will say the displays are quite good, and the pathway through the museum well laid-out. They cover the entirety of the Lewis & Clark expedition and fill in a lot of bits that the history books can’t. The good part covers the Grand Portage---where they had to get their boats out of the river, up the steep riverbanks, and across to more navigable waters. That was around this area with all the waterfalls. They have a two-floor diorama showing this in excruciating detail.

Early history buffs this is your place to stop. See and experience the trials, tribulations and even the trail of Lewis and Clark and their way westward. Interact with those they met along the way.n Great viewing experience and unique museum found in the middle of the Great Plains

Not friendly to deaf visitors. Violated the ADA and section 504. Inexcusable!!! There is a lot of reading which could be exhaustive

I love museums and Louis and Clark, so it's no surprise that I loved the Interpretive Center, but this museum had a new take on the famous journey. Because Great Falls was a place where the expedition had to portage the boats, the museum focuses on the portage. I had forgotten about the portage so it was neat to see the falls and imagine the expedition pulling the boats and supplies. There are two short movies which orient the visitor to the exhibits. The exhibits not only convey information, but ask you questions where you have to put yourself in their shoes. Really well done. I had limited time I could spend there, so I only spent about 1.5 hours. You need between 1-3 hours depending on your interest.

As a native Nebraskan and having spent some time in the area of Lewis and Clarks travels in Eastern Nebraska, this was a very informative, and overall educational center. Seeing boats, materials, maps and the falls themselves, really brought to light their accomplishments and the impact their efforts had on country. Very informative displays, supported with artifacts, maps and description. If that's not for you, one can't help but be amazed the sheer power of the falls and banks.

If you thought you knew the story of Lewis and Clark’s expedition, think again. This museum puts you in the middle of the experience. Amazing

If you know nothing about the expedition or even Lewis & Clarke this is the place to come. An excellent and informative museum with films, dioramas and lots of information and maps about the expedition. I came out knowing and understanding a lot more. Allow plenty of time as there is lots to read. You can then go outside and look over the river or walk along the trail to Giant Springs and the Falls. You can also use your America the Beautiful pass as entrance or buy one there.

Took my great nieces from Wyoming there several weeks ago. The 20 minute video was a great introduction to the history of Lewis and Clark

I knew very little about Lewis and Clark before coming to this center but this experience was informative, entertaining, and well put together. I’m amazed they survived the hardships of this excursion. You could get as deep into the available information or enjoy just the visual displays. Several short movies enhanced the subject and also provided some sit down time. The employees were very friendly and knowledgeable. You need at least 2 hours even for a quick walkthrough but we were onsite for at least 4 hours and considered the time well spent.

How fun it was on a Saturday morning in August to enter the Center and be greeted by a great big huge Newfoundland dog just like Seaman who accompanied the complete expedition. It set the mood for a great visit and I was delighted in the detail and layout of the center. It followed the entire tour from coneception to end. Along the way there are options to learn more about the environments and experiences of the individuals in the tour and of course the historical signifigance of it all. Especially enjoyed attending one of the lectures in the lecture hall. I was very, very impressed and would rate this as one of the top Lewis and Clark museums I have ever been to.

Tucked away in Great falls, this is a stimulating and well curated museum that tell the whole store of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Exhibits are curated chronologically and you can walk through an amazing adventure. Don't miss it!

The two-story Interpretive Center provides static displays, movies and oral presentations regarding the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Admission to Senior Passes is free, otherwise $6. The Center is on the Missouri River near Great Falls, MT.

My husband and I love these history/cultural centers. We always learn so much. Lewis and Clark were in the very spot where this IC is, and you can look out and see the beautiful Missouri River. There is a 20 minute film that explains so much, and you just follow the trail from room to room. You will learn how they started and why they started on this trek and how they finished and what happened to each of them later in life. You will also see actual wildlife that they would have seen along the way. The museum is just done so well; you simply cannot miss it. If you have a senior pass for the national parks, it will get you and a spouse in free of charge.

I've been here several times and always see something new. A friend came up from Calif. and I thought he might enjoy it, so we went. He loved it as much as I always have. Told me we would go through it again next trip, which is fine would me.
Take the time to see this.

