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Oct 30, 2018

There are so many stunning spots to get outdoors around Great Falls, Montana. Whether you want to hike, mountain bike, swim, or simply soak in the sunshine, get out to one of these local parks this weekend before the winter chill creeps in. Taylor's AutoMax - The Best Places in Great Falls, MT to Spend a Day Outdoors

Giant Springs State Park

A ten-minute drive from downtown Great Falls, the Giant Springs State Park is an easy place to head for a little outdoor adventure. The park is home to one of the largest freshwater springs in the country. Fascinatingly, the water temperature is exactly the same year round. It is always a cool 54 degrees Fahrenheit.

The park was founded by Lewis and Clark on an expedition in 1805. You can head into the welcome center to learn more about the history of the place.

Head here for the well-kept hiking and biking trails. There are over 20 miles worth of single-track trails to keep you busy. You can also come to Giant Springs to go fishing, hunting, and bird watching.

River’s Edge Trail

The River’s Edge Trail is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the great outdoors from Great Falls. The trail is almost 60 miles long and winds along and across the Missouri River. Much of the trail is completely paved, which makes it great for walking, running, biking, rollerblading, and wheelchair users, too.

If you enjoy fishing, you can access the river from the trails easily. Along the way, you’ll also spot 18 public art pieces and up-close views of all five of the river’s nearby waterfalls. The trail starts in the downtown Great Falls area in Warden Park and goes all the way to Giant Springs State Park. You can access the trail from several areas if you only want to enjoy part of it.

Gibson Park

For a good place to take the kids, Gibson Park is one of the best outdoor options in Great Falls. There is a huge playground area with slides, climbing frames, swings, and monkey bars. Older kids will love the skate park, where they can learn some tricks and get better at rollerblading, skateboarding, or using a scooter.

There is also a lake where you can go fishing or simply feed the ducks and geese. It’s part of the River’s Edge Trail, so you can go for a nice jog or bike ride through the park. There are plenty of picnic tables around the area, so be sure to pack a lunch so you can spend the day enjoying the park.

Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge

If you enjoy seeing wildlife, Benton Lake is the best place in Great Falls to go. The best route to take to see wildlife is the Prairie Marsh Wildlife Drive. It’s a 9-mile drive that will bring you as close as you can get to the park’s residents.

The refuge is also a popular place to come for hunting waterfowl. It’s only permitted during the fall in the designated hunting areas. If you’re unsure where that is, head to the visitor center for information.

Now get out and enjoy the natural beauty in Great Falls this weekend!

Image by greaterfalls via CC BY-ND 2.0