Thompson Falls Montana is a beautiful river valley town nestled along the banks of the Clark Fork River and offers a small community lifestyle. It is a wonderful place to live, retire or vacation!
Fun Activities & Attractions in Thompson Falls Montana
Thompson Falls Montana is a quaint town nestled in the beautiful Clark Fork River Valley. Millions of acres of National Forest provide hiking, camping and wildlife viewing opportunities year round.
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The 25,000 square foot Splash Montana Water Park has two story play areas, slides, and tupping buckets. Its leisure pool, mini golf course, and slides are sure to excite children of all ages.
Historic Old Jail Museum & Big Hole Lookout
The old jail building was originally built as a sheriff’s residence, jail and county office. It now serves as a museum with displays depicting the early eras of Thompson Falls.
Old Jail Museum & Big Hole Viewpoint is open Memorial Day through Labor Day and features historical artifacts, images and maps of the development of Thompson Falls. The displays focus on mining, logging, farming and ranching in the region.
Mountain Bike Trails – Moat Mineral Site and Blue Slide trails are popular with local and out of state riders. The trails are easy to navigate and offer great views of the surrounding mountains.
Located on the beautiful Clark Fork River, Thompson Falls Dam creates a picturesque reservoir that provides for fishing, boating and swimming in the warmer months. It also is a wonderful place for family picnics and nature walks.
Library – The Thompson Falls Public Library is one of the 17 founding members of the Montana Shared Catalog; a cooperative project between public, school, academic, medical and special libraries that pooled their resources to purchase a robust library automation system.
The library offers several services and programs, including a Montana/local history section, large print books, magazines, newspaper subscriptions, free computers, downloadable e-books, audio books, and online home access to the library catalog.
The area is also known for its outstanding hiking trails. From family-friendly, out-and-back options to challenging hikes to soaring mountain peaks, there is something for everyone!
Thompson Falls High Bridge #1
Thompson Falls is a small town on the Clark Fork River and Noxon Reservoirs, off Highway 200, just 100 miles northwest of Missoula. The city offers a wide variety of restaurants, accommodations, and stores.
The historic High Bridge across the Clark Fork River was built in 1911 to support construction of the Thompson Falls hydroelectric dam. It’s 588 feet long and stands on a combination of Pratt and Parker trusses.
For many years it was the primary road bridge between Thompson Falls and Cherry Creek. But in the 1970s it became a hazard to both pedestrians and vehicles due to deterioration of the decking.
But thanks to the efforts of local residents, state and federal government officials, this important historical landmark was restored in 2009-2010. The result is a restored bridge and public park for the community.
A walking tour of the refurbished bridge is a must for heritage travel enthusiasts. It gives visitors a glimpse into the past and shows how wild Thompson Falls was in the early 20th century.
The Old Jail Museum is housed in a 100-year-old former jail/sheriff’s residence and offers a wealth of local history. The museum features displays about David Thompson, the 1910 Fires, CCC camps and a period kitchen. It’s open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, noon-4pm daily.
| Address | 1111 Main Street, Thompson Falls, MT 59873 |
| Built | 1911 |
Old Jail Museum #2
The Old Jail Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Thompson Falls and Sanders County. The museum is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and has a wide variety of displays to explore.
The jail, which was built in 1907, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It served as the jail, sheriff’s office and residence. Visitors can see a variety of artifacts from the jail including a potbelly stove, chamber pots and a charred area on the floor where a fire was set.
They can also see scribbling on the walls of the cell block made by inmates. They can also visit a cell that once held a prisoner named Paul “Turkey Pete” Eitner, who became so delusional while he was incarcerated that he believed he was running the prison himself.
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, Old Montana Prison is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about Montana’s criminal justice system. The museum reveals a wealth of information through its displays and exhibits that include original schedules, rules, prisoner artwork and even moldering blankets on some of the iron cots in its prison cells.
| Address | 109 Madison St, Thompson Falls, MT 59873, USA |
| Phone | +1 406-827-4002 |
Thompson Falls Community Trails #3
With a plethora of fun activities & attractions, Thompson Falls Montana is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a getaway. Be it a family holiday, a romantic vacation, or a solo trip, this charming town will surely offer you a memorable experience.
To make the most of your trip, it is advisable to plan a few things in advance. For example, if you want to hike, it is best to check the weather conditions before heading out. There are plenty of trails in the area which you can explore on foot. These trail systems are a great way to exercise and get in touch with nature.
A popular route in the area is the Blossom Lakes Trail. This out-and-back trail offers views of the surrounding forest as well as a beautiful lake. Another excellent hike is the Fishtrap Lake Trail. This trail takes you through a forest full of ponderosa pine, larch, and beargrass.
