The moment my daughter’s shriek of joy echoed across the Mitchell Pool at Electric City Water Park, I knew we’d found our Great Falls summer tradition. This municipal gem in north-central Montana consistently surprises visitors who don’t expect to find a full-scale water park in a city better known for its historic Missouri River dams and Lewis and Clark heritage — and there’s a direct connection between those dams and the park’s name worth knowing.
If you’re exploring the best Montana waterparks, Electric City deserves a prominent spot on your itinerary.
⚠️ 2026 VISITOR ALERT — Read Before You Go
As of summer 2026, two major attractions are closed at Electric City Water Park due to structural and safety issues:
- Flow Rider: Closed for the third consecutive season (2024, 2025, 2026). The city is evaluating repair vs. full replacement. [Source: KRTV Great Falls, May 2026]
- Lazy River: Newly closed for 2026 due to structural safety concerns including leaks and cracks.
What is open: The Mitchell Pool, Power Tower Plunge slides, Little Squirts Soak Zone, concessions, and all neighborhood splash pads.
Before visiting: Call the Water Park directly at (406) 454-9008 or the Park & Recreation office at (406) 771-1265 to confirm current operational status. The city is actively working toward repair or replacement of both attractions.
- Electric City Water Park operates from early June through Labor Day weekend in Great Falls, MT
- 2026: Flow Rider and Lazy River are both closed; Mitchell Pool and Power Tower Plunge slides remain open
- General admission: ~$5–12 depending on package; toddlers 2 and under free with paying adult
- Free U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets available on-site
- Best visited Tuesday–Thursday mornings; weekends pack out by 1 PM
- Address: 100 River Drive South, Great Falls, MT 59405 | Two phone numbers below
- Combines naturally with Gibson Park, Giant Springs State Park, and downtown Great Falls
Why “Electric City”? The Story Behind the Name
Before diving into the park, it’s worth understanding why Great Falls carries the nickname “Electric City” — and why the water park shares it.
Great Falls is named for the series of five waterfalls on the Missouri River that Lewis and Clark documented in 1805, describing their month-long portage around them as one of the expedition’s hardest chapters.
In the early 20th century, hydroelectric power dams were built on each of those five falls, generating electricity that powered the region and giving Great Falls the “Electric City” moniker. The water park sits along the same Missouri River corridor, connecting recreation to the city’s defining geographic identity.
That hydroelectric heritage also gives Great Falls the Rainbow Falls, Ryan Dam, and River’s Edge Trail infrastructure that makes it one of the most interesting river-corridor cities in Montana — well worth combining with a water park day.
What Makes Electric City Worth Visiting
Montana doesn’t have many water parks. With a short summer season and long winters, most communities rely on natural swimming holes and lakes. But Great Falls did something different when they built Electric City Water Park — a proper aquatic facility without inflated corporate prices.
What makes this place stand out isn’t just the attractions: it’s the combination of affordable pricing, shade trees (rare among water parks), the Missouri River backdrop, and the kind of Montana-sized friendliness that turns first-time visitors into regulars.
For the full Montana waterparks picture, see my Montana waterparks guide.
The Park’s Attractions: What’s Here and What’s the History
Understanding the park’s full attraction lineup — including what’s currently operating — is the most important planning information you need.
Mitchell Pool: The Star of the Show
The Mitchell Pool is the park’s headline feature and the one attraction that has never wavered: Montana’s largest heated outdoor swimming pool.
The L-shaped design combines a competition-size swimming pool with a deep-water extension where the Power Tower slides deposit riders. On its own, the Mitchell Pool is worth the drive.
The water is heated, which matters enormously at 3,300 feet elevation in north-central Montana where even July temperatures can drop when clouds move in.
I’ve watched local families spend entire summer afternoons here without touching a single slide — just swimming laps, playing in the open water, and appreciating a genuinely world-class municipal pool.
Lap swimming is also available at the Water Park on Monday through Thursday mornings (10:00 AM–11:30 AM) for an additional daily or monthly fee — worth knowing if you’re staying in Great Falls for an extended visit.
Power Tower Plunge: The Main Slides
The Power Tower Plunge is the park’s slide complex — two serpentine-style water slides descending from a 20-foot platform into the Mitchell Pool’s deep-water extension.
The slides offer meaningfully different experiences: one follows a more open, faster descent; the other takes tighter curves. Both deposit riders directly into the pool, which means you’re back in the water immediately for another lap.
Height requirements apply — check with staff on arrival for current requirements, as these can be updated.
The climb to the top of the Power Tower platform delivers a good view over the park and surrounding Gibson Park greenery, which softens the wait and builds appropriate anticipation.
Little Squirts Soak Zone: For the Youngest Visitors
The Little Squirts Soak Zone is the park’s dedicated children’s water play area and is described by the city as the state’s largest children’s water play structure.
Ground-level fountains, spray features, tiny slides, and shallow splash zones create a fully self-contained play environment where toddlers can spend hours without ever approaching the main pool.
Parents can supervise from benches at the water’s edge. The separation from the main pool and slides creates a genuinely age-appropriate space that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
The splash zone is open whenever the main park is open and requires no additional admission.
Flow Rider and Lazy River: When They Reopen
When operational, the Flow Rider is the park’s signature attraction — a continuous wave machine that allows visitors to bodyboard and surf on a shallow sheet of water moving at speed.
It’s one of only a handful of FlowRiders in Montana and genuinely unlike anything else in the state. Local families have rated it the park’s most popular feature consistently. When it returns, it will be worth a dedicated mention with updated details.
The Lazy River, when operating, wraps around approximately 800 feet of the park, providing a relaxing float option with tubes included in the full admission price.
Current status (summer 2026): Both are closed due to structural safety issues. The city is comparing repair costs versus full replacement. Verify status via (406) 454-9008 before planning a visit specifically around these attractions.
When they reopen, admission packages will likely return to their historical two-tier structure:
- Package B (slides + pool): Mitchell Pool, Power Tower Plunge, Little Squirts Soak Zone
- Package A (full package): Everything in Package B + Flow Rider, Lazy River, and Riptide Slide
The Riptide Slide
The Riptide Slide is part of the Flow Rider complex and accesses when the FlowRider area is operational. It’s a separate slide with a faster descent character than the Power Tower offerings — worth knowing when planning once it reopens alongside the Flow Rider.
Practical Information: Prices, Hours, Policies
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 River Drive South, Great Falls, MT 59405 |
| Water Park Phone | (406) 454-9008 |
| Park & Rec Office | (406) 771-1265 |
| Season | Early June through Labor Day weekend |
| Daily Hours | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM daily; extended to 8:00 PM on Wednesdays |
| Twilight Rate | Wednesdays 5:00–8:00 PM — discounted admission (slides package only) |
| Adult admission (13+) | ~$10–12 full package; ~$5 slides-only package |
| Child admission (3–17) | ~$8–10 full package; ~$3 youth slides-only |
| Toddlers (2 and under) | Free with paying adult (one child; additional 2-and-under $1.50) |
| Season passes | Available; contact Park & Rec office |
| Lap swimming | Mon–Thu 10:00 AM–11:30 AM; additional fee (~$4/day or $40/month) |
| Life jackets | Free U.S. Coast Guard–approved jackets available on-site |
| Dressing rooms | Available |
| Party deck | Available for group gatherings |
| Personal coolers | Not permitted on pool deck per city policy — verify current rules |
| Concessions | Hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, ice cream, sodas available on-site |
| Bikes | Bike parking available |
| Credit cards | Accepted |
Important food policy note: The official city website states “no personal coolers allowed.” This conflicts with other sources suggesting outside food is permitted in picnic areas. Call (406) 454-9008 before packing a cooler to confirm the current season’s policy.
Always verify 2026-specific hours and pricing directly with the park before visiting. Prices and hours adjust year to year, and the 2026 season has already seen significant changes due to the Flow Rider and Lazy River closures.
Getting There
From I-15: Take the Central Avenue exit. Head east on Central Avenue until you reach River Drive South. Turn right on River Drive South, then take an immediate left into the Water Park parking area.
Address GPS: 100 River Drive South, Great Falls, MT 59405
Parking: Free surface lot with approximately 150 spaces. Arrives full by 1:00 PM on busy summer weekends — aim to arrive at opening (noon) for guaranteed close parking.
From downtown Great Falls: Head south on 5th Street South, then turn right (west) onto River Drive South. The park is approximately 0.5 miles along on your left, directly adjacent to Gibson Park.
From outside Great Falls: Great Falls International Airport (GTF) is approximately 15 minutes north. For travelers staying in Great Falls, see my Great Falls RV parks guide if you’re traveling by RV.
Timing Your Visit: When to Go and What to Avoid
Timing makes an enormous difference at Electric City. I’ve visited at various times over multiple summers and the patterns are consistent.
Best Days and Times
Tuesday through Thursday mornings offer the lightest crowds in a consistent pattern. On a Wednesday at noon I’ve had immediate access to Power Tower slides with essentially no wait.
The Wednesday Twilight Rate (5:00–8:00 PM, $2 discount on full package) also provides good afternoon-into-evening value.
Early season (first two weeks of June) and late season (two weeks before Labor Day) see the thinnest attendance — local schools are either not yet out or back in session.
When to Avoid
Saturday and Sunday afternoons between 1:00 and 4:00 PM are peak crowding. The parking lot fills, slide lines stretch 15+ minutes, and the pool deck becomes genuinely congested.
The week around July 4th is maximum attendance. If you’re in Great Falls specifically for Independence Day, hit the water park on July 2nd or 3rd instead.
Weather Considerations
Montana weather is famously unpredictable and Great Falls sits on the Rocky Mountain Front where weather moves in fast. The park closes during lightning storms.
Overcast mornings often clear by afternoon — don’t abandon a planned visit just because it clouds up in the morning. Check for actual rain forecasts rather than cloud cover.
Summer temperatures in Great Falls regularly reach 85–95°F, which makes the heated Mitchell Pool feel extraordinary rather than cold.
The “Electric City” Name: Why It Matters for Your Visit
The name is more than a cool moniker. Great Falls earned it through hydroelectric dams built on the Missouri River’s five historic falls — the same falls Lewis and Clark spent nearly a month portaging around in 1805.
The water park sits along the same Missouri River corridor as Rainbow Falls, Ryan Dam, and the River’s Edge Trail — a connected landscape of water and history within a few miles. Planning a day that combines the water park (afternoon) with Giant Springs State Park and the River’s Edge Trail (morning) gives you the best of both Great Falls’ manufactured and natural water experiences.
For the full Great Falls picture — lodging, dining, the C.M. Russell Museum, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and all river-corridor attractions — see my city guide.
Combining Electric City With Other Great Falls Activities
Electric City’s location next to Gibson Park makes it easy to build a full day in the River Drive corridor.
Gibson Park: Right Next Door
Gibson Park sits immediately adjacent to Electric City — playgrounds, walking paths, shaded green space, and a small duck pond. After hours in the sun and chlorine, my daughter always wants to decompress in the shaded park before the drive home. No extra charge. No planning required.
Giant Springs State Park: 15 Minutes Away
Giant Springs State Park features one of the largest freshwater springs in the United States, a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks visitor center, and the River’s Edge Trail connection — all within 15 minutes of the water park. A strong half-day pairing for families.
Great Falls Downtown
About 10 minutes from the water park, downtown Great Falls has solid restaurants and coffee. For the best coffee in the city, see my Great Falls coffee shops guide. The C.M. Russell Museum — the largest collection of Russell’s Western art in the world — makes an excellent rain-day backup if the water park closes unexpectedly.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center
Two miles from the water park, the Interpretive Center is genuinely excellent — one of the finest Lewis and Clark museums in the country, directly on the Missouri River. Free for visitors 15 and under. A worthwhile morning stop before the noon water park opening.
How Electric City Compares to Other Montana Water Parks
Montana’s water park options are limited, and Electric City occupies a specific niche within them.
If you’re in the Helena area, Last Chance Splash Waterpark provides a similar municipal experience with its own attraction set. In Butte, Ridge Waters Water Park serves southwest Montana families. For the complete Montana water park comparison, see my Montana waterparks guide.
Electric City’s strengths when fully operational: the Mitchell Pool (largest heated outdoor pool in Montana), the Flow Rider (unique in north-central Montana), and pricing that remains genuinely affordable for families.
Its current weakness (summer 2026): two of three major attractions are closed — factor that into choosing it over a trip to Helena or Bozeman.
Safety Features and Policies
Lifeguards are stationed throughout the park with at least one dedicated to each major area. I’ve observed guards actively scanning their zones during my visits — a positive indicator of operational culture.
Height requirements are enforced without exceptions at the slide complex. Both too-short and too-tall situations are turned away politely. This firm enforcement is exactly what you want.
Life jackets: Free U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets are available on-site at no charge — one of the better family safety features of this park. Grab one at the entrance for children who need it.
Ages 0–7: Children in this age group must have an adult in the water with them in all pool areas, per city policy.
Swim diapers: Required for non-potty-trained children.
