Events scheduled at Great Falls area state parks

GREAT FALLS – Several events are scheduled in August at Giant Springs and First Peoples Buffalo Jump state parks near Great Falls. There is no cost to Montana residents to attend the programs. An $8 entrance fee applies at Montana state parks for all nonresident vehicles.

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park Mammoth Hunt

The annual Mammoth Hunt will be held at First Peoples Buffalo Jump park on Saturday and Sunday Aug. 12 – 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This popular event allows visitors to try the atlatl, an ancient form of hunting which pre-dates the bow and arrow. Park staff will be assisted by Jim Ray, who has more than twenty years of experience with this ancient weapon.

Visitors will also have a chance to shoot primitive archery equipment and throw tomahawks with Billy Maxwell, a cultural anthropologist who will share these traditional skills. George Bryce from Helena will demonstrate flint knapping on Saturday, and Don “Doc” Woerner D.V.M. from Laurel will showcase his unique bison and mammoth bone display on both days of the event.

No advance registration is required for the Mammoth Hunt. For more information please visit https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/first-peoples-buffalo-jump or call 406-866-2217.

Giant Springs State Park Trivia Night

The Tuesday Trivia Night in the Park series continues from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. Advanced registration is not required for this family friendly event, just bring your team of seven or less along with blankets or chairs to the grassy area in front of the Giant Springs to enjoy a fun trivia competition and compete for prizes. The event is weather dependent, so check for weekly updates on the parks Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=giant%20springs%20heritage%20state%20park

Giant Springs State Park Junior Ranger Orienteering and Navigation

Kids aged 7 to 12 are invited to Giant Springs State Park on August 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for a program on orienteering and navigation. Learn about compasses and how to use them, how to navigate using a map, participate in a treasure hunt, and earn a junior ranger badge. Please wear close-toed shoes and bring sunscreen and water.

Advanced registration is required for this event, and space is limited. Please visit the park or call 406-727-1212 for more information.