Have been to Museum of Western Expansion in St Louis and the Lewis and Clark site in Oregon but this museum took a comprehensive look at the journey. It also had a great deal of information about the indigenous people involved along the way. The staff here are volunteers and passionate about their museum. The 20 minute film was fascinating. Would highly recommend.

The National Park Service really did a superb job here. It exceeded this visitor's expectations in every respect. This could be a model for all their Interpretive/Visitor Centers.

The story of the Lewis & Clark Expedition is wonderfully told. You need at least 2+ hours to see and understand everything in the Center. Added attraction: map with directions so you can see the 5 "great falls" on the Missouri that were such and obstacle to the Corps of Discovery.

We visited several Lewis and Clark interpretive centers and this was the most informative and enjoyable.

We read the story of Lewis and Clark and when I made my trip to Montana I wanted to come here.
It's a great place, a museum where you can experiment, touch, ask questions... The employees are GREAT.
You can spend many hours here if you want to read everything.
We follow Lewis and Clark and Sacajawea in Montana and Idaho after that.

So much hisory here. Our kids loved it. They were able to participate in the fire making class outside and learning about teepees and how they were put up. The center its self is very imformative, but if you have young kids there is alot of reading. The movies they show are very imformative and our kids liked that.

Very interesting beautiful views of the river . Well worth the price of admission. Takes about 1 1/2 hours to go the the two floors- the movies plays regularly-worth the visit to the theater. In all my travels This is the first I ever heard about York (Clarks slave-sad tale).

Beautiful museum - worth visiting. We found it very informative, learnt some things we didn't know. Nice location - right beside the river. Check it out!

We were pleasantly surprised to find this hidden gem in Great Falls. The setting was lovely and the information inside the center was well planned. There were many displays and some interactive areas as well. So much history was available. One could spend as little or as much time as they wanted. The staff was very helpful. Parking was easy.

I learned more about the Lewis & Clark expedition than all prior offerings combined, well framed in the history of the USA in the early 1800s. Lots of information about trip details (right down to including a discussion of the air rifle they carried) and really excellent interpretive exhibits. I especially enjoyed the canoe portage exhibit - brought the concept to life.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is a well designed interpretive center, spacious and informative, covering geological, botanical, and historical information about the Upper Missouri River area. The grounds and setting are beautiful.

My husband is a history buff and enjoys the Lewis and Clark history so after leaving Glacier National Park we went to Great Falls to the Interpretive Center. First of all it didn't cost us with his senior park pass, which was a plus. The volunteers were very knowledgable about all of his questions. The museum is unique in that they tell the story of Lewis and Clark and then on the other side tell the Indian side of the story. Very many interesting bits of information regarding the trail of Lewis and Clark, even a non-history buff was able to be entertained. The volunteers then told us how to get to the falls that are on the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark had a Newfoundland dog with them and the Interpretive Center actualy had a 5 year old Newfoundland. Exremely gentle and can be petted, just watch out for the slobber.

Very well thought out interpretive center. I learned quite a bit about Lewis and Clark that I did not know. Beautiful site on the Missouri River. Although a state park, they honored the national park lifetime pass.

Very informative Visitors Center with wonderful exhibits. Friendly and helpful staff. On the banks of the Missouri River the exterior views are great also. Worth the stop!

Very informative! We learned a lot and enjoyed it. Of course, we knew the basics about the Lewis & Clark expedition, but there was so much more to learn!

A great place to learn of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. My wife and I used our NPS pass for our admission. We watched several videos in the theater. Each of the films had Park personnel to answer questions. We spent about 2 hours there although you could spend more if you read the details at each exhibit. Interpretive center suggested a short walk to the Great Springs Park. Very enjoyable.

A wonderful place to learn more about the amazing story of Lewis and Clark and the early early days of the great plains and the west!!
Also take in the buffalo jump, amazing to understand of how the first nation peoples harvested and feed their communities while respecting and living in harmony with nature!!

This was a great way to understand what the Lewis and Clark expedition was about and the challenges they faced. Lovely facility - no charge with an annual park pass.

A great little museum with many artifacts relating to Lewis and Clark's journey west. Everything from a canoe like the one they used to infomation about the dog that traveled with them. Employees are friendly and helpful. A good place to take the family for a few hours to expand your knowledge of these explorers.

