People have flocked to Spearfish for hundreds of years, adding a rich cultural context to the phenomenal landscape. Each traveler comes for something different. Some long to get lost on a winding trail, between whispering pines and a rushing creek, or to reach a summit at sunrise. Others yearn to hear stories of the Old West; of Native American legends, settler’s tales, and hopeful gold miners. To see rusty relics and read crumbling old letters.
Taking into consideration all Spearfish has to offer, we’ve put together a list of Spearfish’s top attractions -- the "Great 8.
Unique perspective, dreamy figures, and a 4D structure. The world-renowned Termespheres are painted by Spearfish’s own Dick Termes. He uses six-point perspective to paint an entire world (left, right, up, down) on a sphere. The sphere is then suspended and attached to a small, quiet motor. Once these elements of space and time are added, the 4th dimension is in place. Wonders of art, these immersive pieces have been sold from San Francisco to Japan.
However, the only Termesphere Gallery is right here in Spearