Devils Tower

In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt brought national attention to Devils Tower by authorizing the Antiquities Act, giving the President the power to set aside national monuments. Devils Tower became the first national monument, established that same year. Rising 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, Devils Tower is hard to miss. In fact, the formation of this distinctive rock figures prominently in the sacred legends of several American Indian groups who know the tower as Bear’s Lodge or Bear’s Tipi, among other names. Today, more than 20 tribes have established ties to the tower, and many groups visit the site to perform traditional ceremonies every year. Geologists tell us that this tower of columnar basalt formed when molten rock intruded into overlying sedimentary rock and cooled into columns, which developed vertical cracks as they shrank. Eventually the overlying rock eroded to reveal the igneous rock beneath. Stop by the visitor center located three miles from the park entrance to learn about the natural and cultural history of the Devils Tower area before heading out to hike some of the seven miles of trails located in the park. Come see this unique national monument and find out why it caught the eye of President Roosevelt back in 1906.

Protect Our Heritage!
Devils Tower is known for its cultural significance as well as its natural beauty. Please leave the site exactly as you found it, without disturbing any artifacts, plants, rocks, or wildlife. Please observe the park speed limit of 25 mph and report vandalism or other unauthorized activities.