Fall of 2025, Julie Mac and her team, set out on filming quests to learn about Anaconda’s rich history. They quickly found unique experiences, attractions, and businesses that made this once booming smelter town enticing to explore. Just 30 minutes north of the worlds largest “Copper Boom Town”, Butte, Montana which also was home to the legendary “Copper Kings”, still stands the worlds largest free standing smelter stack. Then you see that stack from Interstate 90 you know that Anaconda is nearby. “We think it’s important for people to know when the smelter left, beauty had to come from ashes. One the years out tight knit community has worked hard to hold onto our past while keeping and ey on the future. We are excited to team up with JMac Productions and Montana’s Best in sharing our story, bringing attention to the incredible history, people, and businesses that make Anaconda worth visiting.” states Ruth, Discover Anaconda Chamber Manager.
Get ready to have some fun because each attraction has a one of a kind story, many of which include hidden gems to be discovered. Through interviews, you can’t help but feel the pride and appreciation that locals have for their once old cooper smelter boom town. For example, did you know that Anaconda, Montana got it’s name from Marcus Daly’s postmaster, whom had served in the Civil War, who heard Ulysses Grant state that he was going to “Surround the Confederacy with Union forces like a giant anaconda.” Also, Anaconda sports a Jack Nicklaus championship golf course that attracts players from all over the nation.
Anaconda Historic Bus Tour
This is a great way to learn about the rich history of Anaconda. During the summer months, Discover Anaconda offers this detailed historic tour for visitors to enjoy. Learn about the BA&A rail line that went back and forth from Butte and Anaconda, Montana. It was mostly used to transport Cooper ore. St. Petes was built in 1898 by the Austrian community. All the pews, kneeling rails, and structure of the church is in original or close to original condition. You’ll be educated about the 10,000 piece sanitary back that came from Austria, through Ellis Island all the way to Anaconda, MT. Phoebe Hearst generously donated $200,000.00 to have the Hearst Free Library constructed for the Anaconda community. 1898 the doors opened and have remained opened to this day.
Not too far from downtown is Washoe Park. In 1890 Marcus Daly donated the land for Washoe Park and the Anaconda Company oversaw the construction. 1906 it opened up. It was designed for the laborers and local community members to enjoy. Originally it was just over 80 acres, today it stands close to 51 acres. Just down the road is the Washoe Park Trout Hatchery. Established in 1907, it produces over a million eggs yearly. It is the first hatchery Montana State owned and operate hatchery. The goal of the hatchery is to provide fish for anglers. Spawning happens around May 1st of each year. When you come to visit you are able to feed the fish and view a variety of trout all at different stages in life. It’s something fun for the whole family to check out.
The Washoe Theater is a must see! The moment you pull up to the theater you are taken back in time but it’s vintage marquee. You will most likely be greeted by the owners dogs. Jerry Lussy’s family was invested at the start of the Washoe Theater. Joe English started the company and today the Lussy family is the major share holder of the company. The art deco theater broke ground in 1932 and opened its doors to the public 1936. The theater is in original condition. Over 95% of it is as it was in 1936. Most people came to the theater to watch the news, cartoons, film, or a live event. Tickets use to be $.10 cents. Now tickets are just under $7. Wow what a deal. At one point the theater sat 1000 people. In our episode, Julie Mac get quite the in-depth behind the scenes look at this still standing vintage theater. Be sure to check out their excellent ratings on Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor.
1898 In Anaconda Was BIG
1898 was a big year for Anaconda. Many things were under construction as well as doors were opening too. This includes the historic Deer Lodge County Court House. It features a 8 part dome. Local governance takes place and is open to the public Monday through Friday. When you enter the court house you are greeted with a 15 step staircase lined in marble. The railings on either side have century old wood. Once at the top of the staircase you are in the rotunda. Look up. You will not be disappointed. The locals of Anaconda have worked hard to preserved their historic buildings buy getting the funding and grants to help upkeep historic landmarks like the court house.
Largest Raw Skin Buyer West Of The Mississippi River
Western Montana fur Center has 2 locations in downtown Anaconda. If you are lucky enough you will run into the owner George. You can’t miss him. His shirt will match his socks, hat, and fanciful logging / western boots. George wears cut off denim shorts all year round. Get ready to spend a hour or so when you enter his shop. You are greeted with furs, lots of furs, antiques, and plenty of one of a kind items. The staff is friendly and knowledgable about everything fur. It’s a store you’ll find yourself telling others about and possibly find yourself back at it on your next trip to Anaconda.
Smallest State Park In Montana
Anaconda Stack State Park is a must visit. It’s located right off of the interstate and Highway 1. It’s worth the 5-10 minute drive from Interstate 90 to come and view the historic copper smelter stack. It’s easy to access and it will give you a perspective of the smelter and of the lives effected by industry. There are 8 interpretive placard signs around the park. You will get an up closed look of slag and of what the inside diameter of the stack looks like. It will educate you about Anaconda’s unique beginnings. If you see the stack, go and visit the park. Montana is full of firsts. First state to get electricity, at one point was the number one resource of cooper in the world, and to this day still holds the largest free standing smelter stack.
We have just touched on a few of the amazing attractions of Anaconda. Come visit Anaconda. you may find yourself wanting to spend more than one day. The locals are quick to lend friendly advise of what to explore in their beloved town.
For more information visit: https://www.montanasbesttv.com or visit Discover Anaconda at https://www.discoveranaconda.com
All Copyrights belong to Things To Do Media and JMac Productions
