Explore The Fascinating Story Behind Gibson Park

• Great Falls, Montana has 57 parks
• Gibson Park is one of the first 3 parks in Great Falls, named Gibson Park in 1903
• Gibson Park was a small zoo type park when it was first built

Gibson Park, The Jewel Of The Great Falls Park System

The city of Great Falls calls Gibson Park the Jewel of the Park System in Great Falls because

 it offers the widest variety of amenities of any park in the system. Weddings, concerts, events, or just enjoying a day in the park, Gibson Park has something for everyone.

It's true. Whenever I think of a killer city park Gibson Park always comes to mind. There's the bandshell, the beautiful flower gardens, the walking trail, the ducks and geese, the playground equipment, exercise equipment, and more. (I'm sure I missed something.)

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Gibson Park In Great Falls Has A Neat History

What's strange, is I can't find the actual year the park first opened. When it first opened it was called Cascade Park and was renamed for Paris Gibson in 1903

Of Gibson Park, The History Museum writes:

• The first years of the park there were deer, antelope, and elk on display
• In 1919 it was suggested that the animals be moved to another park for their own safety and for room in the park
• A deer attacked the park superintendent in 1923 when it went on a rampage
• The deer were "pensioned off" to the Highwood Mountains in 1932. Elk had been removed prior to that
• In 1973 a female swan was killed and dumped in an alley. Her mate went on a rampage spring of 1974 and 1975, even killing a whistling swan. He was rehabilitated and re-mated

Don't forget the legacy of the Vinegar Jones Cabin when visiting Gibson Park.

Read More on Vinegar Jones and his Great Falls Legacy Here

Take a look at the jewel of the park system here ⏬⏬

Sources: KVVR, The History Museum, City Of Great Falls