Take Your Kids On A Field Trip Through Central Montana

Walk in the footsteps of the Corps of Discovery.

The Lesson Plan: The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center is a must-see for kids who want to learn about the expedition. Built into a scenic bluff, the Interpretive Center is complete with spectacular views of the Missouri River and connects to the River’s Edge Trail System. Lewis & Clark’s dramatic journey is documented through unique displays. Your children will love the opportunity to learn with all the exhibits, the Junior Explorer program and scavenger hunts.

Experience the storied past of Montana’s First People.

The Lesson Plan: Archaeologists believe First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park to be the largest bison cliff jump in North America. Your kids can explore the interpretive trail as well as an on-site education center with exhibits and bookstore. At the Bear Paw Battlefield visitors will learn about the historic Nez Perce War of 1877 and the battle which occurred at this site. It was here that Chief Joseph spoke his famous words, “From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.” Among other historical displays, you will find Native American and Buffalo Soldier artifacts in collections at the H. Earl Clack Museum, where admission is free!

Do you have a dino-fan in your family?

The Lesson Plan: Kids and adults alike will be amazed by Central Montana’s prehistoric past! The region is home to one of the richest areas in the world for dinosaur fossils—so much so that there is an entire trail devoted to dinosaurs, including stops at the Old Trail Museum and Two Medicine Dinosaur Center. Find hands-on experiences—at the Center, where your future paleontologist can dig for fossils and marvel at the world’s longest dinosaur—a full size skeletal model of a Seismosaurus, which made it into the Guinness Book of World Records! At the Blaine County Museum you’ll be impressed by their Paleontology exhibit which includes fossils from the area, remains of gigantic marine reptiles and a “Look, Touch, and Wonder” room, perfect for little fingers wanting to touch real fossils!

Discover American Western Frontier History.

The Lesson Plan: Fort Benton is so significant that it’s known as the “Birthplace of Montana.” A National Historic Landmark, the town boasts an entire complex of museums that cover about every subject in this region’s history including Native Americans, Lewis and Clark, fur traders, early settlers, Western art and the natural history of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. The Central Montana Museum in Lewistown documents the settlement of Central Montana through a chronological history of the area’s history. Your kids will be amazed by the collections of antiquities and artifacts displayed, like clothing, medical equipment, musical instruments and historic photographs.

Discover the diversity of Montana’s plant and animal species.

The Lesson Plan: In Central Montana, the East and West meet, resulting in some of the most diverse wildlife watching in the state. Grab your binoculars, lace up a sturdy pair of shoes and pick a wilderness area or wildlife refuge to explore. Your kids could catch a glimpse of some of Montana’s most iconic animals, like elk, bear and bighorn sheep. Witness some wildlife experiences that can only be found in Central Montana, like the migration of thousands of snow geese at Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area. While you are out, challenge your kids to identify plant species like the many mountain wildflowers or the fields of agricultural crops you’ll see on your drive. Download the activity sheet for a check list of animals and plants they can keep an eye out for.

Learn about Montana’s fish population.

The Lesson Plan: At Central Montana’s two fish hatcheries, visitors will learn about the incubating and hatching process of Montana’s trout species. Kids will delight in watching monster trout race after the fish food that they can throw in display ponds at both hatcheries. Big Springs Trout Hatchery is the largest cold-water production hatchery in Montana and is next to a park with a picnic area, offering wildlife viewing opportunities. Giant Springs Trout Hatchery is located within a state park that boasts the world’s shortest river, the Missouri River running alongside and a comprehensive visitor’s center, which houses incubators and 40 interior raceways filled with fish.

Hydroelectric and wind power on full display.

The Lesson Plan: See the wind at work at the Judith Gap Wind/Farm and Energy Center. Everyone will be amazed by the ninety towers rising 262 feet into the sky. Get an overview of the wind project at the kiosk at mile marker 10 along Hwy 191. Let the kids get an up-close look at a giant blade, which is on display in the nearby town of Judith Gap. Honoring its namesake, Great Falls is home to five different falls, three of which have been dammed to create valuable hydroelectric power. The kids will find the views and sounds of The Great Falls and Ryan Dam magical. Best viewed from Ryan Island Park, the park has paths to explore, picnic tables and a hydroelectric-powered kitchen. You can access the island from a suspension bridge across the Missouri River (open from Memorial Day to Labor Day). In the off season, you can still view the power of the falls from the parking lot. Black Eagle Falls and Dam is at the heart of the city and can be viewed from multiple pullouts along the river, the River’s Edge Trail, as well as Black Eagle Memorial Park, which gives you the closest vantage point possible.

The longest river, shortest river and natural springs!

The Lesson Plan: Discuss minerals and the chemistry of water with your kids while they splash around in the mineral waters of Spa Hot Springs & Hotel, a perfect outside activity any time of year. Giant Springs State Park provides many ways to learn about water in an easily accessible and beautiful setting. Explore the Roe River, once named the world’s shortest river by the Guinness Book of World Records. It starts just 201 feet away at the bubbling waters of Giant Springs—a spring that flows at a rate of 156 million gallons a day. There are walking trails, bridges and overlooks so kids can peer into the crystal-clear waters. Just feet away is the mighty Missouri River—the longest river in the United States and a centerpiece of Great Falls and Fort Benton. The River’s Edge Trail runs along the Missouri River in Great Falls and provides views of its majestic waters, as well as informational displays. Kids will love the walking bridge across the Missouri River in Fort Benton, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge has benches and picnic tables for enjoying the amazing view.

Read about Central Montana’s famous dogs.

The Lesson Plan: There are three dogs in Central Montana’s history whose legacies live on today. Your kids will love to hear the amazing stories of these faithful pups. The internet is full of narratives of their lives, but you can start here for a quick overview.

Documenting life in Montana.

The Lesson Plan: Ivan Doig was an award-winning author of sixteen books, including fiction and non-fiction accounts of life in rural Montana. His writings are great for older kids who want to immerse themselves in a Montana-based story. Add the extra challenge of trying to place iconic Montana locations within his writings.

Stories of the American West by renowned artist.

The Lesson Plan: Famed artist Charlie Russell wasn’t only a painter and sculptor; he was also a colorful storyteller. His illustrated letters to friends and family in the early 1900s have served as a glimpse into the American West. Filled with humor, emotional sentiments and appreciation for human nature, his personal correspondences typically contain beautiful, one-of-a-kind sketches and watercolors. Charlie’s letters have been published in many collections that can be purchased at the C.M. Russell Museum gift shop or on Amazon, and offer short, historic reads for kids.

Bike, walk or jog our trail systems.

The Lesson Plan: Central Montana offers many non-motorized, easily accessible trail systems in our communities. Kids will love the open space and freedom to explore on these mostly paved trails. Let them get their energy out while taking in scenic vistas, playing at parks along the way and learning from historic markers.

Ski, snowboard, cross-country ski or snowshoe.

The Lesson Plan: Families can still enjoy plenty of outside recreation after the snow falls. In fact, winter in Central Montana is magical and offers so many fun activities; your kids might not even realize they are exercising. There are multiple ski hills which offer epic runs and powdery snow. You can find quiet runs that are perfect for kids to play in the snow and practice their “pizzas.” Or, let your kids try snowshoeing fresh powder or cross-country skiing on Central Montana’s many groomed trails. You might spot some winter wildlife along the way!

A perfect way for kids to explore.

The Lesson Plan: There is no shortage of stunning landscapes to hike and explore including trails that are suitable for young kids. With so many sights to see and wildlife to try to spot, they will welcome the exercise. Pack a sturdy pair of shoes, plenty of water, a few snacks and get outside! Try Beaver Creek Park south of Havre, the largest county park in the US. The park has several trails and a Dark Sky viewing area for stargazing! Or, head to Lake Elva near Stanford, a one mile, easy hike where you will see remnants of old cabins once lived in by local miners.

The whole family will love a round of golf.

The Lesson Plan: From golf lessons to a round of golf for the whole family, Central Montana’s golf courses offer a perfect way to get outside, get moving and perfect your swing. If you are the competitive type, offer a prize for the best round (or the worst round)!

America’s “Cowboy” artist.

The Lesson Plan: C.M. Russell was a renowned artist and storyteller of the Old West who called Central Montana home. Your family can view his collection of more than 2,000 artworks, personal objects and artifacts at the C.M. Russell Museum Complex, including his art studio and house on the property. Charlie’s art depicts his adventures alongside Native Americans and gunslingers. Kids will be fascinated by the stories that come to life in his art and real antiquities from the American West. The museum offers virtual learning opportunities, including a collection of documentaries and a “virtual museum,” which houses 3D tours and coloring pages of Charlie’s art that are free for download.

Modern art in a historic setting.

The Lesson Plan: The Square, as it is affectionately known, is located inside Great Falls’ oldest landmark and showcases contemporary art with dynamic changing and permanent exhibitions. Challenge your kids to pick their favorite stick figure from Lee Steen’s whimsical and imaginative collection or send them on a scavenger hunt to find all the sculptures on the beautifully landscaped grounds. Admission is free! If you can’t make it in person just yet, take advantage of their 3D virtual tour and database of artworks, which offers viewing of their collection online.

Enjoy a live performance right in your living room.

The Lesson Plan: The Great Falls Symphony has moved to a completely virtual format and is offering their 2020-2021 season free of charge for a socially distanced concert experience. This includes a variety of performances such as Christmas favorites, quartets, string orchestras and modern musical experiences. Children can also learn about musical instruments online with their Learn and Listen virtual resource.

Find unique crafts, yummy eats and talented artisans.

The Lesson Plan: Experience foods, crafts and goods that are grown, crafted or created right here in Montana—a great lesson in the importance of sustainability and supporting local. Take a road trip with an empty stomach for Central Montana’s Pie a La Road, an insider’s list of must try pies made from scratch at eateries around the region. Take in patterns, textures and colors of fabrics at quilt shops—a great place to inspire kids to try a new craft! Use the Made in Montana database to search for locally produced goods in our region, then visit retailers to find items that only Montana can offer.