GREAT FALLS — Hailed as one of the country’s largest freshwater springs, Giant Springs State Park is just one of many natural treasures found right here in Great Falls.
Native American tribes in the area were likely the first to enjoy the spring. While in pursuit of bison, tribes used the area as a winter camp.
Giant Springs was first made famous when it was stumbled upon by the Corps of Discovery on June 18th, 1805. William Clark described Giant Springs in his journal as “the largest fountain or Spring I ever Saw, and doubt if it is not the largest in American Known." The "emencely Clear" water seemed to him "of a bluish Cast."
The spring stems from the Madison aquifer which originates southeast of Great Falls in the Little Belt Mountains. It's believed that the underground journey from the Little Belt Mountains to Giant Springs takes around 26 years. Under it's calm exterior Giant Springs pumps out an impressive 156 million gallons of crystal-clear water each and every day.
The consistent 54-degree water then flows directly into the Missouri River on one side of the spring and also into the 200 foot long Roe River, which once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's shortest river.
The Giant Springs recreational area provides a great space to relax and unwind right here in your own backyard. It is located at 4803 Giant Springs Road. Click here to visit the website for more information.
