Giant Springs State Park — Attraction in Great Falls

This is a pretty impressive site! The park is actually really in Great Falls, following the cataracts output downriver. The trails are great, paved for those whom can't navigate the terrain or cyclists closer to the venue. After that, over hill and vale, you are on your own. We loved the many viewpoints, and even the signs asking visitors to help with invasive flora. The vast array of plants was amazing, and coupled with the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, we could identify most. One minor glitch we ran in to is the signage. The fish hatchery and Giant springs signs are there but there really don't indicate that the Giant Springs are in the same site as the fish hatchery. We hiked quite aways downsteam only to come back up and then find out where the springs actually were. However, they are a sight to behold! Absolutely amazing. That much water pulsing from the ground, and has been for hundreds of years. The plants in the pools around the springs were amazingly green, with nothing but crystal clear water around them. Whom would have thought that 150 million gallons of water per day were the nominal output of...

Giant Springs is a hidden gem just a mile or two out of Great Falls. It is near the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, which is also a ‘Must See’ along with the Charlie Russell (CM) Museum. Giant Springs is a Montana State Park as well as a State Fish Hatchery for Rainbow Trout. There is an informational center, a Park Ranger, pamphlets, and maps in the Hatchery part, as well a display pond full of trout to look at. The park has walking trails and sidewalks, benches to sit and watch the Missouri River or to fish from the bank for anyone, young or old. (You do need a fishing license to fish.) There is a playground well away from the water, little grassy hills for picnics or to roll down, picnic tables, plenty of paved parking, nice indoor restrooms, and everything is handicap accessible including strollers. The grounds are well tended….it is a lovely place. I haven’t even told you about my two favorite parts: the shortest river in the US, the Roe River, at 206 feet, and the stunning rock pool springs. When the sun shines, they rocks gleam copper under the water. ...

Visiting Giant Springs State Park is a surreal moment and something (someplace) everyone should experience whether you live in Great Falls, or just visiting. I recall visiting this state park 20+ years ago, but don't remember every detail from that visit so it was great to visit again on 12 Aug 2024 to refresh the memory banks. Not to mention, this is one of those areas you can visit almost every day to just walk around and get those daily steps, or just sit down under the shade and relax (assuming it's during the warmer months).

It was amazing to see just how clear the water was, to include witnessing the bright green plants in the water. I think I could speak on behalf of a lot of people when I say, "I wish I could've jumped in the water." If you haven't been here before, I highly recommend you visit soon. If you're a local and haven't been here in a while, then I highly suggest you get up and go appreciate this area a lot more.

Note: Be sure to bring a lot of quarters with you because you can feed the fishes at the hatchery...