Nice Ken Burns video plus many exhibits with plenty of explanatory information. The weather was not suitable for going outdoors, so I cannot comment on that part.

The staff was friendly and super helpful. The exhibits were informative and well planned. Learned a lot about the expedition, especially it’s situated right where Lewis and Clark saw the falls and made history. Beautiful surroundings and right next to Giant Springs State Park, with trails along the river.

This should be the top of everyone’s list who is visiting Great Falls. It is excellent and I learned a lot. It is interactive do the kids will enjoy it too. I planned to stay an hour and was there for 3. You could spend the whole day in the theatre- the presentations are that good.
It is worth every minute that you spend there

The center is nicely done and has a very accommodating staff. The exhibits are interesting and educational. What a beautiful location. A great value for $8 admission.

This was an excellent museum. My wife and I felt like we were travelling with Lewis and Clark. I had read books on their trek but the museum made it more real and we found a new empathy for their sacrifice.

Great exhibits celebrating an epic period in US history. I'm Canadian, and wish we celebrated our history as well as you Americans do. Keep it up!

We were traveling across the country and happened upon this jewel of U.S. history. If you want to teach your children about some of the pioneers of this great country, along with native American contributions,the Lewis and Clark Expedition, upon which this center is built, is a perfect place to include. In addition to beautiful displays of artifacts, there are wax anamatronic figures in historical settings that tell the story of this great expedition. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful! Amazingly, it is also free to the public! There is opportunity to leave a donation. We found this toward the end of the day so our time was limited. We could have easily spent hours here. SO grateful for the experience!

Plan to make this one of your stops in Great Falls. The staff are delightful, knowledgeable and want you to have a good experience. You can also watch a free 20-minute movie to give an overview of Lewis and Clark's adventure. The setting is beautiful and also includes great walking trails that overlook the Missouri River

I was on a solo motorcycle trip, following the route of Lewis and Clark all the way to the Pacific Ocean. I stopped at all museums along the way and this one is the finest. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable and the displays are well done.

Memorial Day entry was free for the movie about Lewis & Clark was not being shown. This was one feature we were looking forward to, but as a whole the complete museum presentation was quite detailed. We really enjoyed our time, and learned many interesting and arduous details we did not know or either remembered. It is a real shame so much of our American history has been deleted from our children's public & private schooling. It did surprise me that Sacaqawea & York were not recognized at all in Lewis & Clark's final recommendations to his superiors. They worked, supported, and endured as much as any of his team.

I have read Undaunted Courage so was interested in seeing this presentation. It's excellent with displays and descriptions which take you from preparation for the expedition to its conclusion. Importantly, you get some idea of how tough an ordeal it was.

Some friends we were visiting took us here. It is a beautiful place and very informative. Nice museum with plenty of exhibits that follows Lewis and Clark's travels from beginning to end. A short movie was available as well as a gift shop. Great views of the Missouri River and close to the other local attractions. Allow several hours, but well worth the time!

Sitting on the bluffs above the Missouri River this is an impressive facility with detailed, immersive dioramas. They have a scavenger hunt that keeps our littles (5 and 8) entertained while the displays and placards kept the teen and parents entertained. We stopped in Great Falls on our way to Glacier and this was totally worth the time. The river walk below allowed easy access to the river, which added another hour plus of entertainment for everyone!

I learned more about Lewis and Clark than I thought I could. They have short films throughout the day, I highly recommend watching at least one of them. The exhibits are also very good. This was definitely the highlight of my day in Great Falls (there really isn't very much else though). There are hike and bike trails all along the river and a series of waterfalls. The people there were very helpful. One lady mapped out where the falls were and where to stop and see them. It was a beautiful drive along the river. I believe it was only $8 to get in. They also have scenic overlooks and trails and the center. Prepare to spend at least 2 hrs there.

This place is amazing! You walk through the trip with Lewis & Clark. I could have spent MUCH more time there. Don’t forget to hit the gift shop for Native-made items!