If you are planning a camping trip, Thompson Falls State Park is the perfect choice for you. This park offers 17 campsites where you can enjoy tranquility amidst the natural beauty of the place. You can also swim in the river, or go for fishing.
| Address | 2220 Blue Slide Rd. Thompson Falls, MT 59873 |
| Main address | PO Box 424. Thompson Falls, MT 59873 United States |
Thompson Falls State Park #4
If you’re looking to experience a relaxing and fun vacation in Montana, you’ll want to spend time at Thompson Falls State Park. This 36-acre recreational area is home to a beautiful riverside campground, as well as a variety of outdoor recreation activities.
The park features a number of day use areas and a hiking trail that allows you to explore the surrounding natural landscapes. It also offers a boat ramp and beach area that are perfect for enjoying summer days! There are a total of 17 campsites at the campground. Each site has drinking water, vault toilets and river access.
You can choose to camp in a tent or a motorhome at the campground. Camping fees are $20 per night for RVs and $15 for tents. Located along the Clark Fork River, the park’s campground has 17 campsites with water and electric hookups. It is a pet-friendly and family-friendly campground.
The campground’s amenities include a fishing pond, picnic shelter, fire rings and more. The park also offers a newly constructed accessible trail that connects to the Powerhouse Loop Trail and downtown Thompson Falls.
| Address | 2220 Blue Slide Rd. Thompson Falls MT 59873 |
| Phone | Project Office: (406)827-3110) |
Sunflower Gallery #5
Sunflowers are a rare occurrence in the wild, but when they appear they are a sight to behold. Some of the best places to catch a show include Coastal Ridge Farm in Picayune, Mississippi and the 32-acre Zilke Vegetable Farm in Milan, Michigan. In fact, there is a growing number of flower farms that offer an eye-catching sunflower experience.
One of the most exciting aspects of a sunflower tour is getting to see them at close quarters, so bring your camera and get ready to get some great shots. The sunflowers are usually out and about from July through early October, so be sure to pick up your tickets in advance.
The Sunflower Gallery has a bit of everything, including the usual floral offerings as well as some very impressive handicrafts. You might not have a whole lot of time to shop around, but the selections are impressive enough to make it a worthwhile detour from your sightseeing itinerary.
The Sunflower gallery is a must see on your next trip to Thompson Falls. The best part is that you don’t even need to leave town to experience it, just a short drive on the highway will take you there and back again.
| Address | 301 W Main St, Thompson Falls, MT 59873, USA |
| Phone | +1 406-210-7052 |
Thompson Falls Pickleball #6
A racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and ping pong, pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America. It is played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net and is suitable for all skill levels.
The City of Billings Parks and Recreation Department recently repurposed two former tennis courts at Lillis Park into six regulation pickleball courts. The rules of play are similar to those of tennis, but the oversized ping-pong style paddles cause the game to move at a slower pace.
Players are divided into two teams and the team with the most points wins the game. The ball is served diagonally (starting with the right-hand service-square) and points can only be scored by the side that serves. If the server faults, the point is awarded to the opposing side.
The first side to score eleven points and lead by two or more wins the game. If you are interested in learning more about the sport, consider joining a local group or signing up for lessons. The City of Billings Parks and Rec is offering beginner adult pickleball lessons beginning next Tuesday, September 29th at Lillis Park from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.
| Address | 2220 Blue Slide Rd, Thompson Falls, MT 59873, USA |
| Phone | +1 406-751-4590 |
| Management | Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks |
Crazy Woman Kayaks #7
When you’re visiting Glacier National Park in Montana, it’s easy to get lost in the grandeur of the landscape. You can go hiking, take in waterfalls, or visit the Going-to-the-Sun Road, but if you want to experience true wilderness, there are few things better than kayaking.
The aptly named Crazy Woman Kayaks, located in Thompson Falls, offers kayaking tours on the Flathead River. Their guide will give you the equipment and safety instructions you need to get out on the water. They can accommodate a variety of ages and abilities, so even those who aren’t particularly athletic can have fun!
They also have a very nice 9ft kayak that handles small rapids well. There are a few things that bug him about it though: It tracks great and doesn’t need much adjustment while you’re paddling.
If you’re going to be in it a lot on a slow moving river and you want to have a drink or sunscreen with you, the foam will trap that in and make getting the item back difficult. This kayak has some really nice features that make it perfect for ponds and lakes as well. It comes with a security bar, a drain plug, ergonomic carry toggles, and beverage holders.
| Address | 115 Broad Street South, Thompson Falls, MT 59873, USA |
| Phone | +1 406-827-0052 |
FAQs about Thompson Falls Montana
What is Thompson Falls known for?
Thompson Falls is a small town in Montana known for its scenic beauty, particularly the Thompson River and the waterfall that gives the town its name. The area is popular for fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities, and is also home to the Sanders County Fairgrounds and the annual Sanders County Fair.
How big is Thompson Falls?
Thompson Falls has a population of approximately 1,300 people and covers an area of 1.5 square miles. It is located in Sanders County in northwestern Montana, about 100 miles from Missoula and 70 miles from the Canadian border. The town is small and rural, with a quiet and laid-back atmosphere.
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