We headed out of Gillette WY to see the Devils Tower National Monument. Since people first arrived here thousands of years ago, the monolith has remained essentially unchanged. The Tower we see today is the same formation that Theodore Rosevelt protected as the nation’s first national monument in 1906. It is the same landmark that explorers and settlers used as they moved west across the country. It is the same stone structure where Native Americans have gathered and prayed for thousands of years. The sense of awe is truly timeless.

The tower is 867 feet tall from the Visitor Center and covers an area of about 2.15 square miles. The tower is made out of phonolite porphyry, a rare igneous rock. The top is about the size of an American football field and covered in plants. Yes, people do climb the tower.

At the Cook County Museum in Sundance SD, we spotted a statue of Harry Alonzo Longabough. He is better known as the “Sundance Kid.” This museum is another gem. What caught our eye was a diorama of the Vore Buffalo Jump.

Buffalo skulls and bones were excavated from the location of the Vore Site, southwest of Beulah. The bones are estimated to the modern age of 250-300 years old.

Then we drove through Sturgis SD. It is best known to all bikers for its annual gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts. This year the rally will be in August and a good time is guaranteed to all! That may explain why the town has so many large saloons and shows.

Before exiting town we took a picture of a very big Buffalo Chip sign. Someone has a sense of twisted humor…the kind we appreciate.

Near by is a very ornate cross. There must be a church in the area. However, right next door is another giant saloon dedicated to bikes.

The rest of the trip was mostly flat and not crowded. Beauteous!

Arriving in Pierre SD stopped for a photo of a 14’ x 20’ school house. Used only in 1881 but has been lovingly preserved.