Devils Tower in Wyoming is truly a one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon with a unique story. Its stark towering presence, formation, and character are incredibly intriguing and mysterious. Even just the name sets the imagination wandering: What is Devils Tower? What do I need to know about Devils Tower history? It’s hard not to feel a bit of a chill down your spine when you see something so imposing. Check out the history of this amazing natural landmark:

Devils Tower in Wyoming is a huge mass of rock that's nestled among the Black Hills, not far from the town of Sundance.
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
This amazing feature rises 1,267 feet up into the air, looking above the Belle Fourche River, grasslands, and surrounding Ponderosa pine forests. In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt named this the country's first national monument.
The Devils Tower history baffled both Native Americans and early settlers to the area.
Wikimedia Commons/lidarSagdejev
According to Native American legend, seven little girls were playing in the forest when they were chased by giant bears. The girls ran and jumped on a boulder and began praying for safety. The rock started growing up towards the sky, adding distance between the girls and the bears. It's said that the cracks and columns you can see on the Devils Tower surface came from the bears' claws as they frantically tried to climb the rock to reach their prey.
It's easy to see why Devils Tower is a popular destination for rock climbers! Some of the columns here have cracks that are more than 400 feet long.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Even today, many Native Americans consider Devils Tower a sacred site worthy of protection.
Flickr/Mary Fairchild
In order to respect the tribes' cultural traditions and rituals that are performed at the tower, the monument is off-limits to rock climbers during the month of June.
Flickr/sbruns76
That's when the sun dances, vision quests, and prayer offerings that are part of Devils Tower history take place.
Geologists determined that Devils Tower in Wyoming was formed not by the prayers of scared little girls, but as the result of an ancient volcano. The delineated columns were created by magma as it cooled.
Wikimedia Commons/Doc Searls
The tower looks unique due to its size and the type of rock, pholonite. The columns that make up Devils Tower are some of the tallest and widest known in these types of formations.
Wikimedia Commons/Philkon Phil Konstantin
Devils Tower has even been seen in movies! In 1977, it was used as a filming location for the science fiction classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
To truly appreciate Devils Tower in Wyoming, you'll need to see it for yourself. This is one spot we definitely recommend checking out in person!
Flickr/James Joel

It’s hard to envision how massive this formation is. Look at it!:

Do you know any other interesting tidbits about Devils Tower history? Share your thoughts in the comments!

If you love Devils Tower in Wyoming and want to show off your pride, check out this great t-shirt from The Landmark Project!

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What are the oldest attractions in Wyoming?

 Wyoming was born in 1868, meaning that there is quite a bit of history to it. Besides Devils Tower in WY,  just some of the oldest attractions include Yellowstone National Park, America’s very first national park, which was established in 1872. Among its over two million acres, you’ll find unique wildlife like bald eagles and elk, lakes and waterfalls, and then of course, there’s the awe-inspiring geysers and hot springs. In Goshen County, you can visit Fort Laramie National Historic Site, a significant part of the westward expansion in the mid-19th century. Throughout history, it has served as a trading post, military outpost, and even a stopping point on the famed Oregon Trail.

Which state parks should I visit in Wyoming?

 There are 12 state parks within Wyoming (and two national parks as well). If you’re near Cody, check out Buffalo Bill State Park. Here, you can take in the Absaroka Mountains, a sub-range of the majestic Rocky Mountains as well as camp, fish, or hike five miles of trails. In Lander, there’s the 600-acre Sinks Canyon State Park. You can fish, hike, climb, and drive along the 70-mile scenic Loop Road. But probably the most popular reason to visit is see how the Popo Agie River disappears underground by the mouth of the canyon.

What is the weather like in Wyoming in the summer?

Like most other states, Wyoming experiences warm summer days. Just how warm will depend on where you are within the state. The plains and lower elevation areas average about 75-90 degrees in July, but the highlands have more comfortable temps, hanging around the range of 70-75 degrees. Nights drop to the 50s and 60s. In the early part of the summer, expect thunderstorms and even tornados. If you’re looking for something to do in the warm weather, check out these awesome summer destinations in Wyoming.

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Devils Tower, WY 82714, USA