Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
direction of the jump. As the bison headed toward the jump, other hunters would line
the way, waving a variety of things to frighten the animals and prevent them from
leaving the trail. By the time the animals reached the precipice, they were moving so
fast that they were unable to stop at the cliff's edge even when they saw it. Hundreds
of bison could go over the jump in one event, providing a substantial harvest for the
hunters.
All of the animals were processed on-site, a painstaking process since every piece
of the animal was used for meat, clothing, shelter, tools, and even toys. Archaeolo-
gists have uncovered significant prehistoric camps at the base of many jumps. In
some places, bison bones continue to be found more than 15 feet beneath the surface.
Buffalo jumps were used by a great variety of Native American tribes until the
19th century, when the Spanish brought horses to North America and the Indians
began hunting on horseback.
Festivals and Events
WESTERN ART WEEK
With major art-related events held across Great Falls over a long weekend closest to Charlie
Russell's birthday (Mar. 19),
Western Art Week
puts Great Falls on the map of top des-
tinations for serious Western art collectors. In addition to three major auctions—which
include
The Russell: The Sale to Benefit the C. M. Russell Museum
(400 13th St.
North, 406/727-8787,
www.cmrussell.org
),
Western Masters
(1700 Fox Farm Rd., 406/
781-0550,
www.westernmastersartshow.com
), and
March in Montana
(1411 10th Ave. S.,
307/635-0019,
www.marchinmontana.com
)
—the weekend offers an impressive collection
of fine art by living and deceased masters, as well as cowboy and Indian collectibles. Con-
sidered
the
social event of the year for lovers of Western art, the celebration takes over sev-
eral hotels, where artists and art dealers set up mini galleries and provide a rare opportunity
for collectors to mingle with the artists they collect. There are lectures, tours, artist demon-
strations, parties, and a quick draw event throughout the week.
LEWIS AND CLARK FESTIVAL
For 25 years, Great Falls has been celebrating the Corps of Discovery's 1806 stay in the
city. The
Lewis and Clark Festival
(1101 15th St. N., 406/791-7732 or 406/452-5661,
www.lewisandclarkfoundation.org
)
always takes place each year at the end of June or the
beginning of July. For a full weekend, history comes alive in various locations around the
city. Highlighting events from Lewis and Clark's experience in Great Falls, the festival is as