The first National Monument of the United States was proclaimed by President Teddy Roosevelt under the Antiquities Act in 1906.  Situated 1267 feet above the Belle Fourche River the once hidden rock now towers over the area as erosion revealed its beauty.  Pine forests, woodlands and grasslands cover this 1347 acres park where deer, prairie-dogs, and other wildlife call home.

The site is a sacred site for many American Indians who also call it Bears Lodge. Over 20 tribes have potential cultural affiliation with Devils Tower National Monument.  They are:
Assiniboine & Lakota (MT)
Blackfeet
Blood (Canada)
Crow
Cheyenne River Lakota
Crow Creek Lakota
Devil’s Lake Lakota
Eastern Shoshone
Flandreau Santee Dakota
Kootenai & Salish
Lower Brule Lakota
Northern Arapaho
Northern Cheyenne
Oglala Lakota
Pigeon (Canada)
Rosebud Lakota
Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota
Southern Arapaho
Southern Cheyenne
Standing Rock Lakota
Three Affiliated Tribes
Turtle Mountain Chippewa
Yankton Dakota
Tribes with historical and geographical ties to the Devils Tower area include: 1
Arapaho
Crow
Lakota
Cheyenne
Kiowa
Shoshone

With this great history come the different rituals preformed by the different tribes such as the prayer offerings, sweat lodge ceremonies, vision quests and funerals.  It is also the site for the group Sun Dances.  There are Sacred Narratives told at the site with origin legends, legends of culture heroes, and legends of the origins of ceremonies and sacred objects.

The Cheyenne (who call it "Bear’s Lodge," "Bears’ Tipi" and "Bear Peak") camped and hunted here in the winter.  The area is a very sacred place to the Cheyenne.

Many of the tribes have special names for the area and have strong ancient and sacred relationships with the area.

The area is well known for rock climbing. For over 100 years climbers have tested their skills on the face of Devils Tower.  The walls are steep and the challenge real even for those with great rock climbing experience.  As you gaze at the Tower, you will very likely see climbers clinging to the precipitous rock.

The first known climb of the rock was done in 1893 when two ranchers made a 350 ft. wooden ladder to the summit by driving wooden stakes into a continuous vertical crack running between two columns on the southeast side of the Tower.  It was the first time the Tower had been crested by climbing and the ranchers ran an American flag up a flagpole at the top.

In 1937 climbers from the American Alpine Club of New York City climbed to the summit using technical rock-climbing techniques.  It took 4 hours and 46 minutes for them to achieve their goal.  Today the climb annually sees about a thousand ascents.

Most climbers free climb Devils Tower, utilizing naturally occurring ledges, cracks, and projections to inch their way up the Tower. Ropes and equipment are used only as safety precautions – to catch climbers if they should fall.  Some climbers aid climb, using equipment for holds and upward movement.  Climbers are NOT allowed to place new permanent anchors, chip holds in the rock or modify Devils Tower in any way.

Because of the treasure of this Tower the climbing done today is mostly clean climbing which doesn’t damage the rock in any way.

Prairie falcons sometimes nest in the cracks of Devils Tower. Climbing routes near the nest are closed until the young falcons fledge.

The top of Devils Tower is about the size of a football field. It’s slightly dome shaped and rocky, with native grasses, cacti, and sagebrush. Occasionally chipmunks, mice, pack rats, and snakes are found.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is held in August (first part) and is just 80 miles from Devils Tower. With tens of thousands of motorcyclists from all over coming to the area you may want to avoid the crowds and come another time of the year.

Pets are not allowed on the trails at the Tower so leave them at home…not in your vehicle!

The 1.3 mile Tower Trail circles the base of the Tower and is paved. The trail has steep grades and is not recommended for wheelchair users.

Visitor Center is open mid-spring through fall. Hours vary season to season. Interpretive exhibits explain the geologic, natural, and cultural history of the area.

Hiking trails meander for approximately 8 miles (12.1 km) through Devils Tower National Monument. The popular 1.3 miles (2 km) paved Tower Trail circles Devils Tower itself. Other longer trails traverse tranquil forests and meadows in the monument.

Winter activities include hiking, cross-country skiing, and climbing. Caution – trails are not maintained in winter.