I thought I did, but after visiting here I realized I was wrong. It was just full of dioramas, artifacts and posters telling you everything about the expedition. In particular it gave me a fuller appreciation of the number and variety of the Native cultures that the expedition encountered, from Plains tribes to the Rocky Mountain tribes, to the ones on the coast, each with their own lifestyle and culture. Worth a couple hours slowly walking through and absorbing all the information.
if you liked here, then also visit the Buffalo Jump State Park, about 20 minutes away. Great views, and a small but informative Visitor Center, chiefly about the Plains tribes that lived in the area and used the cliffs to stampede and kill buffalo.

This was our main destination for our drive into Great Falls after leaving Glacier National Park. A very nice museum dedicated to the historic expedition of explorers Lewis and Clark and their entourage. We took advantage of the short movie in the theater followed by a talk about mammals in the area by one of the rangers. The exhibits were informative and spanned the commission by Thomas Jefferson for the exploration, through the entire journey, and ultimate return trip. A good refresher and supplement of this history, that comes to life quite a bit better than the few paragraphs most of us probably read in our history books in school. A nice, recommended stop when either in Great Falls, or for those who are interested in broadening their Montana experience if the main destination is Glacier National Park. We spent just under three hours at the museum and are glad we had this experience.

Excellent presentation of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Tremendous opening movie by Ken Burns. See this first before starting your tour. Well laid out physically. You can spend hours here or just an hour. You can enjoy the site at various levels your, choice. Great location on the bank of the river. Lots of parking. Easy to reach from any starting point. Children and adults can enjoy the site. Great displays. Everyone will learn something. Strong focus on first peoples and their contributions to the expedition. Very good quality gift shop too. Something for everyone here and quality throughout.

This is very well done. Easy to read signage. Great video presentations. Friendly staff. Excellent information. Excellent displays. Nice Gift Shop. Lots of parking. Very clean washrooms. Really recommend an hour or two here. So interesting. Easy to find , good location. Must see for history and geogrophy.

Pleasant way to spend an afternoon in Great Falls. Very interesting and educational. Enjoyed it very much

This museum offers something for everyone. It is suitable for ages about 10 and up. There are interactive exhibits and the film and talks offer a multi-media perspective on the Lewis and Clark expedition. This is a must visit if you are in Great Falls.

Enjoyed learning about the Lewis and Clark journey. The display material told the story. You can go at your pace.

We study, read and watch shows about this country's history, but nothing is quite like learning about it up close and personal. The Center provides a walking tour through Lewis and Clark's exploration to the West. One thing is more interesting than the next - like examples of canoes, tools, clothing, food, Indian meetings and of course the real story of Sacagawea. Be sure to attend the theater on site with its many showings of different aspects of the Lewis and Clark adventure. It's neat to be in Great Falls to get a sense of the scenery they experienced. You'll leave with an appreciate for how much we owe these two men and their expedition.

My family and I enjoyed the interactive educational exhibits, introduction video and the interactive seminar about the medicines used by the Corps of Discovery.

The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center is located along the Missouri River, near the "falls" of the river, just a couple miles northeast of the city of Great Falls. This two story museum is fascinating. There are so many displays and people who will help explain things, and there is a great view of the river. For seniors who have a National Parks pass, the center is free to go in to. I';m not big on museums, but this one is special and I'd happily return, and probably need to because there is just so much to see and learn.

Our visit to the Lewis and Clark Museum was very enlightening . I learned a lot about their expedition. The visit began with a 20 minute movie and then concluded with a walk through many artifacts and plaques that told of their journey.

This center was included on our bus tour. It was nicely done! The movie was a great introduction to the displays. We arrived early in the morning and it was not crowded but was quite busy by the time we left.

We visited several years ago and liked it so much we came back with out-of-town friends. The exhibits are informative and the docents are very knowledgeable and entertaining. We watched a Ken Burns short film about his Lewis & Clark series as well as listened to an employee talk about the mastodon bones found in the area. The entire museum is well done and easy to navigate. We observed not only adults but families with younger children enjoying the displays. The gift shop had many items, including postcards, that were fairly priced. On the museum grounds is a walking trail and outdoor exhibits as well. Located on the banks of the Missouri River, plan several hours to take in all they have to offer.

