Ryan Island Park Picnic Area

Ryan Island Park, public recreational picnic area, is located just downstream from Ryan Dam, which is part of the Great Falls Portage National Historic Landmark. The Great Falls Portage National Historic Landmark was designated by the federal government in 1966 to commemorate Lewis and Clark's travel around the five falls of the Missouri River in the summer of 1805.

Ryan Dam is a six-unit hydroelectric plant on the Missouri River. Near the dam and park, you can access the River's Edge Trail, which meanders through Great Falls and connects parks and other points of interest along the Missouri River.

The park is in the middle of the Missouri River connected by a suspension bridge over the power plant wash of Ryan Dam. The picnic area with it's picnic shelters and tables is a popular spot for families. See fantastic views of the falls from the visitor's view point. The picnic area is open to the public Mother's Day through Labor Day daylight to dark, seven days a week. Reservations are not required to use this facility.

The historic Ryan Dam Clubhouse is an indoor facility just above the Ryan Dam picnic area. The clubhouse has a kitchen, equipped with two stoves and two refrigerators, a reception hall and restrooms. It's available for public use and free of charge from Mother's Day through Labor Day. Reservations must be made by e-mailing or by calling. Cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, garbage cans and garbage bags are provided. All we ask is that guests clean up the area before they leave.

Both the clubhouse and picnic area are handicapped accessible.