An increase in traffic to the well-known geographical landmark Castle Butte has prompted owners to ask tourists to refrain from visiting the area until at least June, after calving season has finished.
Castle Butte, located in the Big Muddy Badlands near Bengough, is located on private land and serves as a protective area for owner Joey Holbrook’s cattle while they give birth every spring. The butte offers shelter from the elements and provides the newborn calves with a safer place to gather their bearings.
The landmark has seen an increase in visitors in April, likely due to many families stuck at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic measures, and cattle are now avoiding the area because of the traffic and birthing in the open prairie instead.
Castle Butte is actually closed to the public every year in April and May, and Holbrook and the Bengough Economic Development and Tourism Committee have asked for the public’s cooperation once again this spring.
The landmark will once again reopen to visitors in June, when guided tours resume.
