We love our National Parks, Monuments and sites and have been fortunate to visit several through the years. I was excited to stop at Pompey's Pillar and get some more info on the Lewis & Clark expedition and anything else the NPS wants to share. Sadly, at 3pm on a Wednesday in June the gates were locked and the entry shack shuttered. It was 85° and the pillar is atleast a 30 minute walk from the gate. We did not come prepared for this type of hike (lots of water, hats, sunscreen). There were several others (at least 5 vehicles) parked by the entrance talking with each other, so we weren't the only disappointed visitors. This National Park site is managed by BLM and I'm not sure if it is manned at any time now. There have been a lot of cost saving measures taken in the NPS recently and I don't know if this location is a recepient of such measures. If you come this way plan on hiking in from the entrance just in case. Sadly I won't be by this way again soon. I wonder if those others will be. read more

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - We arrived at 3pm on a Wednesday in June. BLM website states they are open to 4:30 but gate was closed. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Pompeys Pillar National Monument (near Billings, MT), late June, 2026. "On July 25, 1806, William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition visited Pompeys Pillar, carving his name and date upon the rock." "Today, visitors can stand in the footsteps of Captain Clark while looking at his signature, visit the monument's magnificent visitor center, walk along the Yellowstone River, enjoy an interpretive program led by a skilled ranger, or stand on top of Pompeys Pillar and take in the beautiful scenery of Yellowstone County, Montana." Pompeys Pillar is also one of the many significant sites along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. We were driving cross-country, and the long day of driving would be taking us from Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota to Red Lodge, Montana. We tend to visit national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, national grasslands, and other federally-managed sites as we travel. We had picked up a brochure for Pompeys Pillar at a Visitors Center, and had been seeing some signs for the attraction along the interstate, so we planned this to be our afternoon touring and rest stop. Finding the National Monument was easy, with it being just a few miles off I-94. However, upon reaching the entrance station, a ranger informed us that the vehicle entrance was already closed for the day. While the brochure indicated that the main gate would be open until 4:30, it was already closed at 3-something. The issue appeared to be under-staffing. He did offer us the opportunity to "walk-in" (free, dawn to dusk daily), but we simply didn't have enough time on our schedule for the 45 walk (each way) plus an exploration of the area. So, unfortunately, all we did was to take a few photos from near the entrance station. While we were there, at least three other cars (all with out-of-state plates) were likewise turned away. read more

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Since I came here during the shoulder season, the Interpretive Center was closed (they're only open May 1st through September 30th). However, the pedestrian gate is open so you can walk in and do the trails! It's a peaceful area. There's also pamphlets and brochures at the gate to learn more about the Pillar even when the Center is closed. As a side note, I came here when the vehicular gate was open and so I drove in. Then I saw that there were landscapers cleaning up the parking lot and doing some work on the sidewalk. I saw that they were looking quite confused, so I drove a quick loop and left since I didn't want to be accidentally locked in and trapped in the monument! I am actually kind of wondering why they lock the gates since it's a 0.75 mi trek from the gates to the Pillar one way, which can lead you running behind on your schedule. read more

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - The pillar from afar - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

A nice monument with a couple things to do. I spent about an hour here where I walked through the small museum and then walked up Pompey's Pillar. There you can see the actual signature from William Clark engraved on the Pillar as well as a few others. There was a park ranger up there to answer any questions that people have. At the very top is the most beautiful view. It overlooks the river and even a train bridge. The park rangers were helpful and full of knowledge. We even asked what animal was walking around that we had never seen before and apparently they were yellow bellied marmots. They were so cute and he even pointed us towards there little hideout. Overall, there is a lot of history here and a great place to spend for a couple hours. read more

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After several years of road tripping across our great country, we are always on the lookout for new things and experiences we have not enjoyed. While the drive between Billings Montana and our ultimate destination in Grand Forks is a long one, there are relatively few stops along the way. This year, screaming down I-94, we saw signs for Pompeys pillar, and recognizing that the kids could use a leg stretch break, we impulsively pulled off to check it out. Honestly, I had no idea what it was until we got there. Turns out this is a significant historical spot on the Lewis and Clark trail. The large promontory in the midst of the river was a significant and sacred spot for native peoples in the area, and it also bears William Clark's name carved into the stone. Sort of a fitting allegory for so many monuments across our great country. There is a really good museum here, considering how desolate and off-textbook this place is. But it is well-maintained, and offers a reasonable one hour stop or a half a day adventure, depending on your time and needs. With plenty of road ahead of us before Grand Forks, we did not spend a lot of time here, or take the short hike to the viewpoint at the top. However, for the road weary travelers, especially those with kids, this is a much better place to stop and say that Pilot service station you saw advertised on a billboard a few miles ago. read more

It was closed on the day that I stopped by. Interesting history that I am looking forward to exploring when I get the chance. I will reassess this review after I visit. read more

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Worth the stop. Well done --visitor center with so much information. On the short walk to see the engraving on the rock of William Clark signature, there are signs with short history bits. Along the cement walk are signs about the plants which were descriptive and interesting. The carved out canoe was a great touch. There is a very nice gift shop. read more

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - 10-11-2019 - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Beautiful area rich in history. Great stop along I 94. We hiked from the gate as it is closed for the off season. Nice clean well maintained park. Must see read more

