Towering natural sandstone butte with American Indian petroglyphs & the signature of William Clark.
Hours not specified
What clients say about Pompeys Pillar in Columbus (MT)
Great history here about Lewis and Clark. Walkway with information signs boardwalk leading up the pillar. My only complaint is it’s closed M-W and it looked really cool. Right along the Yellowstone River. Cool place!
Definitely worth the trip and if you are capable of stairs or a hike, you can go up to the signature of William Clark explorer from 1806 or to the top of the Rock. The interpretive center is well done and need your support as a National monument.
I've gotten jaded over the years, sucked into lots of road trip tourist traps. However, Pompey's Pillar is really pretty interesting and worth the stop. There are not many places where you can stand in the same place as another famous person; I calculated that I was in the same place only 219 years, 11 months different from Clark. Granted you don't get to deface the rock like W. Clark did, but then you're not as famous as him either. Coo lplace, nice visitor center, when it's open. Also there is an interesting photo from the Hayden expedition so you can compare the pillar back then to when you are there (HINT: part broke off). A good place to sit in the shade just a few minutes off the interstate.
Lovely site. Unfortunately, the new visitors center is closed and no rangers are on duty thanks to DOGE and DJT’s neglect of public resources and American history.
A fun stop for the whole family. I got to learn more about the history of the native Americans. It was also fun, to see some of the history from The Lewis and Clark expedition.
A very poorly run place and a prime example of wasteful spending of tax payers dollars they are wasting time thinking they are going to preserve the place when in reality they are just speeding up the process of its erosion whoever is in charge of the project needs to think of another day job…. They say Clark’s signature is there but nobody really knows…
great as they have amazing staff and the inside has loads of history and beautiful sight seeing. otherwise quite boring I mean its a rock with a name ingraved that's so wowing. (take this from someone who loves history) the main attraction being the rock is nothing special. otherwise I fully suggest coming here
Nice stop off I-94. During the winter months (Oct-Apr) you have to walk to the interpretative center, which is closed, but you still can park at the gate an walk the 1 mile to Pompeys Pillar. Any other time of the year you can drive to the center. Lot's of history, give yourself about 2 hours or more to really soak it all in. The stairs to the top of the pillar are easy with rest stops if needed.
A very beautiful park with stunning views. There are a LOT of stairs to climb so I wouldn't recommend for people with knee issues or who aren't regularly active. The trails around the property are wonderful and clean. I would love to go back
Great National historic site to visit! See the only physical evidence that there is of the Lewis and Clark expedition (other than journals).
The park is huge and very well kept, parking for cars, trucks and rv's is available. The visitor center is fairly new/modern and houses a moderately sized museum and exhibits, as well as a small gift shop and restrooms. The actual pillar is approximately a quarter mile walk from the center has picnic tables and benches, trees and shade. There is a pretty good wooden staircase up to the carvings of visitors to the area in the past, including "W. Clark ", as well as others...and the date signed. Staircase goes to a viewing platform at the top. You can see for 10+ miles on a clear day on all directions. Not handicap/wheelchair accessible or for those that cannot handle a 5 or 6 flight, 200 foot climb.
This is something you gotta see if you are in the area...take the time!
And don't forget the bug spray! Was there on August....dropped a star for this. Mosquitoes ravage you and your pets.
Gift shop has OFF wipes for $1.50.... and do very little to help, as well as costly.....should hand these out!
Really cool attraction. Has an easy path to the top. Great views and neat to see the only physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark expedition. You can also walk to the river that has some nice trails. Also great visitors center with fantastic staff.
Beautiful place to visit. Wooden staircase takes you to the top of the pillar for great views. Interpretive museum in Visitors Center. 12 long parking spaces for RVs & trailers ? Entrance fee; National Park passes accepted. Restrooms. No food for purchase but several picnic tables.
This was a really neat place with amazing views of the yellowstone river. Moderate activity level due to having to climb steps but well worth it. Very well maintained and nice informative museum on site. Pretty cool piece of history to check out. Might even see little critters checking you out.
Always driven past the signs and decided to stop today on our way home to Idaho. So glad we did! My children loved it and really enjoyed the nature and hike. We got to see two cute little fox babies and happened to have a snake pass in front of us. The kids were excited. I just loved the history and everything this place had to offer and teach you. Definitely stop here and check it out!
I love this spot! I take the kids here just for a quick hike, photo ops and some history review. If you are a rock hound like my kids and I, the Yellowstone river will not disappoint. Even if you want to stop for a few minutes to reflect with the sound of the river, it's a nice quick recharge.
If ur driving down the freeway, super recommend this. very close to the off ramp/on ramp, could probably do the whole thing in an hour. the park rangers and park staff were so nice! (but then again, i have never met a not nice park ranger/staff person lol)
Great experience!! We learned so much. The gal who tested the kids was super friendly and great at her job. So glad we stopped by for a hike and of course to learn! Would love to come back again in the future.
The path to the actual attraction is closed right now so it’s free to get in. The staff was super nice and you can still walk the park and read the signage. There is a movie set up at the end to give a virtual tour.
The pillar itself stands 150 feet (45 m) above the Yellowstone River and consists of sandstone from the late Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation, 75 – 66 million years ago.
A great way to visit history and see Clark's signature. Would really love to see more emphasis given to the Native Americans and credit to the way they lived in harmony with this land.
The National Park service has very nice grounds, restrooms & visitor center at the base of the pillar. The view from the top, after stopping to see Clark's signature, is beautiful & worth the steps to climb.
This place has the nicest visitor center we've ever been to. Knowledgeable staff, clean bathrooms and a great exhibit. This is a must stop if you are traveling I-94. Take the time to do the walk and see the Signatures. Living history
The new visitor center was built in 2006 for the Lewis & Clark bicentennial and is excellently designed to fit the beauty of the natural surroundings. Such an amazing piece of history.
The Pillar is 25 miles east of Billings along I-94, and overlooks the Yellowstone River. In 1806, Captain William Clark visited here and carved his name into the rock. It stands 200 hundred feet high and is quite noticeable from a distance.
There is a boardwalk and several sets of stairs that lead up to the engraving and then to the top of the pillar. The stairs are easy enough, but there is not an alternative way to get up there. The view is quite lovely and at certain times of day animals can be seen.
There is a very nice Visitor's Center with helpful rangers, and nice restrooms.
Parking is also easy. Be sure to visit some of the exhibits on the grounds.
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