Anaconda, Montana
1 / 10

Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park

4.2
·188 reviews·Anaconda, United States

Marvel at the world's largest free-standing masonry structure, a towering testament to Montana's industrial past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for photos & history

CrowdLow
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Anaconda, Montana

Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park

Best Time

Daytime

Best for photos & history

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Marvel at the world's largest free-standing masonry structure, a towering testament to Montana's industrial past. Instagram+1

4.2
(188 reviews)

"A quick stop with a great story and history of a part of Montana. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 188 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Anaconda Smoke Stack

The Anaconda Smoke Stack

Center of the park

Marvel at the world's largest free-standing masonry structure, a towering testament to industrial might.

Instagram+1
Historical Plaques

Historical Plaques

Around the base of the stack

Learn the fascinating history of this colossal smelter stack and its impact on Montana.

Reddit
Binocular Viewpoint

Binocular Viewpoint

Designated viewing area

Get a closer look at the intricate details of the stack from afar with provided binoculars.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

A Quick Stop with a Big Story

This park is a unique roadside attraction, perfect for a brief visit to appreciate a colossal piece of industrial history. While there isn't extensive hiking, it's a great spot to stretch your legs and learn about Montana's mining past. Reddit

Best Views and Photo Ops

The main draw is the Anaconda Smoke Stack itself. While you can't climb it, there are informative plaques and even binoculars to get a closer look. It's a fantastic spot for photography, especially with dramatic skies. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for photos & history
Crowd
Low
When
During dramatic weather
Why
Epic photo opportunities
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sometimes you just gotta get up close and personal 🥹 Visit the Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park to get a closer view of the world’s largest free standing masonry structure 🔭🧱 #discoveranaconda #anacondamt #montanamoment #montanahistory #architecture #architecturehistory
discoveranacondamt
111 likes • 5K views

📸 Capture the Scale

Bring your camera for stunning photos, especially with interesting skies! Instagram+1

📚 Read the History

Take time to read the informative plaques; they tell a great story. Reddit

How to spend a day in Anaconda, Montana. ✍️ 1. Grab a coffee or sweet treat at Coffee Corral. 2. Enjoy a show at Washoe Theater. 3. Walk among the locals at Smoke Stack State Park. 4. Wind down at Smelter City Brewing. #MontanaMoment #VisitMontana #MontanaLife
visitmontana
14.9K likes • 322.1K views
Did you know that you can see one of the tallest free-standing brick structures in the world in Southwest Montana?⠀ ⠀ The old Anaconda Copper Company smelter stack is 585 feet tall and the grand feature at Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park. ⠀ ⠀ Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the stack may be viewed and photographed only from a distance. Interpretive signs that detail its history...
montanastateparksfoundation
168 likes • 11.3K views

🔭 Use the Binoculars

Get a closer look at the stack's details with the provided binoculars. Reddit

🚗 Quick Pit Stop

Perfect for a short break during a road trip to stretch your legs. Reddit

reddit.com

The Anaconda Smelting Tower State Park, only open to the public during Smelterman Days.

My dad and I hiked in several miles once when it was *not* open. But still really cool. Tallest freestanding masonry structure in the world (at the time - I assume still).

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Scale

Bring your camera for stunning photos, especially with interesting skies! Instagram+1

📚 Read the History

Take time to read the informative plaques; they tell a great story. Reddit

🔭 Use the Binoculars

Get a closer look at the stack's details with the provided binoculars. Reddit

🚗 Quick Pit Stop

Perfect for a short break during a road trip to stretch your legs. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(188 reviews)

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. InstagramReddit

"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

Massive scale of the stack
Interesting history
Great photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Limited activities

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. Instagram

Yes, it's often included in day trips around Anaconda, Montana, alongside places like the Washoe Theater and Smelter City Brewing. Instagram

Most visitors approach via local roads from Anaconda town. The park is well-signed and easy to find. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park is generally free. It's a public park designed for viewing the historic stack. Instagram

The park is typically open year-round during daylight hours, allowing visitors to experience it at their convenience. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to visit the Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park. It's a free attraction for all visitors. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

No, you cannot go inside the Anaconda Smoke Stack. It is a protected historical structure, and access is restricted. Reddit

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. Reddit

The park is primarily for viewing from a central area. There isn't extensive hiking, making it suitable for a quick stop. Reddit

Basic facilities might be available, but it's advisable to check with local tourism resources for the most up-to-date information on amenities. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful. Dramatic skies, like passing storms, also create incredible photo opportunities. Reddit

You can capture wide-angle shots to show its immense scale against the sky, or closer shots of its brickwork and the surrounding landscape. Instagram

The main viewing area offers a clear, unobstructed view of the stack, perfect for general photography. Instagram

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