An Inscription, a Historic Trail

The Clark inscription at Pompeys Pillar is the only known visible, fully intact evidence of the entire journey. You can reach Pompeys Pillar National Monument via Exit 23 of Interstate 94 or State Highway 312; road conditions may affect access. The historic Yellowstone Trail also tells the story of changing routes: it ran through Billings and much of southern Montana before this section was largely replaced by U.S. Route 10, later U.S. Highway 10.

Museums Between Art and Local History

The McCormick Cabin serves as an entrance to the Yellowstone County Museum and as an exhibition space on Billings’ early history. The museum’s exhibitions and archives cover the history of the Indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains, westward expansion, mining, cattle and sheep ranching, transportation, military history, music and textiles. The Yellowstone Art Museum is located in the heart of downtown Billings.

The Western Heritage Center offers guided and self-guided museum tours. Its tours of historic sites in Billings and Yellowstone County last about an hour and twenty minutes; schedules and reservations may change. Museum visits and tours offer different ways to explore art, collections and history.

Nature and Trails with Different Areas of Focus

The Montana Audubon Center is a 54-acre former gravel quarry along the Yellowstone River. The site includes three ponds and a connection to the Greenbelt trail network. The Center provides place-based conservation education about birds, other wildlife and natural ecosystems to more than 20,000 visitors each year. Its accessible trail network is about ten minutes from downtown Billings; actual travel time depends on traffic and route conditions.

ZooMontana has a different focus: its offerings include up-close animal viewing, interpretive exhibits and experiential educational programs about the wildlife of the Yellowstone ecosystem. ZooMontana cares for more than 100 animals from 56 different species; most are rescued animals. Alongside conservation education, animal viewing and exhibits are distinct interests to consider.

The parks also offer different amenities. The 60-acre Swords Park includes a historic site, paved and unpaved jogging trails, and a natural area. The 350-acre Phipps Diamond X Park offers a disc golf course, unpaved jogging trails and a natural area. Riverfront Park has paved jogging trails, a natural area, picnic facilities, restrooms and three park shelters; availability may change.

At Pictograph Cave State Park, the loop trail is about three-quarters of a mile long and includes paved, gravel and unmaintained sections. In winter, the surface may affect footing. Lake Elmo State Park provides the public with a free Action Trackchair; reservations are required to use it, and availability may change.

Discover more destinations: Billings, Beaverhead, Missoula County, Jefferson County, Sheridan County, Powell County, Hill County, Lake County.

For the broader travel overview: Montana.