Pompeys Pillar Scenic Drive
Pompeys Pillar Scenic Drive
If you want a short, easy day trip from Billings that blends small-town charm, riverside scenery, and a touch of American history, the drive to Pompeys Pillar is a perfect choice. This route follows the Yellowstone River through farmland and cottonwood groves, trading highway speed for the kind of slower pace that invites you to notice the landscape. Along the way, you can stop for fresh produce, explore friendly prairie towns, and end your trip at one of Montana’s most fascinating historic landmarks.
From Billings, set out northeast on Highway 312 toward Shepherd, leaving behind the city bustle for a quieter two-lane road. The drive hugs the Yellowstone River, weaving through shady cottonwood stands, golden fields, and the kind of open prairie that seems to stretch forever under Montana’s big sky.
Passing through Shepherd and Huntley, you will catch glimpses of the river sparkling between trees and may spot deer grazing at the edges of hayfields. By summer, the roadside is alive with green fields, the scent of fresh-cut alfalfa, and the occasional produce stand piled with sweet corn, melons, and just-picked vegetables. It is worth pulling over to chat with local growers or grab a snack for the road.
In Worden, the pace is pure small-town Montana. You will find family-run cafes serving hearty breakfasts, pie, and coffee strong enough to fuel the rest of your trip. This is also a good place to stretch your legs before the final push to the monument.
About 35 miles from Billings, you will arrive at Pompeys Pillar National Monument, where history is etched in stone. Rising 150 feet above the riverbank, the sandstone outcrop bears the carved signature of Captain William Clark, left here during the return journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1806. A boardwalk leads you to the inscription, and from the top, the panoramic views of the Yellowstone River Valley are breathtaking. The visitor center offers fascinating exhibits on the expedition, Native cultures, and the natural history of the area.
After exploring, you can return the way you came, retracing your route through quiet farmland and river scenery, or loop back via the interstate for a quicker ride home.