The Valier Lighthouse from Great Falls

The Central Montana drive from Great Falls to Valier can be super fun if your goal is get outside and drive across the prairie. The drive is 168 miles there and back.

It features the old Lighthouse Restaurant at the front of the Rocky Mountains. It's a beautiful structure that seems out of place for rural Montana. It's right on Lake Frances and the whole area is gorgeous!

We make an afternoon of the trip and stay at the lake for lunch and a stroll. The restaurant has been closed since 2017; however, the area is still beautiful. You can get right on the shore of the lake for a picnic from the parking lot of the old restaurant.

The lighthouse is on private property, so be respectful and leave the area as you found it.