Looking for a quick getaway or staycation that won’t break the bank? Great Falls, Montana, is an ideal spot for an affordable and fun weekend. The Great Falls Edit checked in, dined out and sussed out a weekend itinerary.
Whether you live locally and are looking for a break from your everyday routine, or you are seeking a nearby weekend getaway, we’ve built a budget-friendly itinerary to help you enjoy the best of what this lively little town has to offer. The best part? We have an itinerary that won’t cost you more than $500!
Friday Afternoon
Your weekend starts when you check into the Gibson Hotel in downtown Great Falls. Check-in is at 3 p.m. but the friendly staff allowed us to check in early as our room was ready! We immediately felt the buzz of the downtown location as the CMR students paraded by with their homemade Homecoming floats.
Weekend room cost: $300 (Hot tip: Find the lowest rates in the winter stay for $110-$129/night)
Freebie Bonus: Upon check-in, we were offered a complimentary beer, a glass of wine or a cold San Pellegrino.
Centrally located, this boutique hotel offers a cozy retreat that combines historic charm with modern comforts. Before diving into weekend-relaxation mode, you can take advantage of the business center to wrap up any Friday work tasks. With work out of the way, you’ll be ready to kick off your staycation.
Late Afternoon: Pizza & Drinks at Fire Pizza
After checking in, head over to Fire Pizza for some seriously delicious eats. Known for its Neapolitan pizzas, this spot is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. We ordered the lunch special, which was half a pizza and half a signature salad. Take advantage of their beer and wine deals during happy hour while you savor the flavors that are on-par with any big city. We went for the Honey Badger pizza that was a perfect blend of herbs, savory meats and spicy-sweet honey.
Lunch Special: $15
Happy Hour Beer: $5
Total with Gratuity: $24
Freebie Bonus: Are you a Fire first-timer? Our server offered us a free appetizer for it being our first-time visit. We got the meal started with our free artichoke dip bite! It was just as tasty as the Honey-Badger pizza and mediterranean salad combo.
Friday Night
If you’re in Great Falls on the first Friday of the month, you’re in for a treat. The First Friday Art Walk turns downtown into a cultural hub with local galleries, shops, and cafes opening their doors for an evening of art, music, and free snacks. It’s the ideal way to stroll around and experience the creative energy of Great Falls—without spending much at all!
Not visiting on the first Friday? No worries—Great Falls has plenty of affordable Friday night activities. Consider heading to Mighty Mo Brewing Co. for live music or open mic nights. Enjoy some local brews and entertainment in a laid-back setting. Or, if you’re feeling competitive, check out Broke Axe Throwing for an indoor axe-throwing session.
Since we had a late lunch at Fire Pizza and First Friday offered up some tasty snacks, we weren’t hungry until late. We opted for some shared appetizers at Enbär. The fries with truffle and parmesan cheese and upscale dipping sauce was by far the favorite but the fried cauliflower with buffalo sauce was a hit too!
First-Friday entertainment: $0
Late-night appetizers at Enbär Cocktail Lounge: $38
Saturday Morning: Breakfast at Crooked Tree
A real bonus of staying at the Gibson is that you get a complimentary breakfast at local-favorite Crooked Tree Coffee. Known for their delectable pastries, Crooked Tree offers everything from sweet baked goods to hearty oats or a grab-and-go breakfast burrito. Grab a specialty coffee drink and you’re all set for a day of exploring.
Complimentary breakfast and coffee: $0
Morning Activity: Stroll or Bike Along the River's Edge Trail
After breakfast, enjoy the scenic River’s Edge Trail. This 60-mile trail follows the Missouri River and offers stunning views of both nature and the city skyline. You can walk, jog, or rent a bike from a local shop to cruise along the trail. It’s a beautiful, free way to spend your morning soaking up some fresh air.
River’s Edge Trail by foot: $0
Saturday Afternoon
Head back to the Gibson for a shower and kick your feet up to relax a bit.
When you feel ready to venture out again consider one of the many weekend events that are on tap. When we were in town, the Women’s Expo was being held at the Montana ExpoPark. We spent an afternoon chatting with business owners and checking out local wares. All the Things Charcuterie had Grazie, its mobile charcuterie shop at the event, so we grabbed a tasty charcuterie box for lunch.
Women’s Expo ticket: $7/person
Charcuterie box to share: $15
Saturday Night
For your Saturday evening, check out the live performances at The Newberry, one of the city’s premier venues for concerts and shows. Tickets are often affordable, and you can catch some incredible live music or performances by local and touring artists. It’s the perfect way to cap off your day.
We joined the Wine and Whiskey Tasting in the Tropics, which was a benefit event for the Great Falls Swim Team Rapids. We were treated to a performance by live band Lester’s Mystery Oil, enjoyed a catered dinner of steak and salmon by Enbar as well as whiskey and wine tasting options.
Event ticket, which included dinner: $80/person
Sunday Morning
Before checking out, make sure to treat yourself to one last meal at one of Great Falls’ best brunch spots. Consider heading to The Wild Hare which is known for their bottomless mimosas and beautifully presented breakfast bowls. Or, if you want to cap off your weekend with a relaxed yet sophisticated brunch, find your way to Fifth and Wine. We recommend the Colazione Flatbread.
Brunch: $32 with gratuity
Great Falls Weekend Itinerary Total: $496
Great Falls offers an unbeatable mix of charm, culture, and affordability for a weekend staycation. A similar weekend in Missoula or Bozeman would look wildly different on your credit card statement. With its boutique hotel accommodations, delightful local dining, scenic trails, lively arts scene, and vibrant nightlife, Great Falls proves that you don’t need to travel far or spend a fortune to enjoy a memorable escape.
Looking for other ideas for affordable fun? Check out our family-friendly activities in Great Falls.