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Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls

Information

(406) 761-4436
lat: 47.5333408 long: -111.205713

Part of the “Great Falls of the Missouri River,” Rainbow Falls was encountered by Meriwether Lewis in June of 1805. He journaled about this “pleasingly beautifull” waterfall by noting, “that if a skillfull painter had been asked to make a beautifull cascade that he would most probably have presented the precise image of this one…”

Located in the scenic town of Great Falls, Montana, Rainbow Falls has greatly changed since Lewis first witnessed and recorded it in his journal. First, the Montana Central Railroad bridge was built near the falls in 1901. Then, the falls were shortened for the development of the Rainbow Dam constructed in 1910. Today, visitors can enjoy the Rainbow Dam Overlook and imagine what this landscape was like for Lewis and his team all those years ago, before industry had come to this area.

A parking lot for the overlook is available nearby. Additionally, a paved trail for hiking and biking can take you to the overlook in less than two miles from the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Several paved and gravel trails are offered along the Missouri River to explore this beautiful region and to visit the other waterfalls that constitute “The Great Falls” for which the town is named.

https://www.nps.gov/places/rainbow-falls.htm

Nearby Attractions

Distance Unit:

Giant Springs State Park
Giant Springs State Park

Giant Springs State Park, Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 1.08 Away

Outdoor Experiences LC Features Museums and Interpretive Centers

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Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center

4201 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT 59405, USA
Distance: 1.41 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features

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Roadhouse Diner
Roadhouse Diner

Roadhouse Diner, 15th Street North, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 3.81 Away

Food and Drinks

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The C. M. Russell Museum
The C. M. Russell Museum

C. M. Russell Museum, 13th Street North, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 4.08 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features

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C.M. Russell Museum
C.M. Russell Museum

C. M. Russell Museum, 13th Street North, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 4.08 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers

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Blackfeet Outfitters
Blackfeet Outfitters

Blackfeet Outfitters, 10th Avenue South, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 4.31 Away

Tribal Experiences Outdoor Experiences Outfitters

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Great Falls Portage
Great Falls Portage

Great Falls Portage, Montana, USA
Distance: 4.54 Away

Outdoor Experiences

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Crooked Tree Coffee and Cakes
Crooked Tree Coffee and Cakes

Crooked Tree Coffee, 1st Avenue North, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 4.72 Away

Food and Drinks Coffee Houses

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Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company
Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company

Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Co. Production and Packaging Facility, 3rd Avenue South, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 4.79 Away

Food and Drinks Breweries and Distilleries

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Mighty Mo Brewing Company
Mighty Mo Brewing Company

Mighty Mo Brewing Co, Central Avenue, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 4.81 Away

Food and Drinks

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Lewis & Clark Festival
Lewis & Clark Festival

Gibson Park Trail, Great Falls, MT, USA
Distance: 4.84 Away

Festivals and Events

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Great Falls, Montana
Great Falls, Montana

Great Falls, Montana, USA
Distance: 4.84 Away

Other

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