Simms Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Simms is easily accessible via Highway 200, approximately 30 minutes west of Great Falls, Montana's third-largest city. Visitors from Helena can reach Simms in about an hour's drive northeast, while those traveling from Missoula should plan for a 2.5-hour journey eastward. The Great Falls Transit Authority operates limited bus service to Simms during weekdays. If arriving by car, ample free parking is available near the ferry terminal, with both short-term and long-term options for travelers continuing their journey by water. For those without personal transportation, several local shuttle services can be arranged with advance booking.

Nestled along the scenic banks of the Sun River in central Montana, Simms serves as the perfect launching point for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. This charming riverside community combines small-town warmth with proximity to some of the most pristine waterways in the American West. As a ferry destination, Simms offers travelers a unique perspective on Montana's natural beauty, with waterborne access to wilderness areas that showcase the state's rugged splendor.

Simms enjoys a typical northern Rocky Mountain climate, with four distinct seasons and considerable temperature variations throughout the year. Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the most pleasant conditions, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 65°F to 85°F. June brings lush greenery and peak water levels in local rivers, ideal for ferry travel and fishing enthusiasts targeting the famous salmon fly hatch. Late summer features abundant wild berries and fewer visitors, while September delivers spectacular foliage and excellent conditions for photography. Ferry services operate most frequently during summer months, with reduced schedules during shoulder seasons and weather-dependent service in winter.

From Simms' ferry port, travelers can access several captivating destinations along Montana's intricate waterway system. The historic trading post of Fort Shaw lies just a 25-minute ferry ride downstream, offering well-preserved 19th-century buildings and interpretive exhibits about frontier life. Nature enthusiasts should consider the 40-minute journey to Sun River Wildlife Management Area, where over 200 bird species and abundant wildlife can be observed in protected wetland habitats. For a full-day excursion, the 90-minute scenic ferry route to Gibson Reservoir rewards passengers with breathtaking mountain views and access to pristine hiking trails. The Sun River canyon route is particularly magnificent, as the ferry navigates between towering limestone cliffs draped with pine forests.

Simms punches well above its weight when it comes to outdoor recreation and cultural experiences. The Sun River offers world-class fly fishing opportunities, with local guides specializing in helping visitors land trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout. History buffs will appreciate the Simms Heritage Museum, showcasing artifacts from the area's Native American heritage and early European settlement. For culinary delights, the River's Edge Café serves authentic Montana fare, including locally-raised bison burgers and huckleberry pie that locals swear by. The charming Main Street district, just steps from the ferry terminal, features locally-owned shops selling handcrafted goods, perfect for finding unique souvenirs of your Montana adventure.

Despite its small population of under 400 residents, Simms has produced three Olympic athletes over the years, all in winter sports disciplines. The town's ferry service dates back to 1876, when it was established to transport cattle across the Sun River before any bridges existed in the region. Local legend claims that famed western artist Charlie Russell sketched some of his most famous works while waiting for the Simms ferry during frequent trips between Great Falls and his cabin. The unusual rock formations visible from the ferry route were featured in several classic Western films of the 1950s, though they were often portrayed as being in Wyoming or Colorado.