Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming (1949)

by United States. National Park Service

Fragments of fallen columns at base of Devils Tower

The Monument Museum

Many questions come to those who view Devils Tower, and an effort is made to answer them through exhibits in the museum at the parking area. There, by use of pictures, diagrams, artifacts, and specimens, is presented an explanation of some of the features of the Tower, its geology, setting, history, and legend. These exhibits, of interest to the layman and student alike, are a logical prelude to a walk along the trails.

Location and Facilities

Located a little west of the center of Crook County, which lies in the northeast corner of Wyoming, the monument entrance is 7 miles northward from U. S. Highway 14, 29 miles northwest of Sundance, Wyo., and 33 miles northeast of Moorcroft, Wyo.

In the days gone by, because of its inspiring setting, the area close to the Tower was a favorite camping and picnicking site, first by the Indian and then by the pioneer who braved the rugged and traillike access to the very base of the great rock. Not the least inviting feature was the large spring of unusually pure and cold water located but a few feet from the base of the Tower, as if flowing from it.

In the development of the area, to afford easy access and more comfort for the hurried vacationist and thoroughgoing student as well, these salient primitive features are preserved by making the water available at nearly all principal points and by the development of the natural picnic and campground areas within the shadows of the Tower. Adjacent to the area, as well as within a few miles of it, are tourist cabins for those wishing overnight lodging, but who are not equipped to camp.

Administration

Devils Tower National Monument, containing 1,194 acres of federally owned land, is one of the areas of the National Park System owned by the people of the United States and administered for them by the National Park Service. In these areas the scenery and the objects of historic, prehistoric, and scientific interest are carefully preserved and displayed for public enjoyment.