Bring the whole family to enjoy this park's unique geologic features and abundant recreational opportunities. First recorded by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, it is one of the largest freshwater springs in the country.
Come marvel at this day-use (no camping available) park’s remarkable features. Located just outside of Great Falls and encompassing nearly 14 miles of Missouri River shoreline, Giant Springs State Park has something for everyone. The park provides opportunities for hiking, biking, picnicking, photography, fishing, hunting, boating, and bird watching.
Experience the Giant Springs, which is one of the largest freshwater springs in the county, producing over 156 million gallons of water each day. Listen to the tranquil sounds of the water cascading into the Roe River, once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s shortest river. Visit the Giant Springs Fish Hatchery and take a walk through the visitor center or feed the fish in the show pond. Find a place to picnic among the towering silver poplars, mature blue spruce or on the manicured lawn. Bring your binoculars or camera and enjoy the park’s exceptional birding opportunities.
If you are looking for something a little more active, Giant Springs provides excellent fishing opportunities along the Missouri River as well as a separate fishing pond. Take a walk, go for a run or ride your bike along the park’s 30+ miles of paved and dirt single-track trails, which range in difficulty from beginner to expert. The trails are all part of the larger River’s Edge Trail System, which consists of nearly 60 miles of trail around the Great Falls area. Take a walk or drive to the four Missouri River waterfalls (five, if you count the now buried Colter Falls) that are all located within the park. Giant Springs is rich with history that includes the Lewis and Clark Expedition, silver smelting and Paris Gibson, the founder of Great Falls.
Whether you come to picnic, hike the trails, fish the Missouri, or simply admire the springs, Giant Springs State Park has exciting opportunities for the whole family!
Hours listed below are normal operating hours and may not apply when there is a special restriction or closure. Check Alerts and Closures in the tab below.
See a current list of Restrictions and Closures on State Parks and other FWP lands that may be affected by floods, fire, drought or major maintenance activities.
Other Restrictions
Trapping is not permitted in Giant Springs State Park, this includes the Lewis and Clark Heritage Greenway Conservation Easement.
Commercial photography requires a commercial use permit.
For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page.
Fees
Montana Residents
Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don't include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.
Nonresidents
Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Giant Springs State Park
4803 Giant Springs Rd
Great Falls, MT 59405
Enjoy this aerial tour of Giant Springs State Park
Experience the Giant Springs, which is one of the largest freshwater springs in the county, producing over 156 million gallons of water each day. Dip your toes in the bubbling pool on a hot summer day or witness the foggy mist rise off the water in the depths of winter. Listen to the tranquil sounds of the water cascading into the Roe River, once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s shortest river.
Steffen Janikula is the manager of Ackley Lake and Giant Springs state parks. Steffen attended college at Jamestown College, in Jamestown North Dakota as well as at the University of Montana. Steffen brings over 18 years of experience from the City of Great Falls where he worked in Parks and Recreation, Forestry, Natural Resources, and the Trails Division. Steffen spent the last 7+ years as the City of Great Falls’ Trails Coordinator where he helped establish the Trails Division and oversaw a significant portion of the Rivers Edge Trail System.
CONTACT INFO Mailing Address:
FWP Region 4 Headquarters
4600 Giant Springs Rd
Great Falls, MT 59405
