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Montana
12

Montana State Parks

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USA Parks
Montana
Russell Country Region
Giant Springs State Park
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Giant Springs State Park © Montanabw / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Giant Springs State Park © Montanabw / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The natural springs at Giant Springs State Park and Giant Springs Trout Hatchery in Great Falls, Montana.
Giant Springs State Park © Montanabw / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Natural history sign at the Giant Springs Trout Hatchery in Giant Springs State Park Great Falls, Montana.
Giant Springs State Park © Montanabw / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Giant Springs State Park and Giant Springs Trout Hatchery, Great Falls, Montana, USA
Giant Springs State Park © Montanabw / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
History sign at the Giant Springs Trout Hatchery in Giant Springs State Park Great Falls, Montana.
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GIANT SPRINGS STATE PARK
GIANT SPRINGS STATE PARK
4803 Giant Springs Road
Great Falls, Montana   59405
(lat:47.5344 lon:-111.2288) map location

Phone: 406-727-1212
Discovered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805 and one of the largest freshwater springs in the world. This is the site of the Roe River, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's shortest river. Giant Springs flows at a measured 7.9 millions gallons per hour or 193 million gallons of water per day. The water stays at a temperature of 54 degrees, and has been carbon dated to be about 3,000 years old. More than a quarter of a million people, visit Giant Springs Heritage Park each year. Many come to marvel at this remarkable feature, or to view the variety of bird life. Some come to visit the nearby Rainbow Falls Overlook, the visitor center, and the fish hatchery. The Fish Hatchery Program raises about 1.3 million fish annually. They are then distributed to areas within a 150-mile radius of the hatchery. A group picnic site is also available.

The visitor center (right across from the roadway from the springs) features taxidermy mounts of grizzly and black bears, educational features on fish and bird recognition, wildlife photographs, and a mini-theater that shows wildlife videos. It's open Monday through Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm.
Boating
Visitors can enjoy a variety of boating activities. The park features the Roe River, one of the shortest rivers in the world, and is also adjacent to Missouri river which offers opportunities for canoeing or kayaking. However, motorized boats are not allowed within certain areas due to environmental protection efforts.
Fishing
Visitors can enjoy fishing in the Missouri River, known for its trout population. Rainbow and brown trout are common catches. The Roe River also offers excellent opportunities to catch brook and cutthroat trout. Fishing licenses are required before casting a line.


Location
Giant Springs State Park is located near Great Falls

Picnicking
Giant Springs State Park offers numerous picnic spots with grills, tables and restrooms. Some areas provide stunning views of the Missouri River.
Bicycling
While exploring the park, you'll find a variety of biking trails suitable for different skill levels.

The River's Edge Trail offers scenic views and is accessible to cyclists.

However, be aware that some areas may have steep or uneven terrain which can pose challenges.

It's crucial to wear appropriate safety gear when cycling as certain paths are shared with pedestrians.

During winter months, icy conditions might make bicycling unsafe so it's best avoided during this time.

Remember not all trails allow bicycles; always check signage before setting off on your ride.

Respect wildlife by keeping distance and never feeding them - they could become aggressive if startled or threatened.
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding opportunities with over 200 species recorded. Birdwatchers can spot waterfowl, raptors and songbirds in diverse habitats like riparian areas, grasslands and coniferous forests. The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center provides binoculars for visitors to use during their visit.

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Area Campgrounds
Great Falls KOA
1500 51st Street South
Great Falls, MT
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Giant Springs State Park is located on US Highway 87 north through Great Falls, then 1 mile east on River Drive.

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Montana
12

Montana State Parks

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