Technical rock climbing is allowed in the monument. ALL PERSONS PLANNING TO CLIMB OR SCRAMBLE ABOVE THE BOULDER FIELD ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER BEFORE AND CHECK IN AFTER A CLIMB. The Climbing Management Plan, implemented in 1995, manages Devils Tower as both a natural and cultural resource. To the Northern Plains Indians, Devils Tower is a sacred site. Out of deference to American Indian views, there is a voluntary climbing closure during the month of June.

Interpretive activities: A full schedule of interpretive activities will take place between mid-June and late August. A modified schedule of activities will take place in May, September and October, as staffing permits.

Directions: Visitors traveling east on I-90 exit at Moorcroft, WY. Visitors traveling west on I-90 use any of three Sundance, WY exits.  From Moorcroft or Sundance, take 14 north to 24, take 24 north to Devils Tower.

A scenic alternative for visitors traveling west on I-90 – take exit 199, follow 111 north to 24, take 24 west through the town of Hulett to Devils Tower.

Hours: The Visitor Center is open from April through November, when it closes for the season.  Normal hours are from 9 – 5 until late may when the hours change to 8 – 7.

The campground and picnic area opens April 24 through October 26, weather permitting.

ENTRANCE FEES

1-7 Day Vehicle Pass-$10

Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers.

1-7 Day Motorcycle Pass-$5

Admits one individual when entering on a motorcycle. Not to exceed $10 vehicle fee.

1-7 Day Individual Permit-$5

Admits one individual when entering on foot or bicycle.  Not to exceed $10 vehicle fee. Individuals 15 years of age or younger are admitted free.

Individual Permit (organized non-profit groups)-$5 per person

ONLY applies to organized non-profit groups (service organizations, scouts, religious groups, college/school groups not qualifying for a fee waiver). Individuals under the age of 16 are admitted free.

Devils Tower – Devils Tower, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

Not only does Ulrich’s Fossil Gallery, Kemmerer, Wyoming supply fossils worldwide, they also supply them to the public. You can purchase fossils from the gallery either in fossil form, do it yourself preparation kits, or if you like to get your hands dirty you can dig for your own fossils with one of the staff members of the quarry.

The prepared fossils for sale are those of the Green River fish species, plant life, non-vertebrate, and vertebrate animals. These fossils come in all different sizes and are priced accordingly. You can also choose to get a fossil that is already beautifully framed or you can purchase one without the frame and pick one out to specifically match your own style.

Preparation kits that are for sale include not only a fossil but all the materials and tools you would need in order to prepare your fossil for viewing. Along with the things needed to prepare the fossil comes the directions to do so because, let’s face it, not all of us would be able to figure out how to do it on our own. You will also receive a short background and history about the specific specimen you have chosen.

On the Dig-Your-Own trips, an employee of the quarry will assist you in your own search for that perfect fossil. These trips are great for all ages, except for small children, and can be a great hands on learning experience. Who knew that you could have so much fun while learning about science?

The gallery is open daily from 8am to 5pm year long. Be sure to consider the weather when thinking about taking a trip out to visit them because you may just end up digging through 5 feet of snow to get to your fossil. At Ulrich’s Fossil Gallery, Kemmerer, Wyoming you will find that visiting a 50 million year old lake bed can be best time that anyone in your family will have on your vacation.

Fossil Station #308
Kemmerer, WY 83101
307-877-6466
 

Ulrich’s Fossil Gallery – Kemmerer, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

This museum houses artifacts and insight into some of the most famous events of the Wild West and Wyoming. Possibly the most famous of the events that happened in this part of the country is that of the Hole in the Wall hideout. This hide out was used by outlaws such as the well known Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Hole in the Wall was a series of very narrow passage ways in and out of the mountains. The outlaws would hide out there to escape the sheriffs and outrun the law. Because the only way in and out of the hole in the wall was through these passageways, no one could come near it without the criminals’ knowledge. It is unknown why but eventually the outlaws stopped using the hide out and faded away leaving behind many artifacts and cabins they used.

Another very famous event that happened here was at the Dull Knife Battlefield. Dull Knife was a war chief from the Cheyenne tribe who had just recently defeated General Custer at Little Big Horn. After winning the battle there, the different tribes split up and went their own way. Chief Dull Knife led his people South where he had planned to camp for the winter. To his surprise, he was met there by General MacKenzie who was sent north to find the Cheyenne tribe and force them to surrender. After a very rough battle through a harsh winter, Chief Dull Knife surrendered and is said to have never fought again.

