Live Like a Local in Great Falls, MT

A Texas native shares her experience on what it's like to live in Great Falls.

By Rebecca Treon on January 30, 2024

Courtesy of Abigail Lichliter

Abigail Lichliter, the public health officer/director at the Cascade City-County Health Department, grew up in Dallas and lived in Nashville and Austin before relocating to Great Falls, MT, to attend Great Falls College-Montana State University’s nursing program. A decade later, Lichliter shares what it’s like to live in Great Falls – everything from what it’s been like to put down roots here to how she chooses to spend her free time.

What’s the best way to make connections in Great Falls?
Great Falls doesn’t have a clique-y vibe like some other cities, so when you do find a group of people, it’s pretty easy to say “Hey, let’s go to this event together. Let’s do X, Y and Z.” If you start by volunteering or finding a board or nonprofit that might interest you, that’s a great way to meet a group of like-minded people. Groups are very eager to have fresh ideas, and they really welcome newcomers.

What are some of your favorite coffee shops, lunch spots and places for a dinner out?
I love Morning Light Coffee for their outdoor seating area, and I work downtown so Electric City and Crooked Tree are the ones I visit most often. For lunch, Pizazz started off as a gourmet kitchen supply store and expanded next door. They have olive oils and specialty items, but they also have to-go food.

I love ethnic food, so some of my other favorite restaurants are A & K Diner, Maple Garden, Saibeen’s Kitchen and the Okii Eats food truck. 5th and Wine is also delicious, and it’s a great place for a nicer meal or brunch with my girlfriends.

How’s the outdoor scene?
One thing I love about Great Falls is its proximity to so many different types of recreation. Great Falls is close to incredible fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, kayaking and skiing spots. You may not have mountains right in your backyard, but they are all around you, from the Little Belt, Big Belt and Rocky Mountain Front.

And let’s face it, I am from Dallas, so “mountains in your backyard” is all about perspective. I get to have the “Big Sky” wide open sunsets that remind me of home but can also be on a trail in less than an hour.

Are there any annual community events that you make sure to make it to?
My favorite will always be the Christmas Stroll. There’s something about strolling in freezing cold weather with your friends and community, sipping on Tom and Jerry’s and seeing skiing in the street – it screams comradery! There’s no better way to embrace the cold, in my opinion.