The best view of The Great Falls is from the highest peak at Ryan Island Park, accessible from a suspension bridge across the Missouri River. This is after traveling a two-lane road that provides views of the expansive high plains and agricultural land. There are few hints along the way of the canyon of the river at the end of the road. The roar of the falls is best witnessed in the Spring, just as Captain Lewis experienced. The canyon walls show the arduous task of portaging around the Falls that laid ahead of the Expedition. Although Ryan Dam, constructed in 1915, controls the flow of the water over the falls, the enormity of The Great Falls is still impressive.