Slow down, and get to know Gillette, Wyoming on the Monumental Route to America's national parks and monuments. You might just be surprised by the power and spirit of this place. | Visit USA Parks

The Black Thunder Coal Mine in Gillette, Wyoming, USA, opened in 1977 and has grown to become one of the largest coal mines in the world. Massive dragline excavators — the largest of which holds 160 cubic yards (120 cubic meters) in a single bucket — strip away the earth’s surface to extract coal deposits below. Now covering roughly 200 square miles (518 sq. km), Black Thunder provides the US with 8% of its coal supply. | Daily Overview