Location: In southwest Montana on Interstate 15; approximately 25 miles west of Butte; 90 miles east of Missoula. Population: 9,000. Visitor Information: Anaconda Chamber of Commerce: Phone: (406) 563-2400; Email: anacondachamber@rfwave.net.
A former industrial mining center with a rich history and heritage, Anaconda has achieved more recent renown as a top four-season recreation community. The Continental Divide passes within a few miles of the city limits with the nearby Pintler Mountain peaks reaching over 10,000 feet. A few miles from the city, Lost Creek State Park is home to a herd of mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Enjoy camping in the park and hiking into the nearby mountains. Warm Springs Pond offers superb bird watching opportunities. A short drive south of town, the spectacular high mountain valley of the Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area is home to a large elk herd, camping and hiking opportunities and excellent cross country skiing.
Discovery Basin Ski Area, located 14 miles west of Anaconda at Georgetown Lake, features expert runs that can challenge world class skiers and snowboarders with 15 downhill double black diamond trails, as well as plentiful trails for cross country skiers. Rapidly becoming Montana’s top choice for snowmobilers, the Georgetown Lake area also offers enjoyable touring trails, a long snow season and related services. Winter visitors can also experience dog sled rides offered by the Pintler Sled Dog Adventures Company. The area offers prime hunting for fowl, bear, mountain lion, elk, bighorn sheep, deer and moose, with many experienced guides and outfitters available. Fishing spots include Silver Lake, Georgetown Lake, Echo Lake and Warm Springs Creek.
Twelve miles east of Anaconda, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort features four naturally heated swimming pools, including two Olympic size, an 18-hole golf course, accommodations, restaurants and spa services. The Old Works Golf Course is a Jack Nicklaus signature course built on the site of Anaconda’s historic century old copper smelter, where Nicklaus incorporated many historic relics in his design.
The Copper Village Art Museum organizes the popular Art in the Park in July and elaborate Oktoberfest celebrations held at the beginning of October. |