Honker Hilton to Reopen Friday for Wintertime Guests in Great Falls

For most of us, the signals of summer ending in Montana are pretty obvious.  Trees turning, lawns growing less and less, or just the realization of the days getting shorter.

via GIPHY

But if none of that has impressed upon you that fall and winter are here, there is one last notification to drive home that point coming this Friday in Great Falls.  Which means just a couple of days left to visit the soon to be residents of the Honker Hilton.

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Honker Hilton to Reopen Friday for Wintertime Guests in Great Falls

The City of Great Falls Park and Recreation Department have announced that coming this Friday October 16, 2026, the residents of the Gibson Park Pond will be heading to their winter palace, affectionately known as the "Honker Hilton" to residents.

three mallard ducks on water

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Instead of heading to somewhere with a little warmer temperature, many of the waterfowl are rounded up each fall by the Parks Department and housed in the shelter through the harshness of the Montana winter.

How to Take in the Annual Roundup at Gibson Pond in Great Falls for 2026

The yearly roundup with the Great Falls Park and Recreation Department will begin at 10:30am at the pond.  The public is welcome to attend the family friendly event as the ducks make their way to their winter home.

white duck on green grass during daytime

Once at the facility, the Park and Recreation Department said that the "ducks will enjoy an indoor pool and daily feedings in the Honker Hilton until they're released back into Gibson Pond in the spring."