Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park
Marvel at the world's largest free-standing masonry structure, a towering testament to Montana's industrial past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for photos & history
Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park
Best Time
Best for photos & history
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Marvel at the world's largest free-standing masonry structure, a towering testament to Montana's industrial past. 
"A quick stop with a great story and history of a part of Montana. "
📸 Capture the Scale
Bring your camera for stunning photos, especially with interesting skies!
📚 Read the History
Take time to read the informative plaques; they tell a great story.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Anaconda Smoke Stack
Center of the park
Marvel at the world's largest free-standing masonry structure, a towering testament to industrial might.
+1Historical Plaques
Around the base of the stack
Learn the fascinating history of this colossal smelter stack and its impact on Montana.
Binocular Viewpoint
Designated viewing area
Get a closer look at the intricate details of the stack from afar with provided binoculars.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Quick Stop with a Big Story
Best Views and Photo Ops
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Scale
Bring your camera for stunning photos, especially with interesting skies!
📚 Read the History
Take time to read the informative plaques; they tell a great story.
🔭 Use the Binoculars
Get a closer look at the stack's details with the provided binoculars.
🚗 Quick Pit Stop
Perfect for a short break during a road trip to stretch your legs.
The Anaconda Smelting Tower State Park, only open to the public during Smelterman Days.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Scale
Bring your camera for stunning photos, especially with interesting skies!
📚 Read the History
Take time to read the informative plaques; they tell a great story.
🔭 Use the Binoculars
Get a closer look at the stack's details with the provided binoculars.
🚗 Quick Pit Stop
Perfect for a short break during a road trip to stretch your legs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park to be an impressive and historically significant stop, particularly for its unique, colossal structure. While some note there isn't much to 'do' beyond viewing and reading, many appreciate it as a quick, educational break during road trips and a great spot for photography, especially with dramatic weather.
"Great place to capture the essence of this place. We stayed at the hotel nearby and were able to catch some great pics from a passing storm."
James Cooper
"There is some interesting information on the plaques, but there's not much to it."
Deann Bowen
"Quick stop while traveling, great story and history of a part of Montana."
Jerry J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is easily accessible by car, located just off I-90 near Anaconda, Montana. It's a straightforward drive, making it a convenient stop for travelers.
Yes, it's often included in day trips around Anaconda, Montana, alongside places like the Washoe Theater and Smelter City Brewing.
Most visitors approach via local roads from Anaconda town. The park is well-signed and easy to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park is generally free. It's a public park designed for viewing the historic stack.
The park is typically open year-round during daylight hours, allowing visitors to experience it at their convenience.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park. It's a free attraction for all visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
No, you cannot go inside the Anaconda Smoke Stack. It is a protected historical structure, and access is restricted.
The main activity is viewing and photographing the massive smoke stack. There are also informative plaques detailing its history and binoculars for a closer look.
The park is primarily for viewing from a central area. There isn't extensive hiking, making it suitable for a quick stop.
Basic facilities might be available, but it's advisable to check with local tourism resources for the most up-to-date information on amenities.
Yes, it's a great spot for kids to run around a bit while adults read about the history. The sheer size of the stack is impressive for all ages.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful. Dramatic skies, like passing storms, also create incredible photo opportunities.
You can capture wide-angle shots to show its immense scale against the sky, or closer shots of its brickwork and the surrounding landscape.
The main viewing area offers a clear, unobstructed view of the stack, perfect for general photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as amenities might be limited. The park's accessibility makes it easy for families with strollers or young children. It's a memorable and educational stop that sparks curiosity about the past.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
The park's straightforward access and minimal time commitment make it a convenient addition to any itinerary. You can easily spend 30-60 minutes here, absorbing the scale of the stack and its historical context before continuing your journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Colossal Anaconda Smoke Stack
+1 Its construction was a monumental feat of engineering, designed to disperse the toxic fumes from the nearby copper smelter over a wider area. Today, it stands as a silent, imposing monument to Montana's rich mining history and the industrial era.Visitors can appreciate the stack from a designated viewing area. While you can't ascend the structure, informative plaques surround its base, offering detailed insights into its construction, purpose, and the historical context of the Anaconda Copper Company. For those who want an even closer look, binoculars are often available at the site, allowing you to observe the intricate brickwork and sheer scale of this architectural marvel from a distance.
The park itself is more of a historical viewpoint than a traditional recreational park with extensive trails. It's an ideal stop for photography enthusiasts,
especially when dramatic Montana skies provide a stunning backdrop. Many visitors find it a compelling and quick stop to grasp a significant piece of local heritage. A Glimpse into Montana's Industrial Past
The historical significance of the stack is palpable. It's not just a tall structure; it represents a pivotal chapter in American industrial history and the development of the Western United States. Learning about the company, the workers, and the environmental challenges provides a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped communities like Anaconda.
While the park is a quick visit, it leaves a lasting impression. It's a place where you can stand in awe of human ingenuity and ponder the legacy of industrialization. For those interested in history, architecture, or simply unique roadside attractions, the Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park is a must-see.
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