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Overview

Introduction

From 1852 to 1948, this island, one of three collectively called Les Iles de Salut (Salvation Islands), served as an infamous French prison, housing political prisoners (including Alfred Dreyfuss) and France's most violent criminals. Of 80,000 prisoners sent to the islands, more than 50,000 died. Since the prison was shut down, some of the buildings have been overgrown by the tropical vegetation. Devil's Island is strictly off-limits to visitors, but one can still sense the haunting atmosphere of the prison ruins from a boat tour.

All three of the islands, found 30 mi/48 km northwest of Cayenne, were used as prisons. Ile Royale, the largest (at just under 2 mi/3 km in diameter) allows camping and is the site of the only lodging, the Auberge des Iles de Salut, which was built at the summit of the island around the former guards' quarters and mess hall. It has great views of the surrounding terrain. In addition to the atmosphere and solitude, the islands offer good fishing (charters available).

Overview

Introduction

You won't have any trouble finding something to do in Devils Lake—the area is a popular recreation spot. According to local legend, the lake was once known as Bad Spirit Lake after a group of Sioux warriors drowned there. The moniker doesn't deter visitors: The fishing is particularly good, and bird hunting takes place in the fall. Bird-watchers can observe sandhill cranes there in spring and fall. We recommend a visit to at least one of the state parks in the area, which include Graham's Island State Park, which has boat access, camping and picnicking.

Devils Lake has two other nearby attractions: Sully's Hill National Game Preserve is home to bison, elk, white-tailed deer, prairie dogs and more than 260 species of birds. It offers opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing and scenic auto tours. Fort Totten State Historic Site is a well-preserved, 19th-century military post. Devils Lake is 165 mi/265 km northwest of Fargo.

Overview

Introduction

Devils Tower is one of the most unusual geologic formations in the U.S. Located in northeastern Wyoming, this massive igneous rock is indeed a tower, rising straight up from a rolling plain (it's 1,267 ft/386 m high, 1,000 ft/305 m across at its base and 275 ft/84 m across at the top). In 1906, Teddy Roosevelt dedicated it as the first national monument in the U.S. More recently, the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind depicted the tower as the landing spot for UFOs.

The rock can be easily seen from the monument parking lot or from the paved Tower Trail, which circles the monolith. It yields many impressive views and winds through the trees at the base of the rock. There are several other hiking trails within the monument, as well as a prairie-dog town. There is a total of 7 mi/11 km of easy hiking at the monument.

More adventurous visitors can climb the monument to its summit on one of 80 ascent routes of varying difficulty—but be aware, this is technical rock climbing best-suited to those who have some experience. Guided climbs are available. The large numbers of people scaling the tower have led to controversy: Some Native Americans consider it sacrilegious to climb the rock, which for them is a spiritual site. The National Park Service has been trying to find some middle ground between those who would like to see climbing banned and those who want unrestricted access. It's best to check in advance for those guidelines. Currently climbers are asked to hold off in June (a time when many sacred ceremonies occur) out of respect for Native Americans' beliefs. There's a campground at the monument and several private camping areas nearby for those who want to overnight in the area. 290 mi/470 km north of Cheyenne.

Overview

Introduction

There's not a lot to do in Mandeville, Jamaica, but this pretty town 60 mi/95 km west of Kingston and some 2,000 ft/610 m up in the mountains offers relief from the heat of beach resorts. It's an important center for bauxite and alumina mining, which takes place outside town.

Spend a day walking around town to see the British colonial architecture, some of it dating from the 1700s. Marshall's Pen is a cattle plantation and bird sanctuary. You can take a tour of the restored 200-year-old estate house by appointment. On weekends, be sure to see the colorful Mandeville Market (handicrafts, clothing, produce) in the center of town.

Golfers will enjoy playing at the Manchester Club, said to be the oldest golf course in the Western Hemisphere. Mandeville's main appeal is its splendid scenery that can be seen while driving narrow country lanes lined with fieldstone walls. Temperatures in Mandeville can be chilly, so take along a sweater.