The Black Hills

Devils Tower National Monument is a striking geological landmark in northeastern Wyoming, rising dramatically above the surrounding prairie and reaching about 1,267 ft above the Belle Fourche River. Designated by President Theodore Roosevelt on September 24, 1906, under the Antiquities Act, it was the first national monument in the United States and is managed by the National Park Service. The Tower—a remnant of ancient igneous activity—is sacred to many Northern Plains tribes and known for its cultural significance and indigenous heritage. Today the monument offers hiking, wildlife viewing, interpretive exhibits at its visitor center, and world-class rock climbing.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, commemorates four U.S. presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—whose leadership shaped the nation’s founding, expansion, preservation, and unification. Carved into granite between 1927 and 1941 under the direction of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the monument is managed by the National Park Service and attracts millions of visitors annually. The site offers interpretive exhibits, the Presidential Trail, educational programs, and evening lighting ceremonies, while also highlighting the cultural significance of the Black Hills to Indigenous peoples.

The city of Deadwood, located in South Dakota’s Black Hills, is a historic mountain town renowned for its role in the American frontier and the Black Hills Gold Rush of the late 1870s. Best known for legendary figures such as Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock, Deadwood blends preserved Old West history with modern amenities. Today, the city offers historic gaming halls, museums, live reenactments, festivals, and outdoor recreation, while its preserved Main Street and surrounding landscapes provide a unique mix of heritage tourism, culture, and entertainment year-round.