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Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park is a state park located in Anaconda, Montana, USA, centered around a large industrial chimney.

Visual Characteristics

The primary feature is the Anaconda Smelter Stack, a brick chimney measuring 585 feet (178 meters) in height. It is constructed from red brick and has a cylindrical base tapering to a circular top. The surrounding parkland consists of open fields and some scrub vegetation.

Location & Access Logistics

The park is situated approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) west of the Anaconda city center. Access is via Interstate 90, taking Exit 1 for Anaconda. From Exit 1, follow Montana Highway 1 to Anaconda. Turn west onto West Park Street, which leads directly to the park entrance. Ample free parking is available at the base of the stack. No public transport directly serves the park.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Anaconda Smelter Stack was constructed in 1918 by the Anaconda Copper Mining Company. Its original purpose was to vent toxic fumes from the nearby copper smelter, dispersing them over a wider area to reduce localized pollution. The smelter operated from 1890 until 1980. The park itself was established to preserve the stack and its historical context.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the scale of the Anaconda Smelter Stack. Interpretive signage details the history of the Anaconda smelter and its impact on the region. Walking paths are available around the base of the stack. Photography of the structure is a common activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the park. Limited shade is provided by trees in designated picnic areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located within the park; visitors should plan to bring their own provisions or utilize facilities in Anaconda.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is during the morning or late afternoon when the sun's angle provides optimal lighting on the stack. The months of June through September offer the most favorable weather conditions with lower precipitation and milder temperatures. The park is accessible year-round, weather permitting.

Facts & Legends

The Anaconda Smelter Stack is the tallest masonry structure in North America and was once the tallest chimney in the world. A local anecdote suggests that the heat from the smelter was so intense that it could be seen from miles away on clear nights.

Nearby Landmarks

• Old Works Golf Course (0.8km East)
• Anaconda Historic District (2.5km East)
• Deer Lodge National Forest (15km North)
• Georgetown Lake (20km West)