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 .
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
What People Dislike
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage them to imagine the trains that once passed by this very spot.Since there are no facilities, pack plenty of snacks and drinks. Consider making it a 'history scavenger hunt' by researching facts about the Ames brothers and the transcontinental railroad beforehand and quizzing your kids during the visit. The lack of crowds means you won't have to worry about disturbing others, and the easy access from I-80 makes it a convenient stop without adding significant travel time.
🚗 Road Trippers
You can easily spend 30-60 minutes here, stretching your legs, taking photos, and absorbing a bit of history without a major time commitment. It's a great way to add a unique point of interest to your journey.Given its remote location and lack of amenities, it's best treated as a scenic overlook and historical marker. The vast, open landscape surrounding the monument also offers a quintessential Wyoming vista. It's a perfect spot for a quick photo op and a moment of reflection on the immense undertaking of building the transcontinental railroad.
📸 Photographers
+1 The monument's geometric form offers opportunities for both wide-angle shots emphasizing its scale and isolation, and more detailed compositions of the stonework.Its remote location often means you'll have the monument to yourself, allowing for unhindered creative freedom. Consider bringing a tripod for low-light conditions or to capture the vastness of the surrounding prairie. The lack of surrounding development also means minimal light pollution, making it a potential spot for astrophotography if conditions are right.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Monument's History and Significance
+2 Its remote location on the windswept plains of Wyoming adds to its mystique.However, the story of the Ames brothers is not without controversy. They were involved in the Crédit Mobilier scandal, a major corruption case that rocked the U.S. government in the late 19th century. Despite this, their contribution to the railroad's completion is undeniable, and the monument serves as a stark reminder of that ambitious era in American history. The monument's design, a granite pyramid, was conceived by architect Henry Hobson Richardson and features bas-relief sculptures by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
Today, the Ames Monument stands as a historical landmark, offering a glimpse into the past. While informational signs are no longer present, its imposing structure and the story behind it make it a worthwhile stop for history buffs and road trippers alike. The surrounding landscape, with its vast prairie views, adds to the serene and contemplative atmosphere of the site.
Visiting the Ames Monument: Practicalities
+1 There is ample parking available at the base of the monument, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with this historical structure.One of the most appealing aspects of visiting the Ames Monument is its solitude. Many visitors report having the entire site to themselves, offering a peaceful and unhurried experience.
The monument is accessible year-round, but visitors should always check weather and road conditions, especially during winter months when snow can impact travel. The open plains surrounding the monument can be exposed to harsh weather. Despite the lack of amenities, the Ames Monument offers a unique historical experience and a chance to stand at a significant point in American transportation history, all without an entrance fee.
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