Pompeys Pillar National Monument – Pompeys Pillar, Montana

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Sign

Standing 150 feet above the Yellowstone River in Southern Montana and consisting of sandstone from the late Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation, 75 – 66 million years ago, is Pompeys Pillar National Monument. While we were staying in the area to see family, and being related to John Colter of the Lewis and Clark expedition, we made sure to check it out one evening. Although perhaps best known for the inscription left behind by William Clark of the expedition, this site boasts the markings of thousands of years of human occupation. I will share more about the monument in a minute, but first want to share a little about the interpretive center.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Tepee

The Pompeys Pillar Interpretive Center opened in 2006. Exhibits in the 5,700-square foot center relate the journey of Captain William Clark and his detachment, including Sacagawea and her son Pomp, down the Yellowstone River Valley in 1806. The center also addresses native culture, flora and fauna, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the historical legacy of Pompeys Pillar through the changes of the 1800s. A number of J.K. Ralston paintings and sketches are on permanent display.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Statue of Clark

We enjoyed walking around and checking out some of their exhibits. Of course, you can’t miss the huge tepee right out front. As you make your way inside the center you will find a bronze sculpture of William Clark between a US and Montana flag. I enjoyed reading about Sacagawea and her son on one of the displays. Another cool thing to see was a canoe on the grounds.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Canoe

For a little bit of history about the Lewis and Clark expedition and Pompeys Pillar National Monument from the Friends of Pompeys PIllar:  On July 3, 1806, after crossing the Continental Divide, the Corps split into separate groups so Lewis could explore the Marias River. Lewis and Clark stayed separated until they reached the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. During their separation, Captain William Clark visited Pompeys Pillar on July 25, 1806.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - View 1

On July 25, in Clark’s group, the nine floaters noticed a huge sandstone rock “200 feet high and 400 paces in circumference” not far from the river.  Clark climbed it and saw “Emence herds of Buffalows, Elk and wolves.” Indian pictographs were on the rock, and to them he added his name and the date: Wm. Clark, July 25, 1806.  He named the rock Pompy’s Tower (now called Pompeys Pillar) after Sacagawea’s baby, whom she carried on a cradleboard strapped to her back for the 14 months that she accompanied and aided the expedition.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Sacagwea

In Clark’s own words, “…at 4 P.M. arrived at a remarkable rock Situated in an extensive bottom on the Start.  Side of the river & 250 paces from it.  This rock I ascended and from it’s top had a most extensive view in every direction.  This rock which I shall Call Pompy’s Tower is 200 feet high and 400 paces in secumphrance….”

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Signature

He also described the view from atop “Pompy’s Tower”: From the top of this Tower I could discover two low Mountains & the Rocky Mts. Covered with Snow S W. One of them appeared to be extencive and bore S. 15° E. about 40 miles. The other I take to be what the Indians Call the Little wolf Mtn. I can only see the Southern extremity of it which bears N 55° about 35 Miles. The plains to the South rise from the distance of about 6 miles the width of the bottom gradually to the mountains in that derection. A large Creek with an extencive Vally the direction of which is S. 25° E. meanders boutifully through this plain.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Center

Today, a boardwalk leads to Capt. Clark’s signature and to the top of the Pillar, which is the last physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. You also get a great view of the Interpitve center from the top.  As I said earlier, trails lead visitors past a replica of Captain Clark’s canoes and to a view of the 670-mile-long Yellowstone River.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Us

We made our way up a whole bunch of steps and I couldn’t help but think what it would have been like for Clark’s team without the stairs, and with all their gear. Wow, was all I could think when we did get to the top. It was beautiful, and you could see so for miles it seemed. Also impressive was being able to see where Clark inscribed his name and date. We took a few pictures, but mostly just sat and enjoyed the views until it started getting dark.  We headed back down with a little more knowledge about the area, and great memories.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument - Signature 2

Have you been to see Pompeys Pillar National Monument? If so, let me know what you thought about your visit. If you haven’t been, I would highly suggest a visit while in the Billings area. Happy travels.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument Visitor Information

Address:

3039 US Highway 312 Pompeys Pillar, MT 59064

Phone:

406-896-5013

Hours & Fees:

When the Monument is open (see below for season and hours), a $7 standard fee is charged for each vehicle. There is no separate fee for the interpretive center.  All valid federal recreation passes are honored at the site.

Private Vehicle Standard Fee

Rates are based on number of passengers.

6 passengers and under–$7

7-25 passengers–$12

26+ passengers–$20

2023 Season/Hours

May 1 through September 30

Main Gate: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Interpretive Center Hours:

  • May-September: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Commercial/Group Vehicle Fees

Commercial group rates are based on vehicle capacity.

