Top Things to Do in Devils Tower Country

Belle Fourche to Devils Tower

52 Miles

Begin your trip in Belle Fourche, located in the Northern Black Hills.

Belle Fourche welcomes you with its own brand of Western hospitality. The town hosts one of the oldest continuously held outdoor rodeos in the U.S. — Black Hills Roundup. See the rodeo action, watch fireworks and enjoy the festivities for five days over the Fourth of July weekend.

The journey to Devils Tower National Monument takes you through the picturesque Belle Fourche River Valley on SD 34. As you enter Wyoming, the road changes its name to WY 24.

The drive passes through the historic coal-mining hub of Aladdin and climbs through ponderosa pine forests.

Stop at the Aladdin General Store in the tiny town of Aladdin, population 15. You’ll find everything from gasoline, groceries and gifts to a post office and a lively bar.

As you approach the town of Hulett glimpses of the tower emerge from the ranches and grasslands surrounding the rocky hills.

Hulett is an Old West oasis with eateries, a museum and lodging. Visit the Hulett Museum & Art Gallery to explore prehistoric and historical artifacts that take you through northeastern Wyoming’s history and culture.

Where to Stay: Devils Tower KOA

Devils Tower National Monument

Spend your second day exploring Devils Tower National Monument.

Anchoring the northeast corner of the Black Hills of Wyoming is Devils Tower National Monument. In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt designated it as the country’s first national monument.

Devils Tower rises 1,267 feet above the picturesque Belle Fourche River Valley. This geologic oddity of epic proportions is made of igneous rock.

Also known as Bear Lodge, the tower is sacred to over two dozen Native American tribes. You will see prayer cloths and prayer bundles attached to trees around the park. These represent the tangible connection native people maintain with this area. Please do not touch, disturb or photograph these cloths.

The Visitor Center has interpretive exhibits that describe the park’s natural and cultural history, a bookstore and a souvenir shop. Look for the new interpretive exhibits that were installed in 2021.

Stop into Devils Tower Trading Post, located at the park entrance, for a delicious snack or ice cream while taking in striking views of the towering monument.

Hiking Take advantage of all the monument offers on the trails in the park. Tower Trail, the most popular route, takes you around the base and offers spectacular views of the tower.

Rock Climbing Hundreds of parallel cracks divide the stone pillar into large hexagonal columns, making it a premier traditional crack climbing area. Climbing above the boulder field requires registration before climbing. Please note, there is a voluntary climbing closure during June.

Ranger Programs During the summer season, park staff and guest speakers cover topics related to the monument’s natural and cultural history. Programs include guided walks along Tower Trail and short talks outside the visitor center.

Night Sky Viewing Learn about the night sky, one of the many resources protected by Devils Tower National Monument, during the stargazing programs the park hosts throughout the year.

Prairie Dog Town Prairie dogs are one of the most visible animals at Devils Tower. Use the pullouts to observe their bustling environment as they entertain you with their playful antics.

Where to Stay: Belle Fourche Riverside Campground or Wyatt's Hideaway Campground.

Devils Tower to Spearfish

60 Miles

Make your way back to South Dakota on your final day.

Start by strolling through one of the largest authentic collections of artifacts from the West Texas Trail cattle drive and the Old West at the West Texas Trail Museum in Moorcroft.

Continue to Sundance. This is where the Sundance Kid got his name. Learn his story and others at the Crook County Museum & Art Gallery, housed in Old Stoney — a historical sandstone schoolhouse built in 1923.

Meet Old West characters as you stroll along the streets on a Sip ‘n Walk tour.

Those with an appreciation for great scenery and the outdoors will enjoy exploring Sundance White Ranch Park, a 100-acre outdoor attraction located at the base of Sundance Mountain.

Step back in time at the Vore Buffalo Jump. This archaeological site of the late-prehistoric Plains Indians sits near Beulah, and is a natural sinkhole used as a bison trap for nearly 300 years.

You're sure to enjoy all the discovories you'll make in Devils Tower Country!