Anaconda Smelter StackAbout Anaconda Smelter Stack
The Anaconda Smelter Stack is a large masonry smokestack near the town of Anaconda in southwestern Montana, United States, constructed by the Anaconda Copper Mining Company to vent emissions from the nearby smelting complex. The stack is notable for its substantial height and industrial heritage.
At about 585 feet (178 metres) tall, the stack dominates the surrounding landscape and is visible from the town and nearby roads. It remains a prominent historic landmark after the closure of the smelting operations in the late 20th century.
The stack sits close to the former smelter site in Deer Lodge County, near the town of Anaconda, and is commonly photographed from roadside viewpoints around the town.
- Height: Structure stands 585 feet tall, making it one of the tallest masonry smokestacks in the world and a prominent local landmark.
Best Time to Visit Anaconda Smelter Stack
Summer and autumn are best for visiting the Anaconda Smelter Stack when roads are clear and the light is favourable for photography.
Weather & Climate near Anaconda Smelter Stack
Anaconda Smelter Stack's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 26°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -11° - 1° | -10° | 17 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -9° - 3° | -7° | 12 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -6° - 7° | -4° | 20 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -3° - 11° | 1° | 28 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 2° - 16° | 7° | 48 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 5° - 22° | 14° | 50 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 8° - 26° | 17° | 35 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 7° - 26° | 17° | 35 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 3° - 20° | 11° | 32 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -2° - 14° | 3° | 21 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -7° - 4° | -5° | 20 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -11° - 1° | -10° | 18 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Anaconda Smelter Stack
The Smelter Stack is just outside the town of Anaconda, Montana, accessible by car via Montana Highway 1. From Anaconda town centre it’s a short drive; signage directs visitors to the historic site area.
Tips for Visiting Anaconda Smelter Stack
- Best photographed at sunrise or sunset when the brickwork picks up warm tones-approach by car as the site is outside the town center.
- Respect fencing and signs-the structure is fragile and preservation-minded.