Vehicles capable of seating 6 passengers and under–$25

Vehicles capable of seating 7-25 passengers–$40

Vehicles capable of seating 26+ passengers–$100

Directions:

The area is easily accessible from Interstate 94, using exit 23, or from State Highway 312. The monument is 25 miles east of Billings, Montana

Accessibility

The interpretive center, restrooms, parking lot and day use area are fully accessible.

Pets

Pets must be on a leash at all times.

Montana State Capitol in Helena – The Treasure State

Montana State Capitol - Front

In September of 2019, we took a road trip and we were finally able to visit Montana and check off another state we had not been to before. This was the 40th state we visited and we were able to tour the Montana State Capitol while in the Helena area. It was a very interesting state capitol and the grounds were pretty nice to check out as well. I am not sure how many capitols we had been to at that point, but we are slowly making our way toward our desire to visit each capitol one day.

Continue reading “Montana State Capitol in Helena – The Treasure State”

Last Chance Train Tour – Historic Helena Montana

Last Chance Train Tour - TrainWhile on a road trip to Helena Montana to see the capitol building in September of 2019, we decided to do something a little touristy and took a tour via the Last Chance Tour Train. It seemed a little silly to do this at first since we had our car, but it was a great way to learn more about the history of the town and why it became known as Helena in the first place.

Continue reading “Last Chance Train Tour – Historic Helena Montana”

Pictograph Cave State Park – Billings, Montana

Pictograph Cave State Park - SIgnIn late May of 2021 Gene and I took another road trip to Billings, Montana to see my niece and nephew who had just moved there. We had been before, but there was one thing we hadn’t seen on previous visits was Pictograph Cave State Park which is located about five miles south of Billings.

Continue reading “Pictograph Cave State Park – Billings, Montana”

Billings Montana – Fun Things To Do in Montana’s Trailhead City

Billings 1In September of 2019 we finally made it to our 40th state and took a 10-day road trip to the Big Sky Country state, Montana. We were heading that way to spend a few days while I attended the TBEX North American Travel Conference in Billings.  Since we were driving all that way, we decided to take a couple of extra days and check out the beautiful state.

Continue reading “Billings Montana – Fun Things To Do in Montana’s Trailhead City”

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument – Montana

Little Bighorn - Front GateLike many things we have done while traveling, sometimes something really surprises you or hits you differently. One such place is Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument near Crow Agency, Montana.  First off, I thought it was in Wyoming, my bad 🙁  I had heard of this place for many years from my stepdad and learned a little bit about Custer and Sitting Bull, and the battle that happened there, but never thought about seeing it. My view on history has changed A LOT through the years, and when we were in Montana September of 2018, we made sure to visit. Continue reading “Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument – Montana”

The Great Falls on the Missouri River- Great Falls, Montana

Great Falls 3While we were in Montana visiting my niece in September of 2019 we were able to visit the Great Falls. It was one of the things I had looked forward to seeing while on our visit (besides my niece of course, lol). They are absolutely breathtaking in many ways. What I didn’t know was that there were several of them. There are actually a series of five falls along a 10-mile segment of Missouri River in Great Falls, Montana. BTW, the pictures on this post don’t necessarily correspond with the falls I may be talking about. They are random since we couldn’t get pictures of them all (more on that later).

Continue reading “The Great Falls on the Missouri River- Great Falls, Montana”

Massachusetts – New Jersey – US States Number 21 Through 30

Massachusetts-New Jersey

USA Flag

We have traveled a lot throughout the US and have actually been to 41 of the 50 States. Thus I decided to share some information about each state as well as the state road sign. If we didn’t get to a state sign yet (or forgot to get one while we were there), I have posted another picture of a state sign and will replace it once we have pictures. In the meantime, please enjoy the information on the states from Massachusetts-New Jersey.  FYI, these are in alphabetical order. Continue reading “Massachusetts – New Jersey – US States Number 21 Through 30”

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center – Great Falls, Montana

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center - Bldg

In September, 2019, Gene and I headed to Montana for the TBEX conference, but also to explore the beautiful state. On the plus side, we also got to see my niece who had recently moved to Great Falls. They were amazing, but I was also looking forward to seeing the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. This may not be on everyone’s to-do list while visiting the area, but I am related to John Colter who was part of the expedition. Thus, I was very interested and excited to be able to explore this museum. I wasn’t sure what to expect when we first arrived, but I was surprised at how big the center really is. Continue reading “Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center – Great Falls, Montana”