Devils Tower Visitor Center — Attraction in Hulett

Stopped here on the way down to South Dakota back in July. This place was interesting and we arrived early in the morning around 9 am and it was already very crowded. The walk around the base was interesting and had quite a bit of information to read along the way. Most people blew right by the signage but it definitely adds to the experience.

I took one star off for three major reasons. One this is a sacred location for many local Indigenous tribes and the name Devils Tower ought to be changed. The name comes from when white settlers originally arrived and saw Native spiritual ceremonies and practices and said it looks like they are worshipping the Devil and hence it was named Devils Tower. Many Indigenous tribes call this Bear Lodge or Bear Butte. Two, since this is a place of spiritual significance for many Native peoples, there are offerings and prayers tied around the base of Bear Lodge in the trees and other natural settings. You are not supposed to touch them or take pictures and there were a few relatively small signage’s that announced that at the beginning but we saw people take photos and touch them which was upsetting to see. This place wouldn’t have such significance if it weren’t for the Native Peoples finding it so important and it being a place of spiritual significance for them. Finally, it was crowded! I know that’s not super controllable but the visitors center and the gift shop were extremely small and super overcrowded. To even really look at anything in the gift shop you had to be in line and weave through there two aisles until you reached the counter to pay. We went early and I suggest you do too because I can’t even imagine how much more crowded it gets!

We walked around the base counter clockwise because one of the signs on the way up said that’s how the local Lakota tribe walks around for reasons I honestly can’t remember now but we wanted to show respect and honor and that was how we felt we...

Even after seeing 'Close Encounters' many times growing up, seeing Devil's Tower in person was quite amazing. It was fabulous to be there in person, read about how the Tower was formed, and learn about the connection with Native American peoples.

We loved the experience of hiking around the base of the Tower on the Tower Loop Trail so we could see the Tower from every angle. The park service created a 1.3 mile paved trail around the base for guests to follow. Be sure to take your time, read the signs, and appreciate the views. Also, look up at the Tower closely as you may get to see climbers making their way up. We saw a number of climbers on the side of the Tower to the left of the "Window" during our early morning visit.

Note 1 - RV and trailer parking: The visitor center parking lots are rather small and not made to accommodate longer or larger RVs or trailers. The park has a designated lot just past the prairie dog town where you can drop your RV or trailer. Ask the park staff what the best way is to get to the visitor center if you use this lot.

Note 2- Visitor Center: The visitor center is located in a historic building and is relatively small. There are interpretive exhibits in the visitor center and a gift shop. Bring your patience as the spaces can get very crowded.

Note 3- Trails: The Red Beds Trail is a second and longer loop trail (2.8 miles) further down the hill that also circles the Tower. We hiked the trail from the campground and made the entire circuit. It took us a little over 3 hours, including our time at the...

Loved it! No aliens, though, lol. This formation was featured in the 1970s film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", and ever since seeing that movie when I was a kid, I'd always wanted to go there at least once before I "check out" of this world, and see it for myself. It took a very long time, but 40 years later, I FINALLY MADE IT! 😎 This monument has a walking trail the goes around it's base, that is approximately 1 mile in length, and in considered a "novice hike". If you hike with a walking stick like I do, then don't forget to pick up your walking stick medallion in the gift shop when you're done! I got mine, and it is now one of over 50 medallions on my stick from different locations around the nation. It's almost time for a new stick, so I can start filling that up, too!

When visiting, please be ever mindful and respectful of the monument and the surrounding area. Devil's Tower is designated as a U.S. National Monument, but is the property of the Lakota Sioux Nation of Tribal Natives. Also, you will see prayer bundles, and prayer cloths in different places at and around the monument. These things are considered sacred and holy to the native tribe, and everyone is asked, please, never to...