Elks Riverside Park

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River Drive North Between 6Th Street & 9Th Street Great Falls, Montana

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FAQ

Elks Riverside Park FAQ
What is Elks Riverside Park?
Elks Riverside Park is a popular recreational area located in Great Falls, Montana. It offers a variety of outdoor activities and amenities for residents and visitors.
Where is Elks Riverside Park located?
The park is situated between 6th Street and 9th Street in the western part of Great Falls, Montana. It’s close to the River Drive North corridor and is a key part of the Missouri River area.
What amenities does Elks Riverside Park have?
Elks Riverside Park features several amenities, including:
• A covered shelter
• Picnic tables
• Restroom facilities
• Play equipment
• Tennis courts
• Horseshoe pits
• Open space for recreational activities
Is Elks Riverside Park a dog park?
Yes, Elks Riverside Park is a designated dog park area. It's a popular spot for dog owners to exercise and play with their pets.
Can I reserve a picnic shelter or open space area?
Yes, reservations are available for picnic shelters and open space areas within the park. This allows you to secure a specific area for your group or event.
What is the park’s history?
The human history of the park dates back at least 11,000 years to Native American settlements. In the late 19th century, the river was known as Roche Jaune, a translation of the Hidatsa name Mi tsi a-da-zi ("Yellow Stone River"). The park has seen significant development, including the completion of a spur line in 1883 which greatly increased visitation. The park's development is linked to the growth of tourism to the area. There have been significant fire events in the park's history, including large wildfires that caused significant damage and required extensive firefighting efforts.
What wildlife can I expect to see near the park?
Elks Riverside Park is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which supports a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, bison and many bird species. The Yellowstone hot springs may also prove useful to scientists who are searching for cures for various diseases.
What transportation options are available to reach Elks Riverside Park?
The closest air transport is available by way of Bozeman, Montana; Billings, Montana; Jackson; Cody, Wyoming, or Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Are there any nearby attractions or communities?
Elks Riverside Park is located near several other attractions and communities, including West Yellowstone, Montana; Cody, Wyoming; Red Lodge, Montana; Ashton, Idaho; and Gardiner, Montana.
How do I find more information about Elks Riverside Park?
You can find more detailed information, including hours of operation and specific rules, on the official website: [https://www.mapquest.com/us/montana/elks-riverside-park-473178031](https://www.mapquest.com/us/montana/elks-riverside-park-473178031)

About

Elks Riverside Park – Great Falls, Montana Elks Riverside Park is a popular recreational area located in Great Falls, Montana.

It’s a fantastic destination for dog owners and those who enjoy outdoor activities.

The park features a covered shelter, picnic tables, restroom facilities, play equipment, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and open space.

It’s situated near the River’s Edge Trail and connects to the Missouri River.

Reservations are available for picnic shelters and open space areas.

The park is situated between 6th Street and 9th Street in the western part of town.

It’s close to the River Drive North corridor.

The park is part of the Missouri River area.

You can find more information about the park's history and activities on the official website: https://www.mapquest.com/us/montana/elks-riverside-park-473178031 The history of Elks Riverside Park is rich and dates back to the late 18th century when French trappers named the river Roche Jaune, likely a translation of the Hidatsa name Mi tsi a-da-zi ("Yellow Stone River").

Later, American trappers rendered the French name in English as "Yellow Stone".

The park’s development was also influenced by the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the late 19th century, which spurred tourism to the area.

Visitors in these early years faced challenging travel conditions, including poor roads and limited services.

Beyond its recreational offerings, Elks Riverside Park is situated within a region of significant geological and ecological importance.

Yellowstone National Park, home to over half of the world’s geysers and hydrothermal features, is nearby.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest remaining nearly intact ecosystem in the northern temperate zone, also surrounds the park.

Research into the park's unique geothermal features continues, with potential for scientific discovery, including the identification of thermophiles like Hadesarchaea capable of converting carbon monoxide and water to carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Nearby communities include West Yellowstone, Montana; Cody, Wyoming; Red Lodge, Montana; Ashton, Idaho; and Gardiner, Montana.

The closest air transport is available by way of Bozeman, Montana; Billings, Montana; Jackson; Cody, Wyoming, or Idaho Falls, Idaho.

History

Elks Riverside Park – Great Falls, Montana Elks Riverside Park is a popular recreational area located in Great Falls, Montana.

It’s a destination for dog owners and those who enjoy outdoor activities.

The park features a covered shelter, picnic tables, restroom facilities, play equipment, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and open space.

It’s situated near the River’s Edge Trail and connects to the Missouri River.

Reservations are available for picnic shelters and open space areas.

The park is situated between 6th Street and 9th Street in the western part of town.

It’s close to the River Drive North corridor.

The park is part of the Missouri River area.

The human history of the park began at least 11,000 years ago when Native Americans utilized the area.

The river was originally named Roche Jaune by French trappers, translating roughly to “Yellow Stone River.” Later, American trappers rendered this name into English.

The area’s development was also influenced by the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad, which spurred increased tourism in the late 19th century.

Significant fires occurred in the park during the early 20th century, highlighting the region’s natural fire risks.

Yellowstone National Park, a globally significant geothermal area, is nearby, contributing to the region’s natural beauty and scientific interest.

Today, the park remains a vital recreational space and a connection to the area’s rich history and geological significance.

You can find more information about the park's history and activities on the official website: [https://www.mapquest.com/us/montana/elks-riverside-park-473178031](https://www.mapquest.com/us/montana/elks-riverside-park-473178031)

Categories

Park River Shelter Picnic Tables Restroom Facilities Play Equipment Tennis Courts Horseshoe Pits Open Space

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