Nestled in the heart of Gibson Park, the Snack Shack has been a beloved part of the Great Falls community for the past eight years. Jonathan Bass and his father transformed the former Park and Ponder restaurant, which sat vacant for a decade, into a bustling, seasonal locale for park visitors.  

Operating from April to October, the Snack Shack offers a range of delightful treats. At the top of the best-sellers list are the slushies, available in eight different flavors. According to Bass, during their six- to seven-month season, they sell more slushies than anywhere else in Montana. You can also find a Great Falls favorite, Beer Baron sausages, which can be topped with chili and cheese.

The Snack Shack also serves up “snacks” to the park’s feathered residents. Instead of bread, which according to Bass can harm the ducks, the Snack Shack sells zoo-grade waterfowl food. For just $1 you can buy duck food that keeps the ducks and the pond healthy. 

In addition to serving delicious snacks, the Snack Shack hosts free movie nights in the park, providing families with entertainment without breaking the bank. On Friday, Aug. 16, the Snack Shack will show 'Instant Family' on its massive 27-foot screen, followed by 'Despicable Me 4' on Friday, Sept. 13. The movies will begin when the sky darkens. 

Whether you're looking for a refreshing treat, an affordable and healthy way to feed the ducks, or an opportunity to see a free summer movie, the Snack Shack at Gibson Park is the place to be.

The Snack Shack by the Numbers

8: Different slushy flavors offered, including the popular huckleberry.‍

10: The number of years the building was vacant before the Bass family transformed it.‍

9 AM to 6 PM: Operating hours, seven days a week, from April to October.‍

200: Pounds of waterfowl food sold weekly to ensure the ducks are well-fed with healthy options.‍

27: The size in feet of the giant screen used for free movie nights in the park.‍

$1: The cost of the waterfowl food, making it affordable for families to feed the ducks responsibly.

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