Gibson Park

In the heart of the city of Great Falls lies a true natural gem of Montana — Gibson Park. This place is rightfully considered the crown jewel of the city's park system in the USA, offering visitors a harmonious blend of manicured landscapes and active recreation.

Named after the city's founder, Paris Gibson, the park is a historical legacy that preserves the spirit of the late 19th century. Originally designed as part of a grand plan to landscape city boulevards, today it is a versatile space featuring picturesque flower gardens, winding trails, and ponds where ducks and geese peacefully reside.

Thanks to its high ratings among travelers and locals alike, Gibson Park has become a center of attraction for those seeking tranquility amidst the city bustle. Here you can find everything: from a modern open-air stage for summer concerts to cozy corners for quiet reading in the shade of century-old trees.

For information regarding events or facility bookings at Gibson Park, you can use the official communication channels. The City of Great Falls administration maintains the grounds in pristine condition and is always ready to assist visitors.

Visiting Gibson Park is primarily an opportunity to enjoy the aesthetics of the flower gardens, which burst with vibrant colors during the summer. Nature lovers can spend time by the ponds, watching the swans, ducks, and geese that have become the rightful masters of this area. For active guests, there are modern walking trails and outdoor fitness equipment.

Special attention should be paid to the Vinegar Jones Cabin — a historic cabin located nearby that offers a glimpse into the region's past. If your trip coincides with the cultural season, be sure to stop by the open-air stage (bandshell), which regularly hosts live concerts, festivals, and city celebrations under the open sky.

For families with children, there are wonderful playgrounds, and the spacious lawns are perfect for a classic American picnic. Don't forget to bring your camera: the park's landscapes, its inhabitants, and vintage statues, including the monument to Paris Gibson himself, serve as excellent backdrops for memorable photos.

Finding Gibson Park is easy, as it is located in the very heart of the city at 400 Park Dr N. Thanks to Paris Gibson's thoughtful planning, Great Falls features a clear street grid, making the drive from any part of the city to the park typically no more than 20 minutes. Convenient parking spaces are available near the entrance.

If you prefer public transportation, local bus routes have stops within walking distance of the main gates. For those staying downtown, a pleasant alternative is a walk or a bike ride along the scenic boulevards.

Travelers arriving via Great Falls International Airport (GTF) can reach the park in just 10–15 minutes by taxi or rental car. The distance from the airport is approximately 5–10 kilometers, making the park an excellent first stop on your city itinerary.

The history of this place began simultaneously with the birth of the city. Gibson Park is one of the first three parks established when the settlement was founded. It was originally named Cascade Park, but in 1903 it was renamed in honor of Paris Gibson — the city's founder, who dreamed of turning Great Falls into a green oasis, drawing inspiration from the park zones of Minneapolis.

In the early 20th century, the park served as a miniature zoo. It was home to deer, antelope, and even elk. However, living alongside wild animals wasn't always peaceful: archival records from 1923 tell the story of a rampaging deer that caused a real commotion and attacked a caretaker. Consequently, by 1932, the hoofed inhabitants were relocated to the Highwood Mountains to make room for more walking areas.

In the following decades, the park continued to be filled with living legends. In the 1940s, there was an attempt to breed gray squirrels here, but the nimble creatures quickly escaped their enclosures and spread throughout the territory, becoming public favorites. There is also a well-known story about the "swan dramas" of the 1970s, when a local male swan displayed a very fierce temperament while defending his territory.

Today, Gibson Park is not just a recreation area but a living embodiment of a late 19th-century urban plan. It demonstrates how abandoned vacant lots can be transformed into blooming gardens through the vision of one person and the care of many generations of residents.

To take a leisurely stroll along the main paths, admire the floral arrangements, and feed the birds at the pond, you will need about 1–2 hours. This is quite enough for a standard tourist visit and a few beautiful photos against the backdrop of the gardens.

If you plan to attend one of the evening concerts at the bandshell, have a family picnic in the shade of the trees, or let the children play to their heart's content on the playgrounds, it's better to set aside 3 hours or even half a day. The park encourages a long and relaxed stay, especially during the warmer months.

Gibson Park hospitably opens its doors to visitors every day. You can enjoy a morning walk or an evening sunset any day of the week according to the established schedule.

The park's operating hours are the same for both weekdays and weekends: from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This consistent schedule makes it easy to plan a visit, whether it's an early jog or a daytime family outing.

Its central location makes the park an ideal starting point for further exploration of the region's history and culture. A stroll through the surrounding area will allow you to see many monuments and interesting locations just a few steps away from the park alleys.