Along with artifacts and information on these famous events, the museum also includes a look into historic Johnson County with the original post office, school house, town jail, and the old library. This isn’t just a museum with history of Johnson County but rather history of the United States itself. Hoofprints of the Past Museum, Kaycee, Wyoming is definitely worth the trip and is great for the whole family to enjoy and learn about the very interesting history surrounding the Wild West.
 

344 Nolan Ave
Kaycee, Wyoming  82639
307-738-2381
 

Hoofprints of the Past Museum – Kaycee, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

Exhibits at the Glenrock Paleontological Museum are typically rotated in and out, but you are able to catch a glimpse at some of their permanent exhibits. These include the bones from not only a Triceratops but also Torosaurs, Nanotyrannus, Camarasaurs, Apatosaurus, Allosaurus, and even the world famous Tyrannosaurus Rex also known as T-Rex. Dinosaurs are not the only things to see at the museum as they also have fossils of smaller reptiles, mammals, and prehistoric fish from all over the world.

This museum knows that everyone enjoys a hands-on learning experience, especially the children, so they now offer what they call Digs. Digs are week long schools where they take the students out into the fields all over Wyoming in which they work on archaeological digs. After a day filled with uncovering fossils, they then take you to the laboratories where you will learn how to properly prepare these newly found wonders. The cost’s to do something like this is $1,150 per person which includes your accommodations, local transportation, and food. If this seems like it may be a little out of your reach then perhaps you will be able to afford a less expensive day dig.

During a day dig you get to go out into the fields to find your fossils, enjoy an hour long lunch, then head on over to lab to learn the preparation techniques. The day digs cost $75 per person. Or you can get the discounted rate of $150 for a family of five. If you decide you would like to try a day dig then be sure to call and give the museum at least a 24 hours notice so they can set up for your arrival. Admission into the actual museum is free and donations are happily accepted.

506 W Birch St
Glenrock, WY 82637
(307) 436-2667

Glenrock Paleontological Museum – Glenrock, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

At the gift shop you will find Wyoming made products like collectables, jewelry, and western art. There you can also find antiques, post cards, books, and even a section made specifically for children. The Cowgirls of the West & Gift Shop, Cheyenne, Wyoming has something for men, women, and children of all ages to enjoy.

If you are a local in the wonderful state of Wyoming or live nearby you can become a Cowgirls of the West club member for a low annual fee of only $30. What is a club member and what does that do for you, you may be asking yourself. Well the answer is simple, the club and its members usually meet once a month and always have a very interesting speaker. On top of that they typically participate in local events and charities like a Brunch and Style Show, a silent auction that is held on Halloween called Cow-Boo Up!, and always showcase a float in the highly anticipated Frontier Day’s parade.

There is so much history and interesting American stories that come out of Wyoming and the Cowgirls of the West & Gift Shop, Cheyenne, Wyoming just adds to the wonder. Whether nearby or just passing through on your way to your destination, come by and learn how the women from long ago have made such an impact on the way we live today.

Cheyenne has a number of various spots of interest that you’ll want to see while visiting. Visit HotelsCombined.com to find the best hotel rates for accommodations in Cheyenne.

 Cowgirls of the West Museum & Gift Store
205 W. 17th Street
Cheyenne, WY 82001
(307) 638-4994
 

Cowgirls of the West Museum – Cheyenne, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

The Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center is open seasonally from May to September from 8am to 8pm and admission is free. At the visitors center you will find not only spectacular views of the dam and river but also a wonderful gift shop where you can purchase novelties, posters, post cards, even books and videos. The dam is located just miles from the Buffalo Bill Historic Center in Cody, Wyoming. At the historic center you can find a variety of different museums like the Cody Firearms Museum, Plains Indian Museum, the Whiney Gallery of Western Art, the newly added Draper Museum of Natural History and, of course, the Buffalo Bill Museum.

Although construction on the dam started in 1905 it wasn’t completed until mid January of 1910. The reason that it took so long to complete was because they were faced with many challenges including flooding and bankruptcy. After the dam was finished it had set cost back nearly $930,000, for back in 1910 that was considered a hefty amount of cash.

In 1993, the project to raise the Buffalo Bill Dam was completed. This projected was started in the mid 1980’s and was intended to raise the dam 25 feet so that it could hold 50 percent more water than before. The project took seven years to complete, which was performed by the Bureau of Reclamation, but didn’t begin to fill until 1993.

