Celebrate National Park Week at Devils Tower! April 20 – 28
Written by broebling on April 19, 2019
Enjoy free entrance to Devils Tower National Monument with the kick off to National Park Week! National park sites that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free entrance on Saturday April 20. “Enjoy a beautiful drive through the rolling Black Hills of Northeast Wyoming!” said Nancy Stimson, Chief of Interpretation and Education. Ranger talks will be presented Sunday April 21-Sunday April 28 at 11 am and 2 pm. Meet at the kiosk in front of the visitor center.
Ø Saturday April 20, National Junior Ranger Day.
We’re kicking with off National Park Week with National Junior Ranger Day. The Junior Ranger Program is a great way to explore Devils Tower, earn some cool swag, and maybe even one of those coveted hats the rangers wear! Well…okay. Yours might be made out of paper, but you’ll still rock it! You’ll also learn why national parks matter and how you can be a part of the team that helps keep parks healthy.
1 pm The Black Hills Raptor Center will present their education birds which are raptors that are permanently injured, either physically or mentally. This is a great photo opportunity with these magnificent birds. Meet at the kiosk in front of the visitor center.
2 pm Junior Ranger Program. Meet the ranger at the kiosk in front of the visitor center. We don’t care what age you are-just come to Devils Tower National Monument ”explore, learn, and protect” your national parks and become an official Junior Ranger!
Ø Sunday April 21, Military Recognition Day
This day is dedicated to the men and women of the American military past and present. Devils Tower and the military have strong ties going back to 1875 when Colonel Richard Dodge led an expedition into the Black Hills. He described the Tower as “one of the most remarkable peaks in this or any country”. Current U.S. military and their dependents are eligible for a free annual pass at the park entrance station.
Ø Monday April 22, Earth Day
Celebrate the 49th Earth Day! Artists are encouraged to create your piece of art at the base of Devils Tower! Bring your art supplies and you might want to bring a chair and setup at Joyner Ridge or near the visitor center to paint the Tower throughout the day. Artists have created art in national parks since the late 19th century when famed Hudson River School painters captured the majestic views of our nation’s western parks. Today, the sights and sounds in national parks continue to inspire artists.
Ø Tuesday April 23, Transportation Day
National Parks and Monuments grew up together. As automobiles evolved, so did National Parks and Monuments. Today, automobiles, tour buses, bicycles, motorcycles, and school buses make their way to Devils Tower.
Ø Wednesday April 24, Wild Wednesday
Our nation’s first national monument is a great place to explore the “wildness” of national heritage. Wild turkey, deer and prairie dogs are abundant and offer great opportunities for photography!
Ø Thursday April 25, Throwback Thursday
History happened and memories are made each day at Devils Tower. Explore the history of the Civilian Conservation Corp who built the visitor center in 1935.
Ø Friday April 26, Friendship Friday
Passion for parks! Everyday we celebrate our friendship with the Devils Tower Natural History Association. Learn how to become a member of the association.
Ø Saturday April 27, B.A.R.K. Ranger Day
Yes, your pet can be a B.A.R.K. Ranger. National parks and monuments are exciting places for pets to visit with their families while on vacation! Take the pledge, earn a badge. *Bag your pet’s waste *Always wear a leash * Respect wildlife *Know where you can go.
Ø Sunday April 28, National Park Rx Day
National Park Rx Day is celebrated across the United States to promote the growing movement of prescribing parks and nature to patients to improve human health. Walk the many heart healthy trails at Devils Tower! To learn more about Devils Tower National Monument visit www.nps.gov/deto or https://www.facebook.com/devilstower.nps/ or twitter.com@DevilsTowerNM or Instagram at #devilstowernps
