The Ultimate Guide to Tennis in Great Falls, MT

Courts, Communities, and Competition in the Electric City

Quick Guide & FAQs

Short on time? Here are the most common questions answered for new arrivals and visitors looking to play.

How to find hitting partners locally?
Reach out to the Great Falls Tennis Association (GFTA) via greatfallstennis.com or visit the public courts at Elk's Riverside Park (Hurd Courts) during early evenings. GFTA organizes leagues and social events perfect for meeting local players.
Best way for visitors to find a quick match?
As a visitor, joining local drop-in clinics at the Great Falls Swim & Tennis Club (gfsandt.com) or contacting the GFTA for their current social play schedule are your quickest routes to getting on court with locals.
How to secure court time during a short visit?
Public outdoor courts, like those at Montana Park and Elk's Riverside Park, are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're visiting between October and April, book indoor clay court time at the Great Falls Swim & Tennis Club (contact them directly regarding visitor guest fees and availability).
Where to join private or group lessons?
The Pass Academy located at the Great Falls Swim & Tennis Club (passacademygfst.com) offers top-tier adult and junior programs. Seasonal lessons and summer clinics are also provided by the City of Great Falls Parks & Recreation (greatfallsmt.gov).
How to connect with 2.0-4.0 level players?
The most effective way for beginners to intermediate players to find evenly matched partners is to sign up for USTA recreational leagues and local ladders organized by the GFTA (greatfallstennis.com) or to attend Parks & Rec adult clinics.

Why Great Falls is a Great City for Tennis Travelers

For the avid tennis traveler, Great Falls offers a welcoming, tight-knit community set against the beautiful scenic backdrop of central Montana. The city boasts a surprising number of well-maintained public parks, making it incredibly easy to find an open court on a beautiful summer day. Local organizers are passionate about the sport, and players here are generally very friendly and eager to welcome newcomers for a hit. Whether you love the fresh mountain air of outdoor play or need an indoor clay court during the winter, Great Falls has a community ready to play.

Courts & Facilities

Great Falls features a mix of free public park courts and private club facilities.

Public Parks (First-Come, First-Served)

The city manages several public hard courts. They are free to use and generally do not require reservations.

Facility Name Address / Location Count Surface Access
Hurd Courts (Elk's Riverside Park) 500 River Drive North 4 Hard Free
Montana Park 2000 Fox Farm Road 4 Hard Free
Lion's Park 2701 10th Ave South 2 Hard Free
West Kiwanis Park 1st Avenue NW & 9th Street 2 Hard Free
North Kiwanis Park 509 23rd Street North 2 Hard Free
Sunrise Park 835 Beth Drive 1 Hard Free
Russell Park 15th Avenue South & 33rd Street 1 Hard Free
More info: greatfallsmt.gov

Private & Indoor Facilities

Great Falls Swim & Tennis Club
This facility offers three clay courts. A unique feature is their "Tennis Bubble," which goes up from October to April, providing vital indoor play during Montana's cold winters. Contact the club for membership details or visitor access policies.

Website: gfsandt.com

Community, Associations & Leagues

The heart of the local tennis scene is the Great Falls Tennis Association (GFTA), a non-profit dedicated to advocating for recreational tennis, organizing tournaments, and promoting physical fitness.

  • Leagues: The GFTA works with USTA Montana to run adult and junior leagues, City Championships, and local ladders.
  • Parks & Rec: The city facilitates seasonal leagues and community events.
  • Notable Players: While Montana is known more for its competitive collegiate programs (like MSU and UM) rather than producing famous ATP/WTA touring pros, the Great Falls high school scene (especially C.M. Russell High School) and local adult USTA leagues boast highly competitive, locally celebrated players.
Get involved: greatfallstennis.com

Lessons & Coaching

  • Pass Academy: Located at the Great Falls Swim & Tennis Club, this is the premier instructional hub. Directed by Gjorgji Popoviski, they offer junior camps, adult clinics, and private coaching.
    Website: passacademygfst.com
  • Parks & Recreation: The city provides affordable summer lessons for beginners and intermediate players of all ages.
    Website: greatfallsmt.gov
  • Meadowlark Country Club: Offers lessons for members and occasionally hosts instructional events.
    Website: meadowlarkcc.com

Shops, Stringing & Services

Need your racket restrung or looking for new gear? You have a couple of solid options in town:

  • SCHEELS (Holiday Village Mall): A massive sporting goods store that offers professional racquet stringing services. Associates can help recommend strings and tension based on your play style. Turnaround is typically within 24 hours.
    Website: scheels.com
  • Great Falls Swim & Tennis Club Pro Shop: Provides full-service stringing and racquet repair tailored specifically for tennis players.
    Website: gfsandt.com