Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots
Swimming hole in Great Falls, Montana · Other
Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots is a natural swimming hole. It is near Great Falls, Montana. Access is free. Best season: June through August for warm water and lush landscapes.
Typical season: June through August for warm water and lush landscapes
About Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots
Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots sits in Montana along Varies - See Below. Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities.
You don't need to drive for hours or hike a rugged trail to reach it. This beloved community gathering place sits right in the city, offering a genuine slice of Montana river life to anyone willing to kick off their shoes and wade in. The Missouri River here is broad and unhurried, reflecting the wide-open skies that Big Sky Country is famous for.
At Broadwater Bay, a sandy beach lines the water's edge, giving the spot a surprisingly beachy feel for a landlocked river town. Cottonwood trees rustle overhead, and if you scan the water or the trees along the opposite bank, you're likely to spot osprey diving for fish or great blue herons standing like statues at the river's margin. The landscape is quintessentially Montana. Expansive, quietly dramatic, and alive with the sounds of moving water and birdsong. Nearby restaurants and shops mean you can grab a meal or a cold drink before or after your swim without ever leaving the neighborhood. A sandy beach entry eases you in gradually, and a dock provides a spot to launch yourself into the deeper water or simply sit with your feet dangling in the cool current.
No lifeguards patrol Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Varies - see below
- Water body
- Varies - see below
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Great Falls
- State
- Montana
- Best season
- June through August for warm water and lush landscapes; spring and fall for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Access difficulty
- Easy access from downtown Great Falls; suitable for all ages and .
- Parking
- Designated area
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- Primitive camping at Sluice Boxes S. P.
- Activities
- Swimming
- Facilities
- Limited on-site facilities; nearby restaurants and shops provide essential amenities.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit June through August for warm water and lush landscapes; spring and fall for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Access Easy access from downtown Great Falls; suitable for all ages and .
- Facilities Limited on-site facilities; nearby restaurants and shops provide essential amenities.
- Camping nearby Primitive camping at Sluice Boxes S. P.
Highlights & features
- Sandy beach and dock
- Calm Missouri River waters
- Historical significance of Great Falls
- Wildlife and scenic views
- Easy downtown accessibility
- Located in the heart of Great Falls, Broadwater Bay offers a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty.
- Nearby restaurants and shops provide convenience for visitors.
- Birdwatching opportunities with native osprey and herons.
How to get there
Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots lies in Montana near Great Falls. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Broadwater Bay is a popular . It features a sandy beach and a dock, making it a great spot for relaxation and water activities. Use these driving notes to reach Broadwater Bay: Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
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Starting from Downtown Great Falls
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Head south on River Drive North. This road runs parallel to the Missouri River and is a main thoroughfare in the city.
Continue on River Drive North : Stay on River Drive North for about 1.5 miles. You will pass several local businesses and parks along the way.
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Look for Applebee’s Restaurant
As you approach the intersection of River Drive North and 15th Street South, you will see an Applebee’s restaurant on your right-hand side. This is a key landmark. Locate Broadwater Bay : Broadwater Bay is directly across the street from Applebee’s. Look for the designated parking area near the river. There is ample parking available for visitors.
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Final Approach
After parking, you can access the . The area is well-maintained and family-friendly, with plenty of open space for picnics or relaxing by the water. Additional Tips : Be mindful of river currents when swimming, as the Missouri River can have strong flows in certain areas. Bring sunscreen, water, and any . The parking area can fill up quickly during peak summer days, so arriving early is recommended. Enjoy your time at Broadwater Bay!
Plan your visit
Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots works well as a day trip from Great Falls. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Camp Verde Swimming Holes In Arizona or browse more Montana other spots in our directory. For the full list in Montana, see our state directory.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial, unmaintained swimming area with no known facilities. Access is free, but visitors assume all risks. Parking is available on-site but can fill quickly on summer weekends.
Top picks for this trip
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
For most swimmers, the Earth Pak is the easy default — tough, affordable, and it comes with the phone case you were going to buy anyway.
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Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
A do-everything bottle that holds ice through a full hot day at the water.
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What to pack for Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots
Gear we compare side by side for other swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots?
Yes. Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots near Great Falls in MT has waterfall / cascade pools on Varies - see below used for swimming. Rocks are slippery and there are no lifeguards at informal access.
Is Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “None”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots?
Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots is in MT within day-trip range of Great Falls. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Culture & history
Part of the historic Great Falls area named after the waterfalls along the Missouri River; significant in the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife and the natural ecosystem. Avoid littering and be mindful of water conservation.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.