Ames Monument Wyoming
A striking granite pyramid marking the highest point of the First Transcontinental Railroad, offering a glimpse into ambitious history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and uncrowded
Ames Monument Wyoming
Best Time
Peaceful and uncrowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking granite pyramid marking the highest point of the First Transcontinental Railroad, offering a glimpse into ambitious history.
"A pyramid on the plains! A fantastic monument to a pr of brother, with a scandalous history, that built a railroad out here."
📚 Research History Beforehand
Informational signs are gone; look up the Ames brothers' story for a richer visit .
🚗 Easy Interstate Access
Conveniently located just off I-80, making it a perfect quick stop on your road trip .
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 337 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Granite Pyramid
Buford, Wyoming
A striking 60-foot granite pyramid on the plains, marking the highest point of the original transcontinental railroad.
Highest Point on the Railroad
8,247 feet elevation
Stand at the very peak of the First Transcontinental Railroad, a significant feat of engineering.
Scandalous History
Near Laramie, Wyoming
Learn about the ambitious Ames brothers and the controversial history behind this monumental tribute.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Detour Worth Taking
Access and Amenities
However, expect minimal amenities. It's a historical site with no visitor center or services, so come prepared with water and snacks.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Research History Beforehand
Informational signs are gone; look up the Ames brothers' story for a richer visit.
🚗 Easy Interstate Access
Conveniently located just off I-80, making it a perfect quick stop on your road trip.
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
The pyramid's unique structure and vast plains offer stunning photographic potential.
🚶♂️ Enjoy the Solitude
Often, you'll have this impressive monument all to yourself.
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Research History Beforehand
Informational signs are gone; look up the Ames brothers' story for a richer visit.
🚗 Easy Interstate Access
Conveniently located just off I-80, making it a perfect quick stop on your road trip.
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
The pyramid's unique structure and vast plains offer stunning photographic potential.
🚶♂️ Enjoy the Solitude
Often, you'll have this impressive monument all to yourself.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Ames Monument a fascinating and unique historical stop, appreciating its impressive granite pyramid and its significance as the highest point on the original transcontinental railroad. Its easy access from I-80 and the peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere are frequently praised, though the lack of informational signage is noted as a drawback.
"This is a pyramid with a head statue on 2 of the 4 sides located about 2 miles of dirt road off the highway in the plains. There isn’t much else down the road except a bed and breakfast. A quick google search online said this is to honor the Ames brothers for funding the first transcontinental railroad, but I’m not sure why the location was chosen because there aren’t any railroads nearby (that we saw) and there weren’t really any houses nearby either (if it’s here the Ames brothers lived). There was no placard or sign with information and it’s definitely not something you would stumble upon without looking for. It is a cool looking pyramid out in the prairie, but without the assistance of the internet, it’s very lame as a monument."
Garrett Drake
"A pyramid on the plains! A fantastic monument to a pr of brother, with a scandalous history, that built a railroad out here. Beautiful area! Hard to imagine a railroad here. Free. Worth the stop."
Karen Talley
"This is not far off the interstate and easy to navigate to and from. You can see the rock and the turntable ruins from here. Very interesting monument and piece of history!"
Wayne Walk Jr
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ames Monument is located near Buford, Wyoming, just off Interstate 80. Take exit 362 and follow the signs for the monument. It's a straightforward drive from Laramie.
No, public transportation does not service the Ames Monument. It is best accessed by private vehicle, especially for road trips through Wyoming.
Laramie, Wyoming, is the closest major city to the Ames Monument, located about 20 miles to the east.
Yes, the Ames Monument is accessible year-round, but winter conditions can make roads challenging. Check local weather and road conditions before your visit.
Yes, there is a parking area available at the base of the monument, allowing for easy access to explore the site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Ames Monument is completely free. It is a state historic site open to the public without any admission fee.
The Ames Monument is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as it is an outdoor historical site. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
There is no entrance fee. The Ames Monument is a free public attraction.
There are no specific visiting restrictions, but visitors should be mindful of the historical nature of the site and respect the monument. Always check weather conditions before visiting.
While the site is technically open 24/7, visiting at night is not recommended due to lack of lighting and potential safety concerns. Daylight hours offer the best visibility and experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the impressive granite pyramid, learn about its history as the highest point on the original transcontinental railroad, and enjoy the vast prairie landscape.
Unfortunately, the original informational signs are no longer present. It's recommended to research the history of the Ames brothers and the railroad beforehand.
A visit to the Ames Monument typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much you want to explore and photograph the site.
Yes, children can explore the monument and the surrounding area. It's a great opportunity to teach them about American history and engineering.
No, there are no restrooms or other visitor facilities at the Ames Monument. Please plan accordingly.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photographing the monument and the surrounding plains.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the pyramid against the expansive Wyoming sky, detailed shots of the granite construction, and scenic views of the prairie landscape.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's advisable to check with Wyoming State Parks or local authorities for current drone policies before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the monument's scale against the landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing wildlife in the distance.
Experiment with different angles around the pyramid, including low-angle shots to emphasize its height and the vastness of the plains.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit