The Worst Reviews of Popular Billings Area Attractions

Is Billings perfect?

Of course not. No place is. But for many of us, it serves well for the place we call home. Perhaps we grew up here, came here for work or school, or chose to stick around B-town for family reasons.

There are lots of things to love about Billings.

We have the best shopping and medical care in the state, a fine selection of local and chain restaurants, plenty of live music and outdoor festivals, and ample outdoor recreation opportunities in our backyard.

Tourists view Billings and the surrounding area with different eyes than we do, and some have left brutal reviews on some of the more popular attractions in our area. Let's dive in.

Lake Elmo State Park

Locals have jokingly called this State Park "Lake SMELLmo" for years, which is funny. Searching the most negative reviews on TripAdvisor, we found these gems too,

Lake Elmo is nothing but a glorified puddle. Out of state tourists that know a real lake when they see one, will question the false advertising that led them to this local dirty splash pool.

Ouch. Or how about this?

After growing up on a massive lake and living on the ocean in Hawaii, this little pond didn't really do much for me, but I guess if it's the only option for water in the area, it will have to do! 

Get our free mobile app

Pictograph Cave State Park

30,000 artifacts have been recovered from this 2,000-year-old historic site, where 100s of pictographs were left behind on the sandstone walls and caves of the park. Despite the significance of the site, some tourists were brutal with their reviews.

This is a total waste of money and time. It's a steep climb and you see next to nothing. The images are so faded that you have to guess at what your seeing. Cost $8 a car load and that's too much. If your not in good shape don't try it.

Huh. It's almost like 2,000 years of UV exposure has a way of fading things.

Pompey's Pillar National Monument

Admittedly, if you are not into history, Pompey's Pillar is perhaps not the most thrilling attraction. Less-than-impressed reviewers left plenty of lousy reports on TripAdvisor.

Honestly, I won’t be making a second trip. It was a hike to see their signatures that are faded. It’s basically roped off graffiti in my opinion.

And this grumpy traveler said,

It's the kind of thing that should be a silly roadside attraction rather than a National Monument. I kind of thought it was a fun novelty, but I wouldn't advise anyone to go out of their way nor would I suggest paying the entrance fee (I had an NPS annual pass).

Beartooth Highway

Arguably one of the most spectacular drives in Montana, it's a popular recommendation to anyone visiting southcentral Montana. Most reviewers left positive experiences, but one driver who was terrified of heights had a less favorable time. She wrote,

Will never make that mistake again! Even if I have to backtrack 500 miles, I will avoid this highway.

My friend had to take over driving, as I started shaking so bad, I couldn't keep driving, and I had cars coming up behind me. 

What are some local attractions that you feel are overrated or that you advise out-of-state guests to avoid? Chat on our mobile app, email Michael.Foth@TownsquareMedia, or leave a comment on social media.