Great Falls in October

Question

We are attending a wedding in Great Falls in mid October. We would love to spend a few extra days exploring the area. We will have a rental car and don’t mind driving a few hours in any direction. We would love to do Glacier but understand the road will be closed. Any suggestions on possible road trips for the fall?

Answer

Great Falls in mid-October offers a beautiful, serene setting for exploring Montana's diverse landscapes. While Glacier National Park is indeed closed for the season, there are still plenty of amazing places to visit and enjoy during this time. The fall colors will be in full swing, and with a rental car, you can easily access some stunning locations within a few hours' drive from Great Falls.

Here are a few road trip suggestions to make the most of your time:

Helena (1.5-hour drive) – The state capital of Montana, Helena is a charming town with historic buildings and great outdoor opportunities. You can visit the Montana State Capitol, explore the nearby Lake Helena for some peaceful views, or take a short hike in the nearby Helena National Forest. The fall colors here are spectacular, and it’s a great place to take a scenic drive or enjoy a leisurely day of exploration.
Boulder, MT and the Elkhorn Mountains (2-hour drive) – Boulder is a small, quiet town with a great deal of charm. From there, you can take a drive into the Elkhorn Mountains, which offer excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. This area is not as crowded as Glacier, so it’s perfect for a peaceful, nature-filled retreat. The drive through the mountains will offer sweeping views of autumn colors.
Great Falls to Billings (3-hour drive) – For a longer day trip, consider driving to Billings. Along the way, stop at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, which offers a mix of history and stunning scenery. Billings is a vibrant city with plenty of dining and cultural options. If you have time, visit the Pictograph Cave State Park just outside of the city, where you can see ancient Native American rock art.
The Missouri River Breaks National Monument (3.5-hour drive) – If you love scenic drives, head to the Missouri River Breaks National Monument. This region is characterized by rugged terrain, rolling hills, and the winding Missouri River. You can visit the famous “Gates of the Mountains” or simply drive along the river to enjoy the breathtaking fall colors. The area is rich in wildlife and history, with Native American and Lewis & Clark expedition ties.
Flathead Lake (3.5-hour drive) – While you won’t be able to visit Glacier itself, a trip to Flathead Lake in the fall can still offer an incredible outdoor experience. The area is known for its natural beauty and serene lake views. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States, and driving around the lake in autumn will give you a mix of forested areas, clear waters, and mountain views.
The Rocky Mountain Front (2.5-hour drive) – The Rocky Mountain Front is a lesser-known gem of Montana, offering stunning landscapes, wildlife viewing, and great fall colors. This area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore hiking trails, enjoy sweeping mountain views, and discover some of Montana’s less-traveled paths. Make sure to stop at the Sun River for a peaceful, scenic view of the mountains and the river valley.

These trips will give you a taste of Montana’s diverse landscapes, from quiet mountain drives to historic sites. Even though Glacier may be closed, there is still plenty to explore in the fall, and the colors will be absolutely breathtaking. Enjoy your road trip!

Great Falls in October

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