

The sterling Anaconda Pintler Mountains back this massive reservoir, offering a fun place for a day or weekend outing. One of the first major attractions on the highway heading west from Anaconda is Georgetown Lake. The route passes through large swaths of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. And with skiing, wilderness areas, and massive lakes along the way, it's a real avenue for adventure from Anaconda. It offers an incredibly scenic alternative to the interstate between Butte and Missoula. The Pintler Veterans' Memorial Scenic Highway is a 64-mile route that connects Anaconda to Philipsburg and Drummond.

Drive the Pintler Veteran's Memorial Scenic Highway Pintler Veterans' Memorial Scenic Highway | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane The site also has interpretive information detailing the stack's construction and its legacy tied to the copper industry.Ģ. Here, a concrete patio and tower viewers lend a slightly better look at the smelter stack, situated just over a mile away. Anaconda Smelter Stackįor one of the closest views and extra information, head to Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park, southeast of the town center. Still, thanks to its prominence, it's impossible not to catch a glimpse when passing through town. Visitors aren't allowed to approach the Smelter Stack or tour the facility. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in the region's upbringing. The Smelter Stack ceased operations in 1980. It stands today as the tallest freestanding brick structure in the world. This massive masonry was constructed in 1918 as part of the region's booming copper mining industry. Learn the History behind the Anaconda Smelter Stack Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park | Photo Copyright: Brad LaneĪ defining feature on the Anaconda horizon is the 585-foot-tall brick tower known as the Anaconda Smelter Stack.

From Missoula to Anaconda, it's a breathtakingly beautiful 100-mile drive.įind your next stop on a Montana vacation with our list of the top things to do in Anaconda.ġ. It offers a scenic detour for those traveling between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, and a popular route for a day trip from nearby Missoula. The Pintler Scenic Byway is a recommended alternate route from Interstate 90 on a Montana road trip. This scenic route connects Anaconda to Philipsburg and several adventure outlets within Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The town is at the tail end of the Pintler Veteran's Memorial Scenic Highway (Highway 1). The other half is venturing into the incredible surrounding Montana landscapes. These visual reminders include a record-breaking Smelter Stack on the horizon and black-sand bunkers at the local golf course.Įxploring the history of Anaconda is half the fun of visiting. Remnants of this prosperous era are still evident throughout the town today. Its industrious roots date back to the late 1800s and the massive copper mining industry that struck it rich across the region. Anaconda, in Southwest Montana, is one of the most historic towns in the state.
