Skip to Main Content

Pipestone, Montana: Mysterious Ringing Rocks

A big pile of rocks. Hit them with a hammer, and they ring like bells. Warning: bad roads, and watch for bears.

Visitor Tips and News About Mysterious Ringing Rocks

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Mysterious Ringing Rocks

This place is REALLY difficult to get to, so much so that I'd almost advise against it. That said, I was stupid enough to drive a large van here and some of the trail had me sweating! Gravel? No, try winding, narrow dirt trail that might leave you stranded in the worst way if you're not lucky and/or there was rain recently. I have to say, though, getting back out was WAY easier than getting in and you are rewarded with a phenomenon like no other. You can just use other rocks, you don't need a hammer. You can climb the pile and it sounds like you're hitting pipes. If RoadsideAmerica allows video (I'm writing this on my phone), I'll submit some. Somewhat fascinating, but tricky to get to. Use your judgement on this one.

[Thomas, 04/28/2011]

Ringing Rocks.

Ringing Rocks

Something rare and unusual. Something that is only found in 5 places on this planet: Mexico, England, Western Australia, and Pennsylvania. One of the places is right here in Montana, between Butte and Whitehall; right off I-90. It is the "ringing rocks". Yes, rocks that sound like an out of tune bell, when struck with a hammer, right here in Montana!

[Jo Cruse, 07/28/2010]

Mysterious Ringing Rocks

Address:
Rd #2, Pipestone, MT
Directions:
Very poorly marked. I-90 exit 241 (Pipestone). Drive east on a gravel road that parallels the freeway for about three-fourths of a mile before turning north at a marker for Road #2. Cross the railroad tracks, and continue north for about four miles on a poorly maintained dirt road. Road is narrow and makes sharp turns. When you reach the rail fence, park, then continue to walk about one-tenth of a mile up unimproved Road #2 until you see the Ringing Rock sign and more rail fences (You can drive this last bit if you have high clearance and four-wheel drive). Bring bear spray, and don't forget your hammer!
Admission:
Free
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Evel Knievel's Last Jump - His GraveEvel Knievel's Last Jump - His Grave, Butte, MT - 13 mi.
Our Lady of the RockiesOur Lady of the Rockies, Butte, MT - 13 mi.
Statue of Auditor, the Strip Mine DogStatue of Auditor, the Strip Mine Dog, Butte, MT - 15 mi.
In the region:
The Big Stack, Anaconda, MT - 36 mi.

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Montana Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

Easter Island Moai in America (Mar 25-31, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings