Anaconda MontanaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Anaconda, Montana.
1. Georgetown Lake
PRISTINE MOUNTAIN WATERS
Georgetown Lake is one of the top attractions in Anaconda, offering stunning mountain views and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming during summer months, while winter transforms it into an ice fishing destination. The lake is surrounded by picturesque forest scenery, making it a perfect spot for photography and peaceful relaxation.
2. Washoe Theater
HISTORIC ART DECO GEM
The Washoe Theater stands as a magnificent example of Art Deco architecture in the heart of Anaconda. Built in 1936, this historic theater continues to show films while preserving its original murals, fixtures, and ornate interior design. The Washoe is considered one of America's best-preserved examples of Art Deco theater design, offering visitors both entertainment and a glimpse into the past.
3. Discovery Ski Area
FAMILY-FRIENDLY MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Discovery Ski Area provides excellent skiing opportunities for all skill levels near Anaconda. The mountain features over 2,200 acres of skiable terrain with a mix of beginner-friendly slopes and challenging expert runs. During summer months, Discovery transforms into Disco Bike Park, offering mountain biking trails and outdoor adventures for warm-weather visitors.
4. Copper Village Museum & Art Center
CULTURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Copper Village Museum & Art Center showcases the rich cultural heritage of Anaconda from its historic city hall building. The museum features rotating art exhibitions, educational programs, and artifacts documenting the region's mining history. Each year, it hosts the popular Art in Washoe Park event, bringing together over 80 artisans for a three-day celebration of arts and crafts.
5. Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park
TOWERING INDUSTRIAL MONUMENT
Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park preserves one of the tallest free-standing brick structures in the world. Standing as a testament to Anaconda's copper smelting history, the 585-foot stack remains an important landmark visible for miles around. The state park offers interpretive displays about the town's industrial past and the legacy of the legendary Anaconda Copper Company.
6. Montana Zipline Adventures
THRILLING AERIAL EXPERIENCES
Montana Zipline Adventures offers exhilarating zipline tours that showcase the natural beauty of the Anaconda area. Visitors can soar through the treetops while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The adventure outfitter provides safe, family-friendly experiences suitable for a range of ages and thrill levels.
7. Old Works Golf Course
HISTORIC LINKS EXPERIENCE
Old Works Golf Course is a Jack Nicklaus signature course built on the site of Anaconda's historic copper smelter. The award-winning 18-hole course incorporates unique elements of the area's industrial past, including black slag sand bunkers from the original smelting operation. Golfers enjoy challenging play amid stunning mountain vistas and thoughtful design that honors the location's heritage.
8. Smelter City Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Smelter City Brewing serves up handcrafted beers in a friendly atmosphere that celebrates Anaconda's industrial heritage. The brewery offers a rotating selection of unique beers brewed on-site, often incorporating local ingredients and flavor profiles. Visitors can enjoy tasting flights, full pours, and a warm community vibe in their taproom.
9. Lost Creek State Park
SCENIC WILDERNESS RETREAT
Lost Creek State Park features dramatic limestone cliffs and the spectacular Lost Creek Falls just north of Anaconda. The park's diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife, including bighorn sheep, deer, and various bird species. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking trails, and picnicking while exploring this natural wonderland nestled in the Flint Creek Range.
10. THE BIGHORN - Bottle Shop & Wine Bar
UPSCALE BEVERAGE EXPERIENCE
THE BIGHORN offers a sophisticated wine and beverage experience in downtown Anaconda. The establishment combines a retail bottle shop with a welcoming wine bar where visitors can sample fine wines, craft beers, and spirits. Its curated selection and knowledgeable staff create an approachable atmosphere for both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts.
11. Giddy Up Mercantile
LOCAL GOODS EMPORIUM
Giddy Up Mercantile provides a diverse shopping experience featuring locally made products and Montana souvenirs. The store offers everything from handcrafted gifts and home décor to specialty foods and western-themed merchandise. Visitors appreciate the authentic Montana character and friendly service that make this mercantile a favorite stop in Anaconda.
12. St. Timothy's Chapel
SERENE MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY
St. Timothy's Chapel sits perched on a hillside offering breathtaking views of Georgetown Lake and the surrounding mountains. The beautiful stone chapel features stunning architecture and stained glass windows that create a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. Many visitors come to appreciate both the spiritual significance and the exceptional panoramic vistas from this special location.
13. Sweet Palace
NOSTALGIC CANDY WONDERLAND
The Sweet Palace in nearby Philipsburg is a Victorian-inspired candy emporium offering over 1,000 varieties of sweets. Visitors can watch candy being made on-site while browsing through room after room of chocolates, taffy, hard candies, and nostalgic treats. The shop's ornate décor and overwhelming selection make it a memorable destination for visitors of all ages exploring the Anaconda-Philipsburg area.
14. Gem Mountain
SAPPHIRE MINING ADVENTURE
Gem Mountain provides visitors with the opportunity to search for Montana sapphires in authentic mining gravel. Located near Philipsburg, this attraction allows guests to experience the thrill of discovering their own gemstones that can be faceted and set into jewelry. The knowledgeable staff guides newcomers through the mining process, making it an accessible activity for families and geology enthusiasts.
15. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
RELAXING THERMAL RETREAT
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers a rejuvenating escape with its natural mineral hot springs pools near Anaconda. The resort features both indoor and outdoor swimming options, with temperatures ranging from comfortably warm to properly hot for therapeutic soaking. Visitors can enjoy the water slides, spa services, golf course, and comfortable accommodations that make this a popular destination throughout the year.