Wednesday in Wyoming - April 2, 2025

 

This month I plan to feature various sculptures that I've seen around the state. This one, entitled Sacred Circle of Smoke, is one of my favorites, particularly when it's viewed from this angle, framing Devils Tower.

If you'd like more information about the statue, here's a link.

Wednesday in Wyoming - April 28, 2021

 

If you look closely at the top of the red rock hill near Devils Tower, what do you see? I think it's an alligator.

Wednesday in Wyoming - April 21, 2021

 

The Circle of Sacred Smoke would be impressive anywhere, but when used to frame Devils Tower, it's even more memorable.

What's it all about?

The sculpture represents the first puff of smoke from a newly lit pipe and is designed to highlight the importance of Devils Tower to the twenty affiliated tribes for whom this is a sacred spot.

Wednesday in Wyoming - April 14, 2021

 

One of the first signs visitors to Devils Tower encounter is this one, warning them not to feed prairie dogs. Why?

Those cute little rodents are everywhere!

Wednesday in Wyoming - April 7, 2021

 

Wyomingites are proud of the many "firsts" associated with our state. Being the  first state to grant women suffrage is important, but it's not the only first. The list is extensive and includes the world's first national park (Yellowstone) as well as the first national monument, Devils Tower.

As you can see from the picture above, Devils Tower dominates the skyline, making it one of the prominent features of northeastern Wyoming. 

It's even more impressive close up.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- February 17, 2016

Wyoming is home to not only the first national park but also the first national monument.  While Hollywood made Devils Tower famous in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," it was a sacred spot to Native Americans well before that and draws thousands of tourists each year.

Some of those who visit the tower come to climb it.  Would you want to ascend those practically vertical sides?