Great Falls(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Big Falls, the top hotel near the main cascade is Falls Vista Lodge, a nature-inspired retreat offering panoramic views of the Great Falls from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Located just a 3-minute walk from the Main Viewing Platform, it features eco-friendly rooms, a rooftop hot tub, and guided sunrise photography tours.

Another excellent choice is Riverbend Inn, a boutique property nestled along the Falls River, with private balconies overlooking the rapids. Both hotels provide free breakfast, on-site hiking maps, and access to the Nature Discovery Center, making them ideal for travelers seeking comfort and proximity to the natural wonder.

For first-time visitors, the Downtown Core District is the most convenient and vibrant area in Big Falls. It’s centered around the Falls Visitor Center, where you’ll find ticket booths, information desks, guided tour bookings, and local artisan shops.

This district hosts several well-reviewed hotels like Pine & Stone Inn and Grand Falls Hotel, both within walking distance of the Main Bridge, Observation Deck, and Falls Nature Trail. With 24-hour front desks, free Wi-Fi, and shuttle services to nearby attractions, it offers safety, accessibility, and a lively atmosphere perfect for exploring the region.

In Big Falls, immerse yourself in authentic Indigenous storytelling walks led by members of the Ojibwe Nation, who share ancestral legends tied to the land, water, and wildlife. These guided sessions often include traditional drumming and dreamcatcher-making workshops.

Don’t miss the Falls Heritage Festival held every September, featuring craft markets, live folk music, and regional cuisine like wild blueberry pie and maple-glazed venison stew. You can also join a forest mindfulness retreat at the Whispering Pines Sanctuary, combining meditation with nature immersion—a unique way to connect with local culture and wellness traditions.

Must-try dishes in Big Falls include Falls Stone Pot Stew, a hearty blend of wild game, root vegetables, and herbs simmered in a cast-iron pot—perfect for chilly mornings.

Try the Maple Crispy Chicken, where tender chicken is coated in a golden batter and drizzled with locally sourced maple syrup, creating a sweet-savory crunch. Another highlight is the Lake Fisher Sandwich, made with fresh trout caught that day, served on sourdough with pickled onions and horseradish mayo.

These specialties are available at Old Town Market and Riverside Diner, both known for supporting local farmers and sustainable sourcing practices.

For couples seeking romance, Stargaze Cliff Suite at Falls Skyview Resort offers an unforgettable experience: a glass-walled bedroom with a private balcony overlooking the nighttime falls, illuminated by ambient lighting and surrounded by whispering pines.

The suite includes a private dinner under the stars, a complimentary bottle of local wine, and a guided stargazing session using professional telescopes. Additional perks include a couples’ spa treatment, a handwritten love letter from the staff, and early check-in—ideal for honeymoons or anniversary trips.

Nightlife in Big Falls shines with the Firefly Light Experience, an interactive trail installation in the forest where glowing orbs respond to movement, blending art and nature into a magical journey.

Every Saturday evening, the Lakeside Concert Series brings live acoustic music to the Falls Lake Pavilion, where guests can picnic on the grass under the stars. For stargazers, the Skywatch Deck offers clear night views of the Milky Way and seasonal meteor showers, equipped with telescopes and expert guides—perfect for astronomy lovers.

Backpackers will appreciate Big Falls Hostel, located just 5 minutes from downtown, offering dorm beds with lockers, shared kitchen, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. It runs daily hiking meetups and city scavenger hunts, helping solo travelers connect with locals.

Also recommended is Woodland Co-Living House, a community-run space with private rooms starting at $40/night, including access to a garden, bike rentals, and a communal lounge. Both options support sustainability and offer affordable, social stays close to trails and public transit.

Big Falls transforms beautifully with each season: in spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the Blossom Trail, while the falls reach peak flow after snowmelt; summer brings lush greenery and active water sports like kayaking and tubing.

Autumn paints the hillsides in fiery reds and golds—perfect for photography along the Crimson Ridge Path. In winter, the falls freeze into stunning ice sculptures, and visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, ice fishing, and candlelit cabin tours. Each season offers a unique perspective on the landscape.

Yes, Big Falls has a reliable and tourist-friendly transit system. The Falls Loop Shuttle runs every 20 minutes between major attractions, hotels, and the Visitor Center, with a one-day pass costing $5.

Free shuttles operate from downtown to Falls National Park during peak hours. For convenience, use the SmartPark App to reserve parking spots in advance. Many hostels and lodges also offer electric scooter rentals, enabling easy short-distance travel without a car.

Top photo locations in Big Falls include Cliff Overlook Point, which captures the full width of the Great Falls with dramatic light and mist. The Mirror Lake reflection shot, especially at dawn, creates a surreal, symmetrical composition.

The Autumn Trail in October bursts with color, ideal for wide-angle shots of trees framing the river. For night photography, the Skywatch Deck offers unobstructed views of the Milky Way above the frozen falls—perfect for long-exposure shots. Bring a tripod, polarizing filter, and arrive during golden hour for breathtaking results.