If visiting the nearby town of Cody, make sure to take the short six mile trip west in order to stop by the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center and to see this gigantic beauty. However, be sure that you arrive during their open season, between May and September, because if you don’t you will be disappointed to find that there is no one to let you in.

Cody has a number of other attractions as well and you will want to find excellent hotel accommodations for your stay. Visit HotelsCombined.com for the best rates.

4808 North Fork Hwy
Cody, WY 82414
307-527-6076

Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center – Cody, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

The Snake River in Wyoming slithers its way between two of the nation’s most renowned national parks, Yellowstone and Grant Teton. These national parks offer breathtaking scenery, mountains, forests, fields and more to the adventurer who canoes down the river.

While there are a good many places to canoe along the Snake River, one of the most popular is paddling through Grand Teton National Park. It is a challenging river, and one in which you have to pay constant attention. Logs in the channels, boulders, and occasional whitewater can make for a very interesting trip. As long as you keep your eyes open and your head on your shoulders, you should be fine. Of course, you will also find some calm stretches of water there.

You can float through a number of the park’s different habitats, and you have the chance to see a variety of different wildlife, including bears, elk, wolves, and more. Bring a camera along with you (preferably in a waterproof shell) because you never know what you are going to see along the riverbanks.

The Snake River offers many other great places to launch your canoe as well, and every mile of the river is different from the last. You can find great camping sites along the river as well, but make sure you have your permit in order before stopping to camp for the night.

As with any trip to the wilderness, you need to use your common sense. If the river becomes too rough for you, or if you find yourself exhausted, you should get off the water. Wear a brightly colored lifejacket – it might seem cumbersome, but it could save your life. When you are camping, be sure to keep the food in bear-proof containers away from the campsite so you don’t attract unwanted ursine attention. Be sure to pack out everything you bring with you – don’t leave any trash behind.

Whatever kind of canoeing you prefer, from the dangerous whitewater runs to floating along a calm and harmless stretch, you will find it on the mighty Snake River. If you are unfamiliar with the area and you are a beginning canoe enthusiast, you might want to think about hiring a guide. He or she can show you the ropes and lead you safely down tough lengths of the river.

A canoe trip down the Snake River in Wyoming is something that you will never forget.
490 Hwy 89 South
Jackson
307-733-3699
888-998-7688

Snake River – Jackson, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

Regardless of your riding skills, abilities or interest in learning, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy horseback riding at the Bitterroot Ranch. You can take lessons with certified instructors, take part in cow herding, cattle drives, pack trips or round ups. There is also a cross country course available for experienced riders. You can take advantage of extensive opportunities for trail rides during your horseback riding vacation at Bitterroot Ranch, as well.

The horses at Bitterroot Ranch are raised and trained for guest riding. There are more than 130 horses in the herd at available for an average of 25 clients. There is always an appropriate horse available for guests depending on their riding skills and the season. Rides are usually available twice daily, and last for between 2 and 3 hours. Cattle herding opportunities and all day picnic excursions on horseback are schedules weekends at Bitterroot Ranch.

In addition to terrific horses, expert guides and instructors and idyllic natural surroundings, Bitterroot Ranch’s remote location is one of the reasons it offers such outstanding riding opportunities. The nearest paved road is 17 miles from the Ranch, and you aren’t likely to encounter other people on your rides.

You’ll explore a variety of types of wilderness areas and ride on several different types of terrain during your stay. You can ride along a river on trails winding through spruce and cottonwood forests, or ride through sagebrush areas in the high plains desert. Aspen groves located in higher areas are especially beautiful during the autumn months. Cowboy campsites, old abandoned settler homesteads and wildlife are some of the interesting manmade and natural attractions you may encounter on your rides.

Guests at Bitterroot Ranch can take video taped riding lessons at the beginner and intermediate levels two mornings of the week, but these are optional. Beginner rides in small groups usually enable most individuals to participate in rides right away. More experienced riders can enjoy rides featuring light canters. Safety is always a primary concern at the Ranch, and even beginners aren’t likely to feel uncomfortable during their rides at Bitterroot Ranch.  

