Devils Tower National Monument

    Looming 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River Valley, Devils Tower is a striking geologic wonder like no other. It is considered sacred by Northern Plains tribes, who call it "Mato Tipila", or "Bear's Lodge". Colorful Native American prayer cloths attached to the branches of ponderosa pines flutter in the breezes around the tower's base. The solitary rock formation is also a beacon for geologists and rock climbers. Due to Devil Tower's importance to many groups of people,  President Theodore Roosevelt declared it the nation's first national monument in 1906, and today, it continues to amaze all who come to visit.

    Near Devils Tower sprawls an extensive 40 acre prairie dog town. A keystone prairie species, prairie dogs are an important indicator of an ecosystem's health and their towns provide crucial habitat or resources to a number of other species such as black-footed ferrets, burrowing owls, and more.

    "Kissing" is how these small rodents identify and greet their family and friends.