Accessibility
Main deck areas are wheelchair accessible. Transfer chairs are available for entering the pool area. The Little Squirts Soak Zone works well for visitors with mobility limitations supervising children.
The slides require climbing stairs and do present challenges for wheelchair users — standard for water parks of this era and construction type.
For the quietest and most accessible experience, weekday mornings in early June or late August provide the best combination of low crowds and mild conditions.
What to Pack: Verified Checklist
- Sunscreen (apply before arrival and reapply hourly) — Montana elevation + reflective water = fast burns
- Pool shoes or sandals — Concrete deck temperature by 1 PM makes bare feet unpleasant
- Towels — At least two per person; plan for one to be soaked
- Cash and card — Concessions accept both; have cash as backup
- Swim diapers — Required for infants and toddlers
- Goggles — Chlorinated pool; goggles improve the experience for underwater swimmers
- Waterproof phone case — $15 investment for better photos
- Layers — Montana weather shifts fast; have a light layer for cloud periods
- Water bottles — Verify current cooler policy before packing a full cooler (call 406-454-9008)
Note: The official city website states no personal coolers are permitted. This may have changed — verify before assuming you can bring a packed lunch.
Tips I’ve Learned From Multiple Visits
Arrive at noon. Park opens at noon; arrive then and you’ll get the closest parking, first access to slides with no wait, and best tube selection when the Lazy River is operating.
Claim chairs at the Mitchell Pool first. Shaded areas near the slide complex fill fastest. Lay towels on chairs immediately upon entering — this is accepted practice and the only way to secure a shaded spot on busy days.
The Wednesday Twilight Rate is legitimately good. From 5:00–8:00 PM on Wednesdays, full-package admission drops by $2. The late afternoon sun angle also means better shade across the pool deck. If weekday flexibility exists, Wednesday evening is the value pick.
Bring pool shoes and don’t debate it. I have watched adults do the hot-concrete foot-dance between pool and slides more times than I can count. This is preventable with $10 water shoes.
Set meeting points for older kids. The park isn’t enormous, but finding someone during peak crowd periods takes longer than expected. The park office entrance is the clearest and most consistent meeting landmark.
Call before driving long distances in 2026. The Flow Rider and Lazy River closures are active as of this writing. The city’s situation is fluid — upgrades, repairs, or partial reopening could change the offering. If you’re coming specifically for the Flow Rider experience, call (406) 454-9008 to confirm current status.
What Could Be Better: Honest Assessment
The facility shows its age. Concrete cracking on deck sections, faded paint, and dated restroom facilities are visible at 25+ years of operation. These are cosmetic issues that don’t affect safety, but visitors expecting a modern resort-style aesthetic should calibrate expectations.
Shade is limited despite the shade trees around the perimeter. Montana sun combined with reflective water is intense. The park would benefit from additional structures over the main deck areas.
The Flow Rider situation is the honest frustration. It has been a major attraction when working, and three consecutive seasons of closure have materially reduced what Electric City offers compared to its best years. The city is aware — community feedback has been significant, and budget conversations are ongoing.
Despite these critiques, Electric City remains excellent value for what it delivers: Montana’s largest heated outdoor pool, solid slides, a well-run children’s area, and an affordable price point that genuinely serves families on any budget.
Planning Your Full Day: Hour by Hour
11:45 AM: Arrive and park — 15 minutes early means prime parking and no line at gates.
12:00 PM: Enter at opening. Claim towels on chairs near the pool. Head to Power Tower slides immediately — lines are shortest for the first 60-90 minutes.
12:00–1:30 PM: Slides and pool time while crowds are lightest.
1:30–2:30 PM: Concession break (lines are manageable before 1:30 and after 2:30 — avoid exactly 1:30–2:00 rush).
2:30–4:30 PM: Afternoon session in the Mitchell Pool — the warm afternoon sun makes the heated pool feel refreshing. Little Squirts Soak Zone if you have young children.
4:30 PM–close: Crowds thin as families with younger children leave. Best time for repeat slide runs.
Post-park: Gibson Park for decompression, then downtown Great Falls for dinner. For Great Falls coffee before or after the visit, I have a full guide.
Final Thoughts
Electric City Water Park exemplifies what municipal recreation can accomplish when communities invest in family infrastructure.
It’s not a destination resort. It’s something more durable: an authentic Montana summer experience where local families and out-of-state visitors share the same pool, at prices that don’t require financial planning.
