Photo by A.D. Cropper

   

A geological wonder looms up from the plains just east of Sturgis, South Dakota. Sacred Bear Butte is a laccolith, formed when molten magma solidified then surfaced. The Sioux and Cheyenne Indians and others still make pilgrimages to the site. Sioux call the mountain Mato Paha or sleeping bear mountain.

Its history dates back to the days of fur trading, cavalry, and gold seekers. Early visitors here were Crazy Horse, Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, and General George Custer. I've played my Native American Indian flute there many times . . . it is so inspirational!