Set against a backdrop of the rolling Pintlers, the town of Anaconda has a charming streetscape that tells the story of the region’s Victorian-era mining boom. Spot clues that hint at Anaconda’s copper smelting days in the town’s impressive architecture. Gain an insight into the town’s heritage with walking tours, historical trails and museum visits. Play golf on a course that incorporates the remnants from a smelting furnace and relax in Anaconda’s hot springs and parklands.
The late 1800s saw billions of dollars of Butte copper processed in this town after its founding by one of the Copper Kings, Marcus Daly. A walk around Anaconda’s downtown area is a treat for architecture enthusiasts. Embark on a walking tour, historic bus tour or the Old Works Historical Trail to find some of the town’s most significant architectural and historical highlights. See the towering Anaconda Smoke Stack, the Anaconda-Deer Lodge Courthouse, the Washoe Theater and the Hearst Free Library to get a picture of the town’s copper-boom wealth. The area’s historical significance is even highlighted in the local Old Works Golf Course, which is a championship course in which the bunkers are made of smelting-furnace “sland.”
Learn the stories of the people who made Anaconda the town it is today at the Copper Village Museum and Art Center, where history and art exhibits are showcased. More local artwork can be found at the Fred Boyer Sculpture Studio.
Explore walking trails or go swimming at Washoe Park. This expansive local parkland has picnic areas and campgrounds, making it a fun place to bring the family. Take a break by soaking in the warm pools at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, while the kids play on the resort’s waterslides. Find more outdoor recreation on the still waters of Georgetown Lake and the cross-country ski trails of Mount Haggin.
Anaconda is located in southwest Montana. Reach the town within a 30-minute drive from Butte’s Bert Mooney Airport. The town is located halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier national parks at the southern end of the Pintler Scenic Highway, making it an ideal stopover on your road trip.
