Electric City, Great Falls vs Big Sky, Columbia Falls
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Electric City, Great Falls | Big Sky, Columbia Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Electric City, Great Falls
- surfing simulator
- splash pad
Only at Big Sky, Columbia Falls
- wave pool
- lazy river
- tube rentals
- picnic areas
- season passes
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Electric City, Great Falls
Montana
Electric City Water Park is Great Falls' municipal gem that proves city-run doesn't mean second-rate. The FlowRider surfing simulator is absolutely the star here – it's one of the few flow riders you'll find in Montana, and watching kids (and brave adults) attempt to bodyboard or skim board on the artificial wave never gets old. The learning curve is steep but the staff does a solid job coaching first-timers through the basics. Beyond the FlowRider, this park caters heavily to families with younger kids. The children's play area features multiple water slides sized for little ones, dumping buckets, and interactive spray features that keep toddlers entertained for hours. There's also a decent-sized swimming pool for actual lap swimming if you're looking to get some exercise in. The facility feels well-maintained for a municipal operation – the concrete is in good shape and the water stays clean. Don't expect the bells and whistles of a major commercial water park, but do expect a solid day of fun without breaking the bank. The park gets busy on hot summer weekends, so arriving right when they open gives you the best shot at shorter lines for the FlowRider. Parking fills up fast too, so plan accordingly. The concession stand covers the basics with typical pool food – hot dogs, nachos, candy – nothing fancy but reasonably priced. Bring your own sunscreen because Montana sun at this elevation will fry you faster than you think. The park operates seasonally from late May through early…
Read the full Electric City, Great Falls guide →Big Sky, Columbia Falls
Montana
Big Sky Water Park in Columbia Falls gives you that classic Montana outdoor water park experience without breaking the bank. This family-owned park sits in the shadow of Glacier National Park, making it a perfect stop during your Montana vacation. The park keeps things simple but fun with a solid mix of water slides that range from gentle slopes for younger kids to faster rides that'll get your heart pumping. The wave pool here is surprisingly good for a smaller park, and the lazy river actually has enough current to keep you moving without having to paddle yourself around. What I really appreciate about Big Sky is how well they've designed their kids' area. It's got mini slides, water features, and shallow pools that let parents actually relax while keeping an eye on little ones. The staff here clearly knows most visitors are tourists, so they're genuinely helpful about everything from locker locations to the best times to hit popular slides. Since you're in Montana, the sun can be deceiving. Bring more sunscreen than you think you need, especially at this elevation. The park gets busy during peak summer months, so arriving right when they open gives you the best shot at shorter lines. Food options are typical water park fare, but the portions are generous and reasonably priced. If you've got a larger group, their picnic areas are actually nice spots to claim early in the day. The mountain backdrop makes this place feel different from your typical suburban…
Read the full Big Sky, Columbia Falls guide →Ready to visit Electric City, Great Falls?