Wyoming is a land full of mythical tales, resilient cultures, and beguiling natural beauty. From the wide-open spaces to legendary cowboy saloons to gold- and jewel-studded caves and mines, the Wild West is still very much alive and kickin’ in Wyoming. Saddle up and get ready for a rollickin’ adventure!
Devils Tower is a monolith of uncommon igneous rock (phonolite) protruding out of the rolling prairie that surrounds the Black Hills region. More significantly, it’s a monument, established during President Theodore Roosevelt’s years in office.
It’s been known by names as far ranging as Gray Horn Butte, Tree Rock, and The Place Where Bears Live, but now it’s Devils Tower. More than 27 Native American tribes, several expeditions of early explorers, generations of conservationists, and most recently, brave (or crazy) climbers have been drawn to this site. Steven Spielberg even filmed scenes for "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" here. Most visitors arrive to hike the trails, take advantage of the various ranger programs, and gaze up at the night sky.
Travel an hour northeast to arrive at the Geographic Center of the Nation Monument. This 21-foot diameter structure is made of etched South Dakota granite, and marks Belle Fourche as the town closest to the center of the 50 states. The actual geographic center is about 15 miles away, but this is a better place to get out, stretch your legs, and think about just how big, diverse, and ever-changing this land of the free truly is.
Saloon No. 10 is a living museum, pulling from more than 100 years of Deadwood history. You can order a whisky (or whatever tickles your fancy) from their full bar while perusing the more than 100 western and mining-camp artifacts hanging throughout the venue. Pro tip: While the Saloon No. 10 is kid-friendly until 8:30 p.m., after dark, the live music kicks in and the adult festivities take over.
Since 1880, this 10-mile stretch of track has introduced travelers to the natural wonder of the Black Hills. Passengers can expect to see spectacular scenery that includes forests, meadows, and creeks, as well as wildlife such as deer and turkey. The train ride is narrated, and you can purchase a guide book for a small fee. More than 15 road crossings each way means plenty of chances to hear the nostalgic, old-timey sound of a steam whistle.
If you get hungry, snacks are available for purchase on board. Pro tip: Even if you reserve tickets online, you need to pick up the printed tickets at the store. Some things are just meant to stay a little more old-school.
Sylvan Lake is considered the "crown jewel" of Custer State Park in the Black Hills. It was designed with absolute relaxation in mind. Here you can picnic, rent small boats, swim, hike, or climb, or you can use the lake as a starting point for excursions to Harney Peak and the Needles. In the early twentieth century, a hotel operated on the lake’s shore, and the stunning old building is definitely worth seeing if you’re driving through Custer State Park.
It’s easy to romanticize the life of an outlaw, but in reality, Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch remained on the run almost constantly while they were pulling off the longest string of train and bank robberies in the Old West. Even though the gang was thought to have been largely nonviolent, the long arm of the law caught up with Harry Alonzo Longabaugh. He would later get his nickname, “The Sundance Kid” while serving an 18-month sentence near the Crook County Museum, where you can learn more of his story.
Outlaws, aliens, and adventure through the Black Hills: this is one Wild West adventure you won’t soon forget!
