Matthews Opera House and Spearfish Arts Center

Built by Wyoming rancher Thomas Matthews for $50,000, the Matthews Opera House opened on December 3, 1906 with a political farce-comedy called “The Lion and the Mouse.”

Over the next century, the opera house was used for everything from motion picture shows to basketball practices to a shooting gallery. In the 1980s, a major renovation project restored the theatre to like-new conditions, and today the Matthews Opera House is the centerpiece of the Spearfish Arts Center.

Home to an active community theater with live performances and art events throughout the year, visitors can stop by the opera house to see a local theatre production, browse the modern art gallery or attend the Festival in the Park.
 

Directions

Take I-90 exit 12 to Jackson Blvd. Head west on Jackson Blvd. and turn left onto Main St. The Opera House is located on the left at 612 Main St.

Festival in the Park

Festival in the Park features over 150 booths with an emphasis on handmade arts and crafts. One of the largest outdoor summer arts festivals in the upper Midwest, over 30,000 people attend the Festival in the Park each July to find woodworking, local art, jewelry and other hand-crafted treasures.

For more information visit the Matthews Opera House and Spearfish Arts Center website.