Another National treasure hidden in Montana! ! This is a very nice park with tons of history and interactive exhibits. There is a nice hike to the top of Pompey's Pillar where you can see a 360 view of the river and valley. The main center has tons of history and helps show the route taken by Lewis and Clark. The learning center allows you to see and touch pelts if animals in Montana. A great stop!! read more

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I was really excited to see you part of Oregon trail. This location allows you to see Clark signature in a rock along with other travelers. When I got here I can understand their security was amends. They don't want you getting close to the rocks were getting off of the trails. I was disappointed when I was not even allowed to get within 5 feet of the signature. They close that portion of the trail and you had to go to a higher platform. Do the angle it's difficult to see the signature along with the reflection off the protective glass. If I wasn't an annual park passholder I would want my money back. Be aware before you enter the party will not have an opportunity to see the signatures close and that you should have a camera with a good lens. read more

One of the interesting things that I have seen through this trip in Eastern Montana was that of Pompey's Pillar. Thought that was a nice stop on I-94. As I travel as much I do, I usually don't travel as much as I would like, but that's a different story. During my travels between Billings, MT and Williston, ND, I found myself driving along I-94 and seen the signage for Pompei's pillar along with national monument. While I had not heard of this one before, nor do I recognize it either, I was interested in seeing what it is. So, basically, like the Rimrocks in Billings, Pompey's Pillar is a rock formation that holds significance to the Native American tribes that dominate the area and with American history too. Pompey's Rock is named after a nickname of Sacageway's child, Jean Baptise Charbonneau by William Clark of the Lewis & Clark expedition. Pompey's Rock is basically the last known physical evidence where the Lewis & Clark expedition took place and where they physically went through. Without a doubt, I am blessed to have made the stop here at this monument that pays tribute to those who have paid the utmost sacrifice, so that others can feel freedom we have today. The overall experience here at Pompey's Pillar was a good, positive, and a happy one. There was an small entry fee, which was $7 per private vehicle. Helping out the National Parks preserve the culture and history of the United States of America is always paramount, just so we don't forget where we came from as a country and as a people. As aforementioned before, Pompey's Pillar can be found off of I-94, about an hour's drive from Billings, MT. Look for the signage and you get there if you follow the directions after you exit the interstate. Luckily for me, I had cash on me, so that was an easy solution for me. Not too sure if they accept major credit cards, as I didn't both to ask them. You definitely need a car for this one, as maybe some tour companies can take you here on their itinerary, but you'd have to look for that. Sometimes, just having that freedom of driving does wonders. There's plenty of parking, since there's not a lot of people that come here en masse on any given day. Pompey's Pillar national monument is a wonder to behold. While it may not hold the same iconic vision as Mount Rushmore or the Grand Canyon, among others, it does have it share in history and in American culture. I spent a good hour here before departing back to Billings, MT from Williston, ND. I saw the sign heading east on I-94 and made it a point to visit on the return trip. While it may not be the one of the top choices options to visit while vacation, it's an option for anyone who wants to see something cool along their road trip and it's a nice way to stop and stretch those legs after hours of driving. I thought that the cliffs were pretty and mesmerizing. Kind of like the northern lights phenomenon. The color's on the cliff face reminds me so much of the Rimrocks of Billings, MT, even though it's an hour away. Pretty sure it's the same. Definitely visit if you want to and hope you will have fun doing so. 5.0 stars for the entire experience. While it may not be much, it was pretty cool to see. Support local! A+ read more

This was my 2nd trip in 10 years and I brought my husband with me this time as well as my brother and family. I was impressed by how much they added on to the museum part!!! If you have never been....Go! If you are a student studying American history Go! So yes I am saying Go!!!! Wear mosquito replant, expect to walk some stairs however it will be an experience you won't want to miss!!! Incredible part of history that is well documented! read more

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Every summer of my childhood my family would stop here on our way to Miles City. Each of these visits is more memorable than the last because: A) my perception of life has vastly improved since infancy and, B) the park has made amazing advances in the last several years. The facilities are clean, well-made, and blend seamlessly with the surrounding vistas. The museum is full of interesting displays, hands-on exhibits, pictures, representations, etc. of the esteemed Lewis and Clark and their travels, especially (and obviously) those pertaining to the immediate area. Children and adults will both find the displays equally interesting due to the wide range of education levels and styles presented thereon. A cozy gift shop is also available with myriad items ranging from the fun and touristy to the attractively outdoorsy to the fine art I know we're all seeking in Eastern Montana. Modern restrooms are available indoors, as are the several tidy though rustic outdoor facilities scattered over the walking paths. The docents awaiting the curious wanderer up on Pompeys Pillar itself are well-informed, well-spoken, and friendly. In an odd twist, the two docents we met on our most recent visit were long-time family friends which made the whole event seem so personable. Additional educational opportunities exist outdoors such as placards and signage peppered with information about the flora, fauna, and history of the region and its inhabitants. We happened to visit just before the anniversary of Clark's signing of the rock and were able to watch preparations for an upcoming event including the construction of a tipi. I whole-heartedly enjoyed the visit and the setting provided by Pompeys Pillar. When questioned, my mom suggested the only thing that needed improvement was the heat. Good luck altering the whims of nature to suit the occasional picky visitor. read more

This is a wonderful park - exhibits are fantastic and it is in a lovely setting. Fantastic!