Entry No. 8 — the Missoula file — filed under: roadside-oddity

Anaconda Smelter Stack (The Big Stack)

Rising 585 feet over the hills east of Anaconda, this 1919 copper-smelter chimney is the tallest free-standing brick structure on earth, big enough to swallow the Washington Monument. The smelter is long gone and the ground around the base is too contaminated to approach, so the state park is a viewing overlook only, leaving a single colossal brick column standing absurdly alone on a poisoned hillside. It is an unforgettable industrial monolith on the day-trip route past Drummond.

The move: Make the I-90 day trip and pull off at the overlook to take in a 585-foot brick chimney standing alone on a bare hill, then explore historic Anaconda's main street.

📍 Before you go You cannot walk up to the stack; the base is contaminated and fenced. Visit the roadside overlook for the view and photos.

• 📍 Anaconda
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park overlook, Anaconda, MT

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3

last checked: 2026-06-24