1480 E. Fork Rd.
Dubois, WY 82513-9614
307-455-2778
800-545-0019
Fax 307-455-2354

Bitterroot Ranch – Dubois, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a very unique place to visit, even if you’ve toured many American Art museums in other places in the past. The Museum has a very impressive collection of approximately 4,000 works of art, and it is located on the edge of the 20,000-acre National Elk Refuge.

You can see wildlife depicted in painting, sculpture, photography, drawings and other types of media at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The artwork at the Museum dates from 2000 BC to present times, and includes European as well as American works. Artwork depicting wildlife from other countries throughout the world is presently being collected at the Museum as well, including work from New Zealand and Africa.

One of the strengths of the art collection at the Museum is American wildlife art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Much of this artwork chronicles the period of European exploration of the West. Since photography was still undeveloped at this time, the artwork is the only visual representation of how the undeveloped frontier appeared. In addition to explorer art, the National Museum of Wildlife Art exhibits works representative of Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Modernism and other genres.

One of the most stunning exhibits at the National Museum of Wildlife Art contains works that feature the American bison. The exhibit traces images of the bison as depicted in a variety of works from the past two centuries. Realistic drawings and paintings of bison, nostalgic and romantic views, and American Indian works featuring bison are some of the diverse images included in this fascinating exhibit.  

Works by renowned impressionist Carl Rungius are also showcased at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The Museum holds a large collection of Carl Rungius’ beautiful works, including his two triptychs and the only two bronze works he ever produced. An entire gallery traces Rungius’ career and development as an artist.

The JKM gallery at the Museum traces the history and development of wildlife art in America. Artwork from the Museum’s impressive collection of 19th and 20th century collection is featured in this exhibit.  The JKM gallery exhibit highlights how artists’ have used themes involving people and wildlife to explore and comment upon humankinds’ place in the world. Visitors will delight in seeing famous works by George Catlin, Albert Bierstadt, John Audubon, Sherry Sander and many others in person.

Works by many other wildlife artists are exhibited throughout the galleries at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.  In addition to viewing artwork and the incredible view of the National Elk Refuge, visitors can also take advantage of the Museum’s expansive Library to do research and explore art history, natural history, wildlife biology, conservation, and many other subjects.

National Museum of Wildlife Art – Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism

South Pass City Historic Site is a terrific attraction to visit in Wyoming. There are 20 original structures to tour, and each has been autheentically restored to give visitors a sense of what the real West was like during the late 1800s. Costumed interpretors lend an even more realistic air to visitors’ historic experiences.

One of the highlights of South Pass City Historic Site is the Gold Mining Interpretive Center. Here you will learn all about gold mining as it was practiced during the late 19th century. The Gold Mining Interpretive Center building was originally built as a mercantile store in approximately 1874. It later served as a warehouse for a neighboring store before being converted to  its present day function at South Pass City.

The Blacksmith Shop at South Pass City Historic Site was constructed in 1915 out of logs that were salvaged from a nearby store dating to 1868. The Blacksmithing Shop originally did contain the forge and other blacksmithing tools that were used to repair horsedrawn wagons, coaches and other equipment. You can see real-life blacksmithing practiced here at the Shop.
 
A recreation of the five room Slack family cabin is another intiguing building you will tour at South Pass City Historic Site. This was the home of Esther Morris. Esther Morris is considered the first woman to hold political office in the United States, as she served as a justice of the peace in South Pass City in the year 1870. Her son E. A. Slack also resided at the cabin. He published the South Pass News newspaper at the original cabin until it burned in 1871. The Gordon Hand Press he used survived the fire and is on display at the recreated cabin.

The Cave or Fort Bourbon as it is known was built in 1868 in South Pass City to protect perishable food items and liquor. According to legend, when Indian raids or attacks were thought to be imminent, women and children of the town would be locked away here for safety while the townsmen prepared to fight.

The Carissa Saloon is another popular attraction at South Pass City Historic Site. The saloon was build in the 1890s and operated on and off until 1949. Visitors can also see the remains of an even older, combination saloon and whorehouse called the White Swan next door to the Carissa.

Some of the other fascinating historic buildings you can tour at South Pass City Historic Site include the Livery, School house, the South Pass Hotel and Restaurant, and the Carr Butcher Shop. In addition to viewing historic buildings and artifacts on a self-guided interpretive tour, there are several walking and hiking trails at the site to explore.

South Pass City Historic Site – Wyoming is a post from: Wyoming Tourism