Historic Preservation
The Historic Preservation Office maintains an inventory of identified National Register listed districts, sites, buildings and/or structures within Cascade County. This information is available to the public. Criteria for National Register listing and information on how to complete National Register nominations is also available. Technical rehabilitation, preservation and restoration information is also available from the Historic Preservation Office to guide property owners in appropriate methods for maintaining the architectural integrity of historic properties.
The Historic Preservation Office also has brochures detailing Preservation Tax Incentives for Historic Buildings and applications; Historic Preservation Easement and Tax Abatement information; and maintains a list of some grants for preservation. For more information contact the Planning & Community Development Office at 455-8550.
The Great Falls-Cascade County Historic Preservation Office is seeking nominations for the 2024 Historic Preservation Awards. Individuals may nominate a person, project, or organization that has restored, protected, or shared the story of Cascade County’s historic places, and awards will be presented at a ceremony during National Preservation Month in May. Nomination forms can be found below and submissions will be accepted through April 9.
In 2001, the Great Falls/Cascade County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (HPAC) initiated an architectural and historic inventory of the Great Falls Central Business District. In 2004, the district was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the nation's resources considered worthy of preservation. Material for this brochure was drawn from the inventory and nomination. It presents a sampling of the history and architecture of downtown Great Falls and celebrates a collaboration of business, tourism, history and the arts.
The Lower North Side Residential Historic District is located on the north side of the central business district in the Original Townsite of Great Falls. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, the district features 257 buildings that contribute to the history of the city. Material for this brochure was drawn from the National Register nomination. For information on other buildings in this district and other historic resources in Great Falls and Cascade County, contact the Historic Preservation Office.
In 1993, the Great Falls Railroad Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the nation’s resources considered worthy of preservation. Material for this brochure was drawn from the National Register nomination.
The River’s Edge History Tour provides a look at the pre-history and historical resources along the Missouri River corridor. The approximately five mile section of the river will take about two hours if you are walking the River’s Edge Trail for the entire distance. There are numerous access points along trail, and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, the Fish Wildlife & Parks Visitor Center and Giant Springs State Park also offer parking and other public facilities. The history tour is great companion piece for the River’s Edge Trail Map.
A Jewel in the Crown of Gibson Park. Built in the Spring of 1884, the Vinegar Jones Cabin is the city's only building remaining from the first year of the Original Townsite. Located in Great Falls' premier park, inside you will see 1880s era furnishing and interpretive displays honoring the founding of Great Falls.
