Cascade County, Montana
Great Falls, Montana’s third-largest city, anchors Cascade County in the north-central part of the state. The county takes its name from the series of waterfalls along the Missouri River that Lewis and Clark struggled to portage. These days, those falls help power the city’s lights.
Malmstrom Air Force Base is a major presence here, with its personnel adding diversity to this mostly rural county. The C.M. Russell Museum showcases the work of the famous cowboy artist who called Great Falls home. You can still spot plenty of cowboys around here, but there are fewer than there used to be.
Agriculture remains important, but the economy is more diverse today. The Rocky Mountain Front rises to the west. Cascade County is a place where the Old West meets the modern world, and somehow, the two get along just fine.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Cascade County |
| County Seat | Great Falls |
| Etymology | Named after the falls of the Missouri River, which are located in the county |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Great Falls, Belt, Cascade, Simms, Sun River, Vaughn |
| Interstates and Highways | I-15, US 87, MT 21, MT 200 |
| FIPS Code | 30-013 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 2,711 square miles (Land: 2,698 sq mi, Water: 13 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Teton County (Northwest), Chouteau County (Northeast), Judith Basin County (East), Meagher County (South), Lewis and Clark County (West) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone (MT) |
| State | Montana |
| Coordinates | 47.3630° N, 111.6208° W |
| Major Landmarks | Giant Springs State Park, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Malmstrom Air Force Base |
| Population | Approximately 84,000 |
PHYSICAL MAP
Cascade County Topographic Map
Cascade County has a mix of plains and mountains. The northern plains stretch for miles, while the Highwood and Little Belt Mountains break up the flat landscape. The Missouri River cuts a deep path through the county. Elevations change quickly, especially south and east of Great Falls. Use our zoom tool in the topographic map below.
TRANSPORTATION MAP
Cascade County Road Map
Getting around Cascade County is fairly easy thanks to Interstate 15. It runs directly through Great Falls, the largest city in the area. The highways aren’t packed together, though. U.S. Highway 89 and Montana Highway 200 fill important gaps, mostly stretching across the open prairie.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Cascade County Satellite Map
Our satellite map of Cascade County shows a huge patchwork of farmland. Rivers and creeks cut through it in twisting lines, while Great Falls appears as a dense, bright cluster along the Missouri River.
OUTLINE MAP
Cascade County Blank Map
Cascade County has a somewhat rectangular shape, with several rivers forming parts of its borders. The county doesn’t border another state. Instead, it is surrounded on all sides by other Montana counties.
Montana County Maps
Montana County Map
Big skies and wide-open adventures define Montana, where all 56 counties offer their own blend of rugged landscapes, scenic beauty, and Western character. From sweeping plains and mountain ranges to peaceful valleys and remote wilderness, Montana is filled with places to explore.