What a fantastic visitor center for the Lewis & Clark, Corp of Discovery! We have read and watched several books/programs about this, but still found the exhibits utterly fascinating. We also appreciated the older, local volunteers who were staffing the center and obviously really loved it. They were also very knowledgeable and helpful. We would not have wanted to miss this. We thought a lot about the expedition as we traveled through the prairie and along the Missouri River.

Our neighbor had visited this last year and told us about it. He stated it was a must see and it went on our bucket list. Amazing - and done so well. Very interactive and comfortable walking. We watched a video of the expedition in a beautiful and comfortable theatre. Many outdoor trails available but we weren’t able to do them. All the volunteers were extremely knowledgeable and friendly.

So glad we went. Only had 2 hours there and learned so much. The introductory movie is excellent actually every thing about the museum is

Wonderful historical account of the Lewis and Clark expedition. You don't want to miss the 20 min. film as you first enter the museum. Nice walking space along the river just below the interpretive center.

Before visiting I had no idea a magnitude of hardship that expedition indoor as they made their way across the Wilderness. I am so impressed with this Museum. Do not miss the film they show in the auditorium!

This is a beautiful, well thought-out chronicle of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Take a few hours and immerse yourself in their lives, as they travel across the country. Take in one of the films in the auditorium, and ask any of the wonderful staff for answers to your questions. This was a great experience.

What a well thought out facility. We entered and got lost in the time. Do not plan on just passing through quickly! Plan on spending the time to really enjoy all they have to offer. (suggest 2+ hours) Many artifacts from the Lewis & Clark era with great descriptions and dioramas. The host that greeted us was a retired Law Enforcement Officer. He had a vast knowledge of Lewis & Clarks hardships. (plus being very savvy on current events) We enjoyed our visit with him.
The facility is two stories tall and is set up to walk a person through the true hardships these travelers had to go through. A couple of short informative moves are shown also.

We've always been fascinated with the story of Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Discovery, so for our trip to Glacier National Park, we made sure to fly in to Great Falls where the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center was located. We spent over four hours reading displays and watching the movies, as well as attending a ranger talk on rattlesnakes (and we still didn't get to every display!). Definitely watch the movies and talk to the rangers and volunteers who have even more information not shown on the displays. It was very moving to look out on the Missouri River and realize that the Corps had seen something similar to this. If you can, take the 30 min drive out to Ryan Dam which was the first and largest waterfall encountered by the Corps. Lewis said that the spray from the falls was so intense that it looked from a distance like smoke rising to the sky. The canyon walls surrounding the falls foretold the challenge the Corps faced in portaging around the many falls in the area.

I didn’t have a lot of time to spend, but the Ken Burns documentary was worth going for. They also have a “journey “ route with Lewis and Clark that is an excellent mode of delivery of history for all ages.

This is a great museum with a very thorough exploration of the L&C Expedition with tons of interactive and engaging exhibits. It's situated in the perfect place on a bluff overlooking the MIssouri River and even though the Great Falls of the Missouri no longer have their historic grandeur, you can envision it the way that the L&C expedition did. WE could have spent many hours here but had to hurry. I'd like to go back and sped more time.

To learn about the amazing journey of the Corps of Discovery -- the Lewis and Clark Expedition -- spend a few hours at the outstanding Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls. In this area, the men of the Corps had to portage about 18 miles around all of the falls of the Missouri, and the wonderful displays, information, videos, and live presentations explain it all. Managed by the National Forest Service, the center is a first-class facility, sitting high above the river. The NFS and volunteer staff make this one fo the finest sites along the entire 4,900-mile Lewis and Clark Trail. If you're in the Great Falls area, don't miss it!

Really good Lewis and Clark center, friendly staff, great information and exhibits. Free for us with an Annual Park Pass/NPS. Worth the drive out of town and driving out to see the multiple locations of the old falls, now much changed with the damming of the river.

We have been to a lot centers that taught us the trek of Lewis and Clark, but this one on the banks of the MO was tremendous. Great learning experience on their journey to the west coast and meeting up with all the Indians. The trip took like three years so there is a lot to learn, see, and comprehend. Expect to be there for a few good hours.

