The ruins of Glenn’s Dam (locally known as Hefner’s) represent a rare nineteenth-century example of a Montana earthen dam used for industrial processing. Additionally, the ruins are vivid reminders of Anaconda’s early rise to prominence as a major ore-processing center. The area allows visitors a peaceful walk thru the Thomas Lorry Urban Wildlife Area which is home to a variety of birds and wildlife. Currently, more than 116 species of birds have been sited by avid bird-watchers!
The path through the wildlife area is wide and consists of a firm, dirt substance. This area is not paved and is snow-covered in the winter and can be muddy during the Spring. The parking lot of the Glenn Dam Historic site connects visitors with a paved walking/bike path that winds back east toward the town of Anaconda and winds thru tree-lined Washoe Park along Warm Springs Creek. This area is beautiful and visitors have access to playgrounds, horseshoe pits, duck ponds, and a few camping sites at Washoe Park. So if the dirt trail is too muddy, a visitor has multiple options for recreation!
If you were to continue west from the Glenn Dam area, you would have access to a public archery area and Montana Zipline Adventures. Further down the road is Georgetown Lake and Discovery Ski Area.
The town of Anaconda is a great spot to enjoy the multitude of recreational opportunities Montana has to offer and is a halfway spot between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park.
Historical Society. Mission Statement: The Montana Historical Society Saves Montana’s Past, Shares Our Stories, And Inspires Exploration, To Provide Meaning For Today And Vision For Tomorrow. Their Vision: By 2025,The Montana Historical Society Will Be A World Class Organization And A Community Hub, Connecting Hundreds Of Thousands Of People To Montana’s Past. Montana Historical Society Will Engage More People Than Ever In Exploring Our Histories By Developing Statewide Opportunities That Are Inclusive, Welcoming, And Stimulating To All.
The ruins of Glenn’s Dam (locally known as Hefner’s Dam) represent a rare nineteenth-century example of a Montana earthen dam used for industrial processing. Additionally, the ruins are vivid reminders of Anaconda’s early rise to prominence as a major ore-processing center. Glenn's Dam Historic Area contains a dirt walking path through the Lorry Thomas Urban Wildlife Area. This path takes you over the earthen dam and allows you to see a variety of waterfowl, deer, and occasionally in early spring a bear! There are benches placed along the path to take in the views and to listen to a variety of Montana's bird species. From the parking lot, you can also access a paved walking/bike path that takes you thru Washoe Park and back into the town of Anaconda. At the east end of the path you will find the Old Works and Lower Old Works walking trail and the Old Works Golf Course. All of it accessible.
Plaque description of area
The one accessible parking spot
View of the entrance from the accessible parking spot. Unfortunately you need to travel back to the center of the parking lot to access the ramp