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Interpretive Talks

Gain new insights into the Lewis and Clark story with live presentations from the Center’s staff of interpreters. We offer 20-minute short programs at the bottom of the hour in the Theater between showings of the orientation videos. We generally offer programs at 10:30, 11:30, 2:30 and 3:30 during the winter season, with additional presentations at 12:30, 1:30 and 4:30 during the summer, although times may vary. Subjects include the stories of the Lewis and Clark expedition, biographies of the different Expedition members, Native American culture and stories, natural history, and local and national history in the early 19th century. Exact titles are posted daily at the Front Desk and near the lower Theater entrance.

Trails

The Interpretive Center grounds include a segment of the Great Falls River’s Edge Trail, as well as two short interpretive trails through the natural landscape. The Center also maintains the Sulphur Springs Trail, approximately eight miles downstream from Great Falls.

The South Bluff Trail starts at the south end of the parking area and extends approximately 3/10 of a mile to an interpretive wayside exhibit. The trail offers views of the coulees and cliffs along the east bank of the Missouri River and the different plant communities near the cliffs. Marmots, deer and different species of birds are common in season. The trail surface is compacted gravel.

The Grasslands Loop Trail begins near the Interpretive Center Amphitheater, north of the building. The trail loops approximately 4/10 of a mile through mixed prairie lands along the bluffs above the Missouri River. The trail also connects to the River’s Edge Trail system through an underpass north of the trail loop, as well as the East Coulee Trail to the edge of the Missouri. The trail surface is paved near the parking area and compacted gravel in the prairie areas.

The East Coulee Trail branches off beyond the Meadow Loop Trail and continues through a coulee to the banks of the Missouri River. The trail is approximately ¼ mile long and is steeply sloped in sections. The lower end of the trail connects to the River’s Edge Trail annex along the Missouri, and to Giant Springs State Park to the north. The trail surface is gravel.

The Cliff Trail begins at the patio on the west side of the Interpretive Center building and connects to the River’s Edge Trail annex and the Interpretive Center’s River Camp activity area. The trail is fully paved and ADA-accessible. The trail runs approximately ¼ of a mile with interpretive wayside exhibits along the way.

The Sulphur Springs Trail begins near Morony Dam, approximately 19 miles by road from the Interpretive Center. This moderate difficulty, 1.8 mile trail connects to Sulphur Springs, across the Missouri from the starting point of the Lewis and Clark expedition’s 1805 and 1806 portages around the Missouri Waterfalls. Be sure to wear closed-toed hiking shoes, and bring sunscreen, insect repellent and water.