The over-100 degree days were definitely wearing on us by this point. This was another long driving day, which seemed even longer because our stops were short due to the heat. We stopped at Little Bighorn, for instance, hoping to explore the Visitor Center for a break, but it was closed for construction. We ate a quick lunch in the shade, visited their mini gift shop in a trailer, and started driving again - too hot to walk around the grounds. Ruth chose Hamilton as the soundtrack for the second part of the afternoon as she drove us to Devil's Tower. (Side note, having a third driver really helps break up the trip!)
We loved the prarie dog village at Devil's Tower. So many prarie dogs!! This was one of the first places where we were close enough to hear the prarie dogs little "eek" sound as the popped up on their hind legs - adorable.
Devil's Tower itself is wild to see, and especially surprising after driving through all that flatness. We bailed on the hike around the base due to the heat, and instead headed into yet another Visitor Center and gift shop. At least this one had the specific national park stickers that Ruth had been collecting for her car over the course of the trip - we picked up 4 new ones to finish out her set.
With 2 hours left to drive (nooooooo), we skipped Deadwood and headed straight to Rapid City, with a quick Taco Bell stop on the way. We didn't reach the hotel until 7:30, and happily crashed.