pompeys pillar national monument

Annabell76

We stopped here on our way home from Yellowstone Park. It was a nice easy stop right off the Interstate with a gorgeous and well staffed visitor center. The walk up the stairs to the top of the rock was fun and there was a spectacular view! My kids ( 8 and 10) completed the Junior Ranger booklet here and earned their badges. We also caught a Ranger program and learned a lot about the Lewis and Clark expedition. We spent a total of an hour and a half here and I would recommend it to anyone driving through the area.

kathleenm461

As huge Lewis and Clark fans, Pompey's pillar was a must visit. The only known physical evidence of the Voyage of Discovery was left by William Clark on this commanding stone. At the top the view towards the river was breathtaking, a paradise of green filled with birds. We will never forget our visit

MontanaBeeki

William Clark's signature on this outcropping is the only visible evidence of Lewis & Clark's journey across the western U.S. in 1804-1806. Pompey's Pillar is definitely more than just visiting a rock, however. The walk up to the top of the rock has been recently redone with new steps and the views at the top give you a sense of what these men might have seen over 200 years ago, looking off into the wide, open vistas stretching in every direction. Well, you have to use a little imagination, and overlook the interstate highway in the distance and the evidence of buildings nearby, but you'll get the idea, just the same.There is also a lovely interpretive center with interactive exhibits. I am a "local," but found this a worthwhile place to visit and learn more about the history of our region.

lawtk

Went during the off season so had to walk into the Pillar. The grounds are beautiful and the walk up to the top of the Pillar is not a problem. I recommend you move toward the river before climbing the Pillar as there is a stone that tell you about the signatures on the Pillar and who left them. You can stroll by the Yellowstone which is beautiful in its own right. Sadly I did not find a bench where you could take a break and just watch the river. The view from the top of the Pillar is awesome though a bit windy. Had the visitor center been open I sure it would have enhanced the experience but even without the extra information the place is well worth the visit

456LarryM

The site is easy to get to, close to I-94. It overlooks the Yellowstone River, and you can get good photos from the top. The climb up the stairs to the top is not bad. The visitor center is very well done, focusing on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Clark signature on the rock is the only permanent mark from the whole expedition.

ManyRoadsTraveled

This is not a long stop but worth every minute there and up the stairs! We commented that with everything getting built up around it that the silo probably blocks the view they had. Oh no we were wrong.....what a view!!! Do take your mosquito spray though. Great little museum with lots of history and a film to watch.

Gordtgr

We saw the signs during our drive, we decided to stop not really knowing what to expect. I thought it was a little Devils Tower. I found out that it was a lot more... Part of the Louis and Clark trail, this is where Clark signed his name in the sandstone in 1806. We took the guided tour that gave a lot of information about the surrounding region, we also met some other interesting people that had also stop to take the tour, Including a person wearing a World Series ring.It was a good stop and in a perfect location to get the kids out of the car to walk around and stretch, we loved that it was educational as well.Hats off to the tour guides !

funtobeme

I had been to this area of MT before and wanted to see something I had not seen - Pompeys Pillar fit that bill. It’s worth the $7.00 entrance fee (per car) and about 1.5 hours of your time. The .5 hour would be spent in the Visitor Center and review some of the exhibits and the looped film they have playing, and the hour on the guided tour provided by the Park Ranger. Without the Park Ranger’s commentary on the grounds and history insight this stop could be underwhelming; with the Park Ranger’s commentary very interesting and worthwhile.There are more trails but if this is layover for your road trip then the 1.5 hours is plenty.I did take the short cut from Pompeys Pillar to I-90, as mentioned in another review. The last 6 miles are gravel, but an ordinary car would make it with no problem. Wild high plains scenery to take in while on the ‘short cut”, as opposed to the high plains scenery of bill boards for Billings, highway signs, and just evidence of humanity along I-94 to Billings then get on I-90.

Travelbuddy03

We spent a little over an hour walking the site and climbing the pillar to see William Clark's engraving. The visitor center has a short film and display - both are great for kids and adults alike. It can be very hot on the plains and the mosquitoes can be viscious now (as apparently they were when Lewis and Clark passed this way.) But if you climb to the top (over 200 steps) you will be rewarded with the most welcome wind and a great view of the plains and the Yellowstone river.If you made a detour from interstate 90 to 94 and need to get back to 90 there is a paved road (that turns to gravel for the last 6 miles or so) that connects the two interstates. Taking this road will shave 30 or 40 minutes off your trip, but I wouldn't advise taking it if you are hauling a camper.

AlumniGuy

Thought this would be a nice, quick stop to use the restroom and take in a little history. Little did I know. This place is cool. The ranger gave us a great overview of the site, its historical significance, and what there was to see there. He then made himself available to answer questions and give further commentary on any of the exhibits that peaked our interest.We'd been to many other more well-known attractions (Badlands, Roosevelt NP, etc.) but this visitor center blew them away. It is extremely well done. I didn't even know the Lewis and Clark took different routes and that Clark went back via the Yellowstone. His "autograph" carved into the rock formation was so neat to see. There are also trails along the river. It was a beautiful day when we were there so we took advantage of the opportunities. If you are planning a route along I-94 in Montana, do yourself a favor and stop at this little historical gem.

CaptainD1234

I had not been there since I was a kid. It now has paved parking. I always like to see historical places and this is really cool.

jg795

It's great to have historical places that help us identify with the events we learn about in History classes. There isn't much to this site, but with WM Clark's initials carved into the stone of the pillar it's easier to realize that those past events really happened.

edge8400

Given we had visited Fort Clatsop in Oregon and walked along the mouth of the Columbia River, we were surprised to find this spot just 45 miles from our camp site in Hardin MT. The site sports a nice visitor's center, clean restrooms, a interesting exhibit center and nice walkways. One can climb up maintained stairs to see Clark's signature and capture nice views of the surrounding area or wander down to the shore of Yellowstone River. A local history group normally has a person on the platform near the signatures to talk in detail about the expedition. You can reach the location easily from Hardin or Billings. We found it worth our time.

jannfri

Our group visited Pompey's Pillar yesterday. Our guide, Sherry, was very informative. We learned alot about the Lewis and Clark (mostly Clark) expedition. Seeing where Clark inscribed his name and date on the Pillar is an awe-struck experience. Really neat seeing where he stood. The views from uptop are breath-taking.

unckebuck

Nice interperative centre and good washrooms. The tour was interesting and well worth the time to go see it as I had driven past here a million times in years gone by