This Montana City Offers Plenty Of Lush Mountains, Historic Sights, & Scenic Hiking Trails

Montana has earned nicknames that hint at its allure: The Treasure State, Big Sky Country, and The Last Best Place. Its rugged peaks, wide valleys, and welcoming small towns make it one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. At 380,832 square kilometers, Montana is the fourth-largest U.S. state, larger than both South Korea and the U.K. With its sheer size, visitors will find no shortage of destinations, from the sweeping Great Plains to the jagged Rocky Mountains.

Among Montana's many destinations, Anaconda, a small city in the southwest, stands out. The city is framed by the Anaconda Range — also called the Pintlers — whose highest summit, West Goat Peak, rises above 10,800 feet. This dramatic setting not only creates sweeping mountain views, but also explains why hiking opportunities spread out in every direction. Long before copper defined its history, the area was home to Native American tribes such as the Salish and Shoshone.

By 1883, Marcus Daly, one of America's "Copper Kings," named the town Copperopolis, but when it was incorporated as a city in 1888, the name was changed to Anaconda because the former name was already taken. Daly's Anaconda Copper Mining Company fueled the local economy for nearly a century before shutting down in 1980. The mining operations polluted the area, but cleanup efforts have restored the land and helped preserve the city's heritage. Today, five historic districts and 27 individual properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, proof that Anaconda is a destination as rich in history as it is in scenery. No wonder it belongs on lists of must-visit spots in Montana.

The best way to explore Anaconda's natural beauty is on-foot. Lace up your boots as hiking to West Goat Peak is no small feat — it's an eight to ten hour climb — but the views from the top are worth the sweat. For easier options, AllTrails lists 13 popular routes, with the Storm Lake Trail (3.7 miles) and the Historic Copper Trail (1.7 miles) standing out as must-dos. Experienced hikers will also enjoy the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a demanding 42.8-mile stretch with 1,572 meters of elevation gain. Completing any of these trails will convince you that Anaconda is truly among the best hiking destinations around the world for avid-hikers.

For Anaconda historic sights, start with Copper Village Museum and Art Center, a free institution founded in 1971 by Sister Joeann Daley and local residents. The upstairs features rotating art exhibits, while the museum itself is filled with artifacts ranging from telegraph machines to slot machines to a preserved jail cell. It offers an engaging way to understand the mining era, and the experience is enriched further with a visit to the Hearst Free Library, where the staff are welcoming and eager to share deeper stories about Anaconda's past. The Washoe Theater, built in 1936 in the rare Nuevo Deco style, is another historic sight in Anaconda. Watching a film here isn't just entertainment but a must-do, with admission ranging from $6 to $9 and the setting making you feel as though you have stepped into living history.

Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park offers views of the 585-foot brick Smelter Stack, built during the mining era. While access to the stack is restricted due to lingering contaminants, the park's overlooks and displays bring its history to life.

Even after visiting the major landmarks, Anaconda still has more history to uncover. Black Dog Antiques, is filled with treasures from more than 30 dealers, from furniture and jewelry to railroad memorabilia and mining relics. To see the city's history come alive, nothing compares to the Historic Bus Tour. Running from May through early-September, this restored 1936 red bus takes guests on a 1.5- to 2-hour guided ride through Anaconda's most notable sites. With tickets priced at $7–20 and free rides for children under five, it's an experience that appeals to both history lovers and families.

For travel, your closest option is Bert Mooney Airport in Butte, just 28 miles from Anaconda. For international visitors, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the better choice. From Bozeman, it's a scenic 1-hour-and-46-minute drive to Anaconda, and whether you get there by bus or taxi, the cost usually runs between $7 and $55. Accommodation-wise, you'll find plenty of options in Anaconda. Book a room at the Hickory House Inn, built in 1888, where touches from that time still give the place its charm. If modern comfort is more your style, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and The Forge Hotel both deliver, with nightly rates ranging from $158 to $246.

Timing your trip depends on your interests. Summer, with its long days and clear skies, is the best for hiking and exploring, while winter brings deep snow and excellent skiing. Either way, pack sun protection, durable hiking boots, and a camera — you'll want proof of the mountain views and historic landmarks. This beautiful destination may not be Montana's largest city, but it is one of those cities you need to see in your lifetime.