The Man-Made Wonder in Utah Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

Many will agree when I say that Utah is one of the most naturally beautiful states in the country. From the stunning sandstone arches to the jaw dropping canyons to the Bonneville Salt Flats to the Great Salt Lake, and more, the natural treasures here are unlike anything most people have seen. Over the years, we have covered many of these natural wonders in Utah. However, today, we’re shining the light on a man-made marvel that is literally mind-blowing. The Garfield Smelter Stack near Magna is the tallest free-standing structure in the western part of the US. Not many Utahns have seen this smokestack in person, and some don’t even know it exists, making it the perfect definition of a hidden gem in Utah.

At a whopping 1,215 feet tall, the Garfield Smelter Stack is truly a sight to behold. Nestled on the south shore of the Great Salt Lake, off Interstate 80, this man-made tower is part of the Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper Mine. 

But why are we featuring such an odd structure? Glad you asked! This isn’t your ordinary smokestack as it’s the second-highest smokestack in the country and fourth-highest chimney in the entire world. Plus, it dwarfs all the tallest buildings in the area, and it was ranked as the fifth-highest structure in the US. How about those stats?

Can you guess what buildings are taller than the smokestack? Well, one of the most notable is the Empire State Building in New York City. I have been to the top of the Empire State Building before, and standing at that height will take your breath away. You’ll also come to understand why those buildings are called skyscrapers, especially when you see the helicopters and small planes flying below. 

Though the smokestack might not be the most aesthetically stunning tower, it’s quite an engineering marvel. The stack was built in 1974, at a cost of a whopping $16.3 million, which is approximately $102 million today. The crew worked 24 hours per day and 7 days per week to finish this monumental tower in only 84 days. The base is 124 feet in diameter and the walls are 12-feet thick, and it was built to eliminate toxic fumes based on the Clean Air Act of 1970.

Since then, the stack has been improved to provide cleaner methods of toxic elimination, which is better for the environment. Like many skyscrapers, the stack was built to withstand strong winds and earthquakes. It also has an employee-only observation deck that boasts expansive views of the Salt Lake Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.   

Of course, this smokestack doesn’t compete with the highest peak in Utah, nor the Oquirrh Mountains in the backdrop. But for a man-made structure, it's quite impressive, if I may say so myself. Unfortunately, the public is not allowed inside the stack. However, you can tour the Bingham Canyon Mine to see this giant monumental structure for yourself.

Fun fact: The Bingham Canyon Mine is the largest man-made excavation on earth. So, if you visit, you get to witness another jaw-dropping man-made creation. 

What is your favorite hidden gem in Utah? Have you ever toured the Bingham Canyon Mine and seen the Garfield Smelter Stack? Tell us below. 

Want to discover more treasures in the Beehive State? Check out our list of the attractions in Utah that locals love the most.