Crook County: Discover Devils Tower, Nature, and Culture
Accommodation in Crook County
Crook County combines distinctive landscapes, notable historical evidence, and diverse opportunities for active days. At its center is Devils Tower, a geological feature that rises above the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. From its base to its summit, the Tower rises 867 feet. At the same time, it is considered sacred by the Indian tribes of the Northern Plains and by Indigenous peoples. This combination of nature and cultural significance shapes the travel impressions of the region.
Experience Devils Tower on Foot and at the Rock
For a manageable hike, the Tower Trail follows a 1.3-mile paved footpath around the base of Devils Tower. The route takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. This gives you the opportunity to get to know the distinctive rock within a clearly defined time frame while keeping the rest of the day flexible. Anyone wishing to climb at Devils Tower or undertake climbing-like ascents above the talus field must register in advance at the climbing information kiosk. Technical climbing equipment is required for safe climbing.
Water, Trails, and Open Landscapes
Keyhole Reservoir covers more than 9,000 acres of water and has 53 miles of shoreline. Public swimming is possible there. This allows you to add time by the water to your travel plans without losing sight of the character of the other landscape experiences.
Sundance White Ranch Park is located at the foot of Sundance Mountain. It offers five trails and open areas for hiking, cycling, and running. Depending on your interests, you can plan a more active stay with cycling or running routes there or explore the trails on foot. Ranch A also combines landscape and history: The property covers approximately 645 acres, Sand Creek flows through it, and it offers recreational and scenic value. Among other wildlife, eagles, turkeys, deer, elk, pronghorn, and mountain lions can be observed on the property.
History and Culture as Travel Experiences
The Vore Site is a natural sinkhole that was used as a bison trap from approximately 1500 to 1800 AD. Vore Buffalo Jump is one of the most significant archaeological sites of the late prehistoric Plains Indians in the region. Those interested in the history of the landscape will find here an opportunity to engage with it that goes far beyond simply observing nature.
A tour of three museums is recommended as one way to explore Crook County. The West Texas Trail Museum preserves and presents the history of the West Texas Trail and its influence on the region. It also offers educational programs, guided tours, and special events. Since its opening in April 2010, the Hulett Museum & Art Gallery has been dedicated to collecting and preserving the history and culture of northeastern Wyoming and displays prehistoric and historic artifacts. The Crook County Museum & 1875 Art Gallery displays more than 7,000 objects.
Ranch A also has an explicit historic designation: The ranch was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1997. Choose your starting point based on which themes should define your trip, and plan the individual destinations as separate discoveries.
More Places for Your Planning
If you would like to compare additional location ideas besides Crook County, you can also include Hulett, Moorcroft and Devils Tower in your search.
For the higher-level travel overview: Wyoming.
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