What You Can do at Iron Creek Lake
Summertime is known for many things. Cold popsicles in the freezers, fireworks lighting up the sky, grandstands filled with rodeo fans, and more. But no matter where you are from, summer calls for days spent at the lake. In Spearfish and wanting to spend a day at the lake? Don’t worry because you’re in luck! About 12 miles southwest of Spearfish is a charming spot called Iron Creek Lake. A great spot to pack up the car and head up for a fun-filled lake day.
Early Morning Sunrise
Rounding the last turn, you can see a bit of fog resting on top the lake’s surface. The Hills coated in pine trees surrounding the entirety of the lake, with a small store overlooking the dirt parking. Once the car is parked, take a moment to soak in the beautiful tranquility of the area. The birds chirping overhead as you and your family load the fishing gear and cooler from the back. A trail winds all the way around the lake, with some fishermen are already set up, waiting for a fish to bite. You decide to sit on the big main dock on the lake, sipping some coffee and enjoying the slight breeze.
8 a.m. the store behind you opens. Stomachs start to growl, which means a quick breakfast is in order...then of course, more fishing. The store is quaint, with wooden tables and chairs set up in the middle area. The kids are quick to spot the rows of candy: M&M’s, Snickers, KitKats, and more. A popcorn maker against the wall already popping the fresh salty snack. Caramel Rolls are ordered for the family in to-go boxes and the fishing resumes.
Afternoons in the Boat
Around 11 a.m., the fish limit has been caught, photos have been taken, and the caramel rolls were devoured. Now’s the time to pack up the fishing gear and lay out the beach towels. Your family starts setting up some beach chairs and the kids are already pulling out floaties.
You head up to the store to get some lunch for everyone. More cars begin to drive up with nearby campers walking toward the beach with their towels and flip flops. The smell of burgers starts to hit your nose as you order five cheeseburgers, and four hamburgers for your crew. “Be sure to grab some water and chips as the day is definitely turning out to be a hot day” you were told before you left to get lunch.
With food and drinks delivered, your crew is happily eating the tasty food (all grilled and cooked in the store). Your sister has the idea to rent some kayaks and paddleboards. So, after putting on the lifejackets and securing the paddles, you head out along with a few of your family members out onto the lake for some boating.
The water is calm and sparkling as you paddle around the lake, here and there dipping your hand in the water to splash one another. The calming atmosphere could put anyone at peace. Families gathered around campsites scattered around the lake, little kids playing in the water and old friends catching up on the dock, lake days were made for people to get together and enjoy the outdoors.
After a while, the time limit was up on the paddleboards and kayaks, so after returning all the equipment you decide to take all the kids for a walk around the lake. It was fun to spot the wildflowers and chipmunks scurrying through the bush as you all walk along the trail.
Evenings Around the Campfire
Heading back to the rest of the beach party, your uncle surprises everyone by renting out a tent site for smores and hotdogs. The sun is beginning to set behind the hills, creating a beautiful pink and orange painting across the sky. A gorgeous sight as the sun’s warm light illuminates the rocks. The kids are all happy to be roasting hotdogs over a burning fire (of course under the watchful eye of their parents). Grandpa is already opening into the packages of chocolate, while you open the marshmallow bags for smores.
The crackle of the fire, an owl’s hoots can be heard in the distance, as stars begin to dot the sky. Sadly, the campsite is packed up, and the campfire is put out, signaling the end of the family lake day. But that is the great gift that summertime brings: when one lake day ends, another one is about to begin.