We spent an early Saturday afternoon going through this lovely museum. The story is told and displayed by photos, drawings and exhibits in chronological order from beginning to end. It gives one the feel for the great difficulties the early explorers encountered and their strength and perseverance. It also gives some insight into the various relationships with the native Americans.

What an outstanding center! The exhibits are laid out well, and many of the displays are impressive. Kids ages 7 & 11 completed activities that earned them prizes and patches and forced the adults to look more closely at the information. Two thumbs up!

Very welcoming people at the door. Watched the 20 minute movie and then toured the museum and it was so well set up with great information. The self guided tour is well explained.

Even if you are not a history buff, you will be inspired by the achievements of the Lewis and Clark expedition, completed in 1806. Our first visit to this place, about two years ago, prompted us to travel along some of same routes to Fort Clatsop, west of Astoria on the south side of the Columbia river. This expedition served to open the West to the USA; provided accurate maps; discovered and named new flora and fauna; and increased interaction with native tribes. The last was not to their benefit, unfortunately.

The two of us were most impressed with this centre. It was well situated and laid out, clean, with excellent exhibits and auditorium: so much so that having visited in our first afternoon of two in Great Falls we returned the following day to complete our visit and digest more of what was informatively portrayed. On both occasions the staff were helpful and informative. Highly recommended

The Lewis and Clark (L&C) Interpretative Center was a nice surprise. The large exhibit tracks the Journey of L&C from President Jefferson's request to find a water route across the US all the way to the Pacific Ocean. L&C picked up crew members as they travelled to West and forged them into a resilient group of determined explorers. A greeter at the front door was super friendly and answered many questions, with his dog keeping a curious eye on us. We discovered that admission was covered by our National Parks Pass. Many of the exhibits were immersive. Definitely worth a visit.

you could spend hours in here reading and learning history--very interesting--I learned many things.

I really got to see a good view of the daily life of the native peoples back then. details to go with the stories. housing back then was cool.

This is an excellent example of how to tell an historical story in an entertaining and informative way. No place brings the Lewis and Clark to life better than here. Never fails to impress. A must see, whether your passing through or a local. The best Lewis & Clark center on the route; bar none.

this was on a previous trip, but worth while. missouri walking/cycling/running pathway is just below along the river.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is a great experience for any age group!! It is informative, interesting, and interactive! Between the location, exhibits, and the people who work there, (Very knowledgeable!), you will be immersed in a first class historical experience! Set aside a half day or so. I highly recommend!

This center is next to the Missouri River, very near the spot that the Lewis and Clark expedition had to portage in order to continue their journey upstream. It is not very big and can be visited easily in less than an hour. However, to really enjoy the interactive pieces and see/read the information provided, you will want to take at least a few hours. That will also give you time to see the two videos that run throughout the day. This is a great place to visit if you have any interest in the Lewis and Clark expedition!

This is one of those places that is so amazing but often overlooked by tourists and local members of the community. We were enthralled when we visited and wished we had allowed more time to really explore all they have done to re-create Lewis and Clark's visit to and through Montana.

Judy Helm Wright--Author--PetParent--IntuitiveWiseWoman

This place is full of history. They have lots of free movies, some information overlaps, so if you don’t have time for all of them that’s ok. It wasn’t busy at all when we went and the docents kinda hung around us more than we wanted, which is why we gave it a 4 rating instead of a 5. They were so nice though and had so much good information it was hard to sneak away and move on through the museum. Most of the museum is displays and information to read, but there are several hands-on activities. We had a great time and recommend a visit.

Not informative and very boring. We expected to know, read and see more about the actual expeditions of those guys, hence the name “Foundation”. Not worth the visit in my opinion, unless you have nothing else to do and need to kill some time.

A great way to spend a couple of hours learning about the history of the area. After visiting the falls and the dam it was cool to see the pictures pre-dam.

Thought I knew history but now I understand the difficulties they experienced. A must see because of the details provided, video, and graphics. ..

I enjoyed re-tracing the steps of Lewis and Clark. We spent about 3 hours reading and watching the video's. We also stayed to listen to the live speaker.

I feel I got information about Lewis & Clark’s expedition that I never got in school. They did a very thorough job of documenting their journey. According to their time line. Make sure you watch the Kevin Burn’s video. Plan on spending a couple of hours to go through the exhibits.