Have you ever wondered what strange things are hiding off the beaten path in Wyoming? One of the oddest roadside attractions in the Cowboy State is located well off the highway near a barren dirt road. It was once a notable monument, and now, it sits on its own, with few putting in the effort to seek it out. Below, read the story of the Ames Monument, an unusual pyramid in Wyoming.

Driving along Route 30, near the Vedauwoo between Laramie and Cheyenne, drivers pass a small, nondescript sign pointing out the location of the Ames Monument.

From some angles, you might even be able to see an odd monolith on the horizon.

Once you pull off the highway, a long dirt road takes you towards what looks like a big pile of dirt - and honestly, that's not too far off.

What the heck is this thing, anyway?

The Ames Brothers, Oakes Ames and Oliver Ames, were railroad tycoons that were instrumental in getting the Transcontinental Railroad to come through southern Wyoming. This pyramid was built in honor of them, while they were still living, and upon their request.

It stands 80 feet tall and is made with local granite. Truly, it's a work of art, and can be appreciated by artists, sculptors, or anyone who happens to stumble upon it.

At the time of construction, the railroad ran close to the Wyoming pyramid, and travelers saw it out the window. It was a trackside attraction, of sorts.

The funny part about this monument, though, is that eventually the railroad was moved, and the Pyramid now stands on its own, where nobody can see it unless they seek it out.

As for the Ames Brothers themselves, both ended up disgraced by various political scandals, and they died without the fame and notoriety they enjoyed in life. Nevertheless, the Ames Brothers' pyramid endures.

Despite the quirky story and odd placement of the statue, the area surrounding it is beautiful, and certainly worth a visit to see what may be Wyoming's oddest roadside stop.

Learn more about the this pyramid in Wyoming on the State Parks website. It's a unique destination for anyone looking to explore the little known places in the Cowboy State! And whenever you're out exploring the trails and backcountry in Wyoming, it's always a good idea to bring the AllTrails Plus app with you, as it offers downloadable maps for offline use.