Alien ‘encounters’ put this strange-looking monument on the tourist map
Alien ‘Encounters’ Put This Strange-Looking Monument on the Tourist Map
Alien encounters put this strange looking – The intrigue began in a grassy field at the base of a peculiar rock formation, where the hum of activity soon overshadowed the quiet of the Wyoming landscape. Helicopters hovered, camera crews set up, and celebrities joined local residents, all drawn by the enigmatic allure of the structure. This marked the turning point for Devils Tower National Monument, a 867-foot monolith that juts from the prairie like the remains of a colossal tree, into a globally recognized landmark. The film *Close Encounters of the Third Kind*, directed by Steven Spielberg, played a pivotal role in elevating its status, transforming it from a natural curiosity into a cultural touchstone for fans of the sci-fi classic.
A Cinematic Catalyst
Released in 1977, Spielberg’s film captivated audiences worldwide with its depiction of a man’s obsession after encountering an alien spacecraft. Richard Dreyfuss’s character, Roy Neary, became a symbol of humanity’s fascination with the unknown. The plot centers on Neary’s fixation with a mysterious shape, which he interprets as a sign of extraterrestrial contact. His journey from mundane routines to surreal experiences is etched into the collective memory of viewers, thanks in part to the film’s vivid imagery of the tower. One of the most iconic scenes involves Neary crafting a potato tower on his plate, a whimsical yet haunting moment that symbolizes his descent into the alien unknown. The monolith, which appears in the film’s climactic scenes, is portrayed as both a physical and psychological anchor for the protagonist.
“Approximately 12 minutes of footage was filmed here in 1976 and then that movie came out the following year in 1977,” said Brian Cole, an interpretive ranger at Devils Tower National Monument. “We saw a huge increase in visitation after that movie came out — over 76% increase in visitation from about 153,000 to over 270,000 visitors.” Cole’s comments highlight how the film’s release in 1977 catalyzed a surge in interest, with visitors flocking to the area for its cinematic association. Even today, the monument remains a magnet for fans who seek to connect with the story that made it famous.
The film’s success—grossing over $300 million globally—cemented Devils Tower’s place in popular culture. For many, the tower became a symbol of the film’s themes of discovery and the supernatural. “I was born in ‘70 and I remember seeing that movie and thinking that was pretty cool,” shared Matt Ingram, a recent visitor from Chicago. “When he builds the tower out of mashed potatoes, and the kids are like, ‘Dad, are you OK?’” The scene, while seemingly trivial, encapsulates the film’s surreal tone and the tower’s role as a focal point of human imagination.
Native American Legacy
Long before the film’s release, the tower had been a sacred site for Native American tribes. As the first U.S. national monument, designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, it carries a deep historical and spiritual significance. The site’s name, “Devils Tower,” is believed to have originated from a mistranslation of Indigenous words, possibly conflating “bear” with “bad god.” Alternatively, explorer Colonel Richard Irving Dodge might have altered the name to reflect a Western perspective, according to the National Park Service. Despite this, the tower’s true heritage lies in the oral traditions of the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho peoples, who refer to it as “Bear Lodge” or “Bear’s Tipi.”
These stories, passed down through generations, describe the tower as a place where bears once clawed at the rock, attempting to reach two children who had fallen into a cave. The grooves on the surface are said to bear the marks of this mythical encounter. “We wanted to find the aliens up there that they left from *Close Encounters of the Third Kind*,” joked Kevin Thomas, a visitor from April. While the film inspired this modern quest, the tower’s ancient importance persisted. “The movie they’d seen decades ago wasn’t the reason for our visit,” Thomas added, explaining that the landmark was just one stop on a cross-country journey from Alaska to Michigan. For many, the tower’s significance transcends its cinematic fame, rooted in the cultural narratives of Indigenous communities.
Geological Enigma
Though the tower’s cultural mystique is well-documented, its geological origins remain a subject of debate. Brian Cole, who has worked at the monument for years, noted that the formation is estimated to have emerged over 50 million years ago. However, the exact process of its creation is still unclear. “Geologists aren’t sure exactly how it formed, there’s different theories,” Cole explained. Some suggest it was formed by magma cooling and shrinking, while others propose it resulted from erosion of surrounding rock. Regardless of the scientific explanation, the tower’s dramatic presence continues to inspire awe, with visitors often describing it as a “geological freak show.”
Today, the Tower Trail, a 1.3-mile loop around the base, offers panoramic views that have become a staple for tourists. “It’s a geological freak show,” said Matt Ingram, who visited the site during a road trip. “Even without the movie, the tower’s sheer size and unique shape make it unforgettable.” The trail is dotted with interpretive signs and natural wonders, but the tower itself stands as the centerpiece of the experience. Its jagged silhouette against the Wyoming sky has captivated visitors for decades, blending the allure of the unknown with the tangible beauty of the natural world.
Modern Echoes and New Stories
The tower’s legacy extends beyond its historical and cinematic roots. With the release of Spielberg’s upcoming film *Disclosure Day* on June 12, some speculate it could serve as a sequel to the 1977 classic. Actors in the new project have hinted that it answers lingering questions from the original, reigniting interest in the monument. Yet, the tower’s story is not confined to the realm of science fiction. Native American oral histories continue to shape its identity, with each tribe offering unique interpretations of its formation and purpose. These legends, combined with the film’s influence, have created a dual narrative—one grounded in Indigenous tradition and another shaped by Hollywood imagination.
For visitors, the tower is both a physical marvel and a metaphor for the mysteries of life. “It’s like a beacon, drawing people who’ve never seen it before,” Cole observed. “The film introduced it to a global audience, but the real magic lies in the experience of standing before it.” The monument’s popularity has also led to the emergence of themed accommodations, such as the “Shining” hotels, which add a layer of modern whimsy to the site’s historical and cultural significance. While one of these hotels is said to be haunted, others simply offer a nostalgic atmosphere for fans of the film’s legacy.
Devils Tower’s story is a testament to the power of storytelling, whether through ancient myths or contemporary cinema. The monolith, standing as a silent witness to centuries of human imagination, continues to bridge the gap between the natural and the supernatural. Its name, once a product of colonial interpretation, now resonates with both Indigenous heritage and global pop culture. As tourists from around the world gather to marvel at its presence, the tower remains a symbol of the enduring human quest to understand the world—and perhaps, to find a place where the extraordinary becomes real.
