Wild Horses Monument ~ Washington

The Wild Horses Monument is a nice day trip destination in central Washington that offers scenic views and hiking trails. This monument is also a good place to take a break from the road, especially when traveling long distances on Interstate Highway 90. Wild Horses Monument is located across the Columbia River from the town of Vantage and a Highway 90 exit ramp lands right at the front door. The Wanapum Recreation Area and Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park are located next to Vantage too, so there is plenty of great outdoor adventures to experience in this area!  

Upon arrival, it takes a minute or two to adjust to the surroundings and figure out what this monument is all about. The views from the hillside of the Columbia River Basin extend to the horizon and the rolling hills are mesmerizing to see. Views of the bridge to Vantage are clear as a bell and the commuter traffic down below just flies on by. Looking east at the hilltops is where silhouettes of horses can be seen, which is amazing upon first glance.

It does take a while for the eyes to adjust to the distance, but after a bit it becomes easier to see the main attraction of the Wild Horses Monument. The crest of the hills overlooking the river are decorated with a large herd of metal horse sculptures. The horses look as if they are running wild and free through the hills, which is thrilling to see!

​The actual name of this work of art is "Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies" and the name of the artist is David Govedare. This extensive work of metal sculpture art was completed in 1990 and most agree that it symbolizes free will. No matter whether a visitor hikes to the top of the hill to get a closer look or time is spent soaking up the overview from the roadside, the artistic message certainly is conveyed. This is a place that simply looks like horses would roam free and the Wild Horses Monument is well worth checking out!