I love hiking Mount Roosevelt.  It is a short hike with fantastic views, a perfect place to take people hiking – even if they are not really in to hiking.  It has Friendship Tower, a really great structure that you can climb up.  And, it is just minutes from Deadwood.  You can leave downtown and be to the parking lot at Mount Roosevelt in no time.

Who Built Friendship Tower?

Friendship Tower (I’ve also heard it called Friendship Monument) was conceived by Seth Bullock. The Society of the Black Hills Pioneers constructed it.  And, it was dedicated on July 4th, 1919.  You can find Seth Bullock’s grave all the way across the gulch –above Mount Moriah -  with a view of Mt. Roosevelt.

What’s been going on?

Improvements have recently been completed on the tower.  Stairs, new railing and a roof have all be added.  It is now safer for climbing to the top and enjoying the view.

How do you get to Friendship Tower?

It is a short drive from Deadwood.  Travel north on Highway 85 from Deadwood and watch for the sign. Turn on Mount Roosevelt Road (the same turn for the Lodge at Deadwood) and stay on Mount Roosevelt road for 2.5 miles until you find the parking lot.  Visit this page to see a video showing the drive.