The Nation's First National Monument Is Right Here In Wyoming And You'll Want To Visit

Roosevelt used the Antiquities Act to protect prehistoric and significant NAtive American artifacts, ruins, and sacred sites on federally owned land in the American West. Roosevelt went on to protect sections of the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest in Arizona.

The Butte was most likely formed by volcanic rock, though the exact origin is unknown. Some scientists believe Devils Tower is all that's left of an enormous volcano, while others believe it is the eroded remains of a much larger mountain or rock.

In Kiowa and Lakota lore, a group of girls were out playing when several giant bears began to chase them. They climbed onto a rock and prayed for the Great Spirit to help them. The Great Spirit made the rock grow into the formation it is today, and the bears left deep claw marks as they tried to climb to the girls.

According to Sioux legend, two young boys wandered away from their home when an enormous bear decided he wanted to eat them. Like in the Kiowa and Lakota legends, the Sioux boys prayed for safety, and the land grew into an enormous rock. This bear also left claw marks in the sides of the rock. A legendary Eagle saved the boys from the top of the butte.

In Cheyenne legend, young girls are able to trick the bears into thinking they're at the top of the rock, and young boys manage to shoot the bear as it attempts to climb.

You can visit Devils Tower National Monument any time, as it's open 24/7, 365 days a year. Please be respectful and stay on the trails. You can find more about Ranger-led interpretive programs are offered through the visitor's center: see the event calendar here.. The nearby Belle Fourche River Campground is open May through October, and no pets are allowed on trails.