High above the city, overlooking the land he loved, lies Yellowstone Kelly. Warrior. Veteran. Scout. Through the years, his gravesite has been the site of abuse and neglect. Lacking definition or protection, the site currently opens up opportunities for vandalism and vehicle encroachment. The end goal of this project is to create a place of respect and honor for Yellowstone Kelly and link this site with the beautiful park, trails, and views in the surrounding Swords Rimrock Park. Throughout the design process, the three major aspects of Kelly’s life: Warrior, Veteran and Scout provided a powerful statement. To honor his contributions in each area, 3 interpretive nodes were incorporated into the design. These nodes will serve as outdoor ‘rooms’ situated between berms that define the space while discouraging vehicular access across the site. Rock walls, reminiscent of the rimrock cliffs they sit upon, will define the perimeter of each node. Patrons donating to the restorative fundraising effort can be recognized by having their names mounted upon these walls. To announce the entrance to this special place, metal wind pipes will define the space surrounding Kelly’s gravesite. These pipes will be situated to take advantage of the natural breezes by providing a gentle ‘sighing’ as visitors pause at the overlook. The subtle music from these pipes will be constantly changing based on wind speed and direction and encourage visitors to return to the site at various times to experience a unique and ever-changing soundscape.

Who is buried in Yellowstone Kelly’s tomb? Hint: Not Ulysses S. Grant. Where is Yellowstone Kelly’s tomb? Hint: It is not a tomb, just an inauspicious concrete crypt in Swords Rimrock Park overlooking downtown Billings. To get there, drive to the trailhead east of the airport and then walk or drive one mile along the Rims toward MetraPark. The gravesite is on the Heritage Trail, 23 miles of paved paths that snake through Billings. The Billings Chamber is a key player in developing this trail system that benefits residents and helps attract businesses and tourists. Unfortunately, the neglected Yellowstone Kelly gravesite is an embarrassment to our community and the memory of the veteran buried there. If properly redeveloped, this historic monument could become a must-see destination along the Heritage Trail system. For these reasons the Chamber decided to make the renovation of the gravesite a top priority.