Best Buys
Sep 6, 2018

A couple enjoying the outdoors in Great Falls, MT | Taylor's Auto MaxGreat Falls, Montana, is named after the waterfalls found all along the Missouri River on which it is located. With a rich history — due to the Lewis and Clark expedition that made its way through the town as well as plenty of natural attractions like Giant Springs — it’s not difficult to find fun things to do in Great Falls. Here are three things you can only experience in this Montana town.

  1. Enjoy Wildlife at Benton Lake

The Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a few minutes north of Great Falls and covers over 12,000 acres of land. This is a shallow wetland teeming with wildlife and beautiful views of nature. Bird-watchers will love the opportunity to take in the abundance of different species that make their homes in and along this grassy lake. But birds aren’t the only wildlife you’ll get to enjoy during your visit, as 28 various species of mammals have also settled here. Be on the lookout for different types of geese, swans, antelope, and deer, among others.

  1. Visit the Largest Freshwater Spring in the US

Lewis and Clark first discovered Giant Springs during their expedition in 1805. This is the largest freshwater spring in the country, with 156 million gallons of water flowing from it each day. Supplied by the Madison Aquifer in the Little Belt Mountains — a section of the larger Rocky Mountains — the water that flows from Giant Springs keeps a fixed 54-degree temperature no matter the season. Thanks to the steady temperature of the water, a visit in the winter will offer views of beautiful, billowing clouds of steam.

Although many people visit this awesome display of flowing water, Giant Springs offers even more to do. As Montana’s most-visited state park, Giant Springs has 4,500 acres of land welcoming visitors to explore. With over 20 miles of trails, the spring is a huge draw for hikers, runners, and cyclists. Trails range from paved and flat to rocky and hilly, so there’s sure to be something for everyone’s skill level. Fishing and picnicking are also favorite activities of the park’s regular visitors.

  1. Enjoy a Drink With Mermaids

The legendary Sip ‘n Dip Tiki Lounge is known as one of the most interesting bars worth visiting in the United States. When you visit, you’ll see a glass wall along the bar with a pool on the other side. Enjoy a little whimsy while you relax with a drink, as mermaids swim along the glass wall in the pool. Open throughout the week, it’s always a great time to head to Sip ‘n Dip.

Other features of the lounge include various gaming machines, live piano bar performances, and an outdoor patio with a full bar. Clark & Lewie’s Pub and Grill is located right next door and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Grab and burger and then head over to Sip ‘n Dip afterward for a drink.

Taylor’s Auto Max — Great Falls, Montana’s premier used car Supercenter — is a great place to shop for your next vehicle. Stop by to check out their awesome selection and head out for a test drive or two.

 

Image by SheltieBoy, Licensed via CC BY 2.0