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“The grandest sight I had ever beheld,” so wrote Meriwether Lewis on June 13, 1805 , as he got his first look at the Great Falls of the Missouri . There are actually 4 visible sets of falls around the city, Black Eagle, Rainbow, Crooked and the Great Falls, each with a beauty all its own.
When you live in Great Falls , you are only minutes away from the country's best outdoor experiences. Whether biking, skating, jogging or walking is your favorite outdoor activity; River's Edge Trail is the perfect setting. Extending 13.3 miles along the Missouri River , this trail offers spectacular views, plenty of space and the chance to watch a wide variety of waterfowl feeding along the river. Bike and boat rentals are available, 761-4434, 771-0885.
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Photo Courtesy of Art Taft © 2004 |
The Missouri River offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. Float along the scenic White Cliffs, which have changed little since Lewis and Clark traveled through, head for the river where you can catch hard-fighting fish, water ski, swim, enjoy a scenic canoe trip, or go white-water rafting or kayaking – all within the city limits of Great Falls, 761-4434, 771-0885.
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Giant Springs Heritage State Park has one of the world's largest fresh-water springs, discharging 193 million gallons of water a day. Mark Twain even sampled a dipper of that clear spring water during a visit. Flowing from the Springs to the Missouri River is the Roe River , a mere 53 feet long, making it the shortest river in the world. Feed the fish in the hatchery where more than one million Rainbow Trout are raised each year. This area is designated a Watchable Wildlife Site so you can spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying a picnic lunch while looking for raccoons, beaver, pelicans, bald eagles, deer and more. Located at 4600 Giant Springs Road (just up the road from the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center ), 454-8500.
Don't miss Black Eagle Memorial Island . This scenic, pedestrian-access only area includes a trail, boat ramp for rafts, kayaks and canoes, and a fantastic overlook of the Black Eagle Falls and Dam.
Named for the founder of Great Falls , Gibson Park is the largest part in the city. Filled with green lawns, flower gardens, majestic trees, a children's playground and a walking path, this park offers plenty of room for family gatherings. Youngsters won't want to miss Gibson Pond where they get to feed ducks, geese, and beautiful swans.
Montana 's “Coolest Hot Spot” has got to be the Electric City Water Park . Just off the Missouri River and River's Edge Trail, and a short walk from downtown, the Electric City Water Park has fun for “kids” of all ages. Surf the Flow Rider (1 of only 9 in the U.S. ), master the Riptide Slide, float the Lazy River , or hit the amazing Power Tower Plunge – two wild winding slides that start from a tower twenty feet high. Swim in the Mitchell Pool, the largest heated public outdoor swimming pool in Montana or enjoy the State's largest children's water play structure. Truly something for everyone!
When you need a break from the water, the Electric City Water Park has large grassy areas, shade trees and a party deck. Spread your towel and relax in the shade or chat with friends while soaking up the glorious sunshine. The concession stand is open to serve fun fare like hot dogs, nachos, beer baron sausages, hamburgers, and your favorite soft drinks. For information on special events planned this summer for families and teens; information on special pricing and promotions, or details on the Water Park , check out the City web site at www.ci.great-falls.mt.us . Located at 100 River Drive South , Great Falls , 454-9008. Park & Rec, 771-1265. Catch a wave and go with the flow!
Many have claimed it as the “best in the State”, others have said it is the “best in the Northwest”. It is the Riverside Railyard – the city owned skate park! No matter what the claim, the skaters - by the hundreds – skate from sun-up to sun-down.
Opened in March 2004, Landmark Architects and skate park designer Tim Altec designed this “state or the art” skate park. Located in Elk's Riverside Park , in the old railroad berm, the 27,000 square foot concrete park features a series of bowls and pools, geared to various skill levels, and an extensive “street” course. A unique feature of the bowl area is the “funnel” – a full pipe offering an extreme challenge for the most skilled skaters. The street portion provides fun boxes, rails, pyramids, spines, and stairs challenging all skaters' skill levels. So whether it is an “ollie”, “nollie”, “frontside 180”, “flips” or just “grinding the rail”, the Railyard has something for everyone! For additional information about the park contact the Great Falls Park & Recreation Department, 771-1265.
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2004 © Great Falls Parks & Rec |
If it's sports you are crazy for, you have come to the right place. From summer evenings with the Great Falls White Sox (a farm team of the Chicago White Sox) to winter nights with the American West Hockey League team, from the roar of auto racing to the whoops and hollers at one of our many area rodeos, we've got all the action. College sports fans can enjoy basketball with the University of Great Falls Argos and Lady Argos.
Golf Great Falls! The City of Great Falls boasts two premier golf courses with 18 holes at each course. Each course is very different offering the novice and the seasoned golfer variety and challenge.
Eagle Falls Golf Club rivals the top golf courses in Montana . A newly designed and renovated golf course offers both challenge and beauty to golfers. Golfers can choose their challenge and length of play from 4 sets of tees. The championship par 71 course is well bunkered with sand traps and water hazards. It finishes with a challenging eighteenth dogleg right par 4 which requires a well located tee shot, followed by an accurate approach over water to a heavily bunkered green. 761-1078.
Anaconda Hills Golf Course built in the 1920's, the front nine rolls up and down between mature cottonwood trees, and features a spectacular view of the City of Great Falls , the Missouri River and surrounding mountains. The course is both serene and challenging. The back nine opened in 1992, and is a links style design with natural rough, water and ravines providing plenty of challenges. 761-8459.
Both courses offer club rental, motorized and pull golf cart rentals, concessions and lessons from the resident pro. For more information, check out the City's web site at www.ci.great-falls.mt.us
Out-of-town golfers can play the private Meadow Lark Course with a club member.
The Gannon Ranch Golf Course is a brand new, accredited 18-hole course that offers both regular and charter memberships. Great Falls also has a semi-private golf course, Emerald Greens, which opened in 1992 with 9 holes, but now has 18.
There are nearly 140 soft ball teams and 1,800 players in the city Parks and Recreation Department Leagues. These teams compete weekly at the Multi-Sports Complex from late April until early August. There are tournaments scheduled virtually every weekend on the eight fields of the complex.
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