Anaconda, Montana
Riches
of yesterday and today derive from the spectacular mountains of this region.
From the 10,000-foot peaks of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness to the
58-story ‘stack’ this is a place that meets towering expectations. You’ll
find historic and mineral treasures as well as modern recreation
opportunities that you’ll never forget.
The town sprang up when the giant Anaconda Copper Mining Company of Butte
needed a smelter for its vast amounts of copper ore. “Copper King” Marcus
Daly chose the site in 1882 because of the ample supply of water and
limestone nearby.
In
1980, the Anaconda Company shut down its smelter operation in Anaconda,
putting an end to the town’s historic economic base. The idle smokestack,
which can be seen from the interstate, stands more than 585 feet high and
measures 86 feet in diameter at the base. It is the tallest freestanding
masonry structure in the world. The stack was declared a state monument by
the 1985 Montana Legislature.
Visitor Center Complex: Learn about Anaconda’s many attractions in a
building that is a replica of an old train depot.
Old City Hall Copper Village Museum and Art Center was built in 1895 of
local materials. For years the Anaconda City Hall was the finest city hall
in the Northwest. It housed all city government offices, the fire engine
house and the police department. Renovated in 1982, the hall now houses a
history museum, archives, an art gallery with changing exhibits, and shops.
The museum displays include smelter memorabilia, turn-of-the-century
clothing, furniture and a pharmacy.
Vintage Bus Tour: Tour historic Anaconda in a vintage 1936 White bus.
This bus was originally used by the Anaconda Company to transport visitors
through the copper smelter. Passengers view historic buildings and learn of
the city’s history.
Walking Tour: Tour Anaconda’s three National Historic districts and view
outstanding examples of turn-of-the-century architecture. The Deer Lodge
County Courthouse is just one impressive structure. The ornate Washoe
Theater is ranked fifth in the nation by The Smithsonian Institute.
Old Works Golf Course: Play Montana’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature course
and enjoy a truly challenging experience. This unique course is an excellent
result of remediation efforts by ARCO and Superfund.
Washoe Park and State Fish Hatchery: Relax and have fun in beautiful
Washoe Park with its outdoor swimming pool, baseball field, tennis court,
playground and picnic areas.
Washoe Park Trout Hatchery: The state’s oldest, is located at the east
end of the park. The hatchery is the home of our state fish, the cutthroat
trout. It is presently undergoing a major renovation; displays are limited.
Walk through self-guided tours or guided tours by special arrangement.
Georgetown Lake: Approximately 18 miles west of Anaconda, Georgetown Lake
is a popular recreation area for boating, fishing, camping and windsurfing
with access to lodging, restaurants, casinos and a marina. In the winter, it
is used for ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Pintler Scenic Route: This highway takes you over mountain passes to
Anaconda and Philipsburg and along the shores of scenic Georgetown Lake. The
peaks of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness form the backdrop. Georgetown Lake
recreation area is a favorite spot for fishing and boating. Boat rentals are
available. Off the Pintler Scenic Route are mining ghost towns and St.
Timothy’s Chapel, a non-denominational chapel that overlooks Georgetown
Lake.
Southern Cross: A ghost town east of Georgetown Lake on MT Highway 1,
this is another of Gold West Country’s old mining camps.
Fairmont Hot Springs: You’ll find a lot to do at this year-round family
resort located southeast of Anaconda. Natural hot springs are the big
attraction, but Fairmont also offers an 18-hole golf course, waterslide,
horseback riding, tennis and other activities.
Lost Creek State Park: A scenic recreation and camping area with a short
handicapped accessible walking trail to Lost Creek Falls and spectacular
limestone cliffs that rise 1,200 feet above the canyon floor. Popular
viewing area for mountain goats and bighorn sheep, who often stop to graze
in this 500-acre canyon five miles north of Anaconda. A great spot for
hiking and picnicking.
Discovery Basin Ski Area: Discovery is located off Montana Highway 1 just
10 miles from Georgetown Lake. Discovery is a good place for the entire
family to enjoy downhill skiing. It is serviced by three doubles and one
triple chairlifts. There are more than 160 acres of trails with a total
vertical drop of 1,300 feet. Discovery provides a separate beginner area and
easy slopes for new skiers. For the experts the north side of the mountain
offers more than 10 trails of extreme skiing. Instruction is available for
adults and children with special kinderski classes for new skiers 3-6 years
old.
Mount
Haggin: This is Montana’s largest wildlife management area at 54,000 acres.
Look for moose, elk, cranes and many other of the state’s native species.
Cross-country skiers make the trip here in the winter months. Go east out of
Anaconda and then south to Wisdom.
Elevation: 5,265 feet
CAMPGROUND ACCOMMODATIONS IN ANACONDA
Fairmont RV Park & Country Store: Fairmont RV Park is located approximately 2 miles off the interstate and is two blocks from Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. With a convenience store nearby, horseback riding, numerous activities including golfing, wildlife, and walking trails, this RV park also has beautiful mountain scenery. This park is fit for all and is very affordable.
Fairmont RV Park features full hookup RV sites, teepees and fully furnished cabins for rent. Also, coin operated laundry services, variety of newspapers, playground, horseshoe pits, very clean bathrooms, a cafe, and a large tenting area.
Fairmont RV Park & Country Store
1700 Fairmont Road
Anaconda, MT 59711
Phone: 866-797-3505
Local: 406-797-3505
Email: Call Toll Free: 866-797-3505
Website: http://www.fairmontrvresort.com
|