My daughter has grown up here. First the Little Squirts Soak Zone, then the smaller Power Tower slide, then the full complex. Electric City has woven itself into our family’s Montana summers in ways I didn’t anticipate that first visit.
Summer 2026 is leaner than usual — the Flow Rider and Lazy River closures are real, and the city is working to restore them. But the Mitchell Pool is open. The slides are open. The Little Squirts Soak Zone is full of shrieking children. On a hot Montana July afternoon, that’s still exactly where I want to be.
Just check the current status before you drive. And don’t forget the sunscreen.
For broader Montana family attractions and the best time to visit the state, see my complete Montana seasonal guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is open at Electric City Water Park in summer 2026?
As of summer 2026, the Mitchell Pool (Montana’s largest heated outdoor swimming pool), the Power Tower Plunge water slides, and the Little Squirts Soak Zone are open. The Flow Rider and Lazy River are closed due to structural safety issues — the Flow Rider has been closed for three consecutive seasons. Call the water park directly at (406) 454-9008 to confirm the current status before visiting, as the city is actively evaluating repair or replacement options.
How much does Electric City Water Park cost in 2026?
When the Flow Rider and Lazy River are closed, pricing reflects the available package: approximately $5 for adults and $3 for youth (3–17) for the Mitchell Pool, Power Tower slides, and Little Squirts Soak Zone. Full-package admission (when Flow Rider and Lazy River are operational) historically runs around $12 for adults and $10 for youth. Toddlers 2 and under are free with a paying adult (one per adult; additional 2-and-under are $1.50). Always verify current 2026 pricing by calling (406) 771-1265.
What are the hours for Electric City Water Park?
The park typically opens at 12:00 PM daily, closing at approximately 6:00 PM Monday through Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday, with extended hours until 8:00 PM on Wednesdays (when a Twilight Rate discount applies to the full package). The season runs from early June through Labor Day weekend. Hours can vary — always confirm via (406) 454-9008 before making a long drive.
Where is Electric City Water Park located?
Electric City Water Park is at 100 River Drive South, Great Falls, MT 59405 — along the Missouri River corridor adjacent to Gibson Park. From I-15, take the Central Avenue exit, head east to River Drive South, turn right, then take an immediate left into the water park entrance. Free parking is available on-site.
Does Electric City Water Park have a wave pool?
Electric City does not have a traditional wave pool. The park’s wave-like attraction is the Flow Rider — a continuous wave machine used for bodyboarding and surfing on a shallow sheet of fast-moving water. However, as of summer 2026, the Flow Rider is closed due to structural issues. The large Mitchell Pool (heated, L-shaped, Montana’s largest outdoor heated pool) is open and the park’s primary swimming venue.
Is there a lazy river at Electric City Water Park?
Electric City Water Park does have a Lazy River — approximately 800 feet long, with tubes historically included in full-package admission. However, the Lazy River is closed for summer 2026 due to newly identified structural safety concerns. Call (406) 454-9008 to verify when it may reopen.
Can you bring food and drinks to Electric City Water Park?
The official city website states that personal coolers are not permitted at Electric City Water Park. This conflicts with some older information about outside food being allowed in picnic areas. Call (406) 454-9008 before your visit to confirm the current food and beverage policy. The on-site concession stand serves hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, ice cream, and sodas at reasonable prices.
Are life jackets available at Electric City Water Park?
Yes — U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets are available free of charge at Electric City Water Park. You don’t need to bring your own. Children ages 0–7 must have an adult in the water with them in all pool areas per city policy.
What else is near Electric City Water Park in Great Falls?
Gibson Park is directly adjacent — playgrounds, walking paths, and a duck pond. Giant Springs State Park (one of the largest freshwater springs in the US) is about 15 minutes away. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center is approximately 2 miles away and free for visitors 15 and under. Downtown Great Falls with restaurants and the C.M. Russell Museum is about 10 minutes by car. For a full day itinerary, see my Great Falls, Montana guide.
How does Electric City compare to other Montana water parks?
Electric City stands out through its Mitchell Pool (Montana’s largest heated outdoor pool) and historically the Flow Rider — unique in north-central Montana. In a normal operating season, it offers the best combination of slide variety, wave experience, and municipal pricing in the state. In summer 2026, with two major attractions closed, Last Chance Splash Waterpark in Helena and Ridge Waters Water Park in Butte offer more complete experiences. See my Montana waterparks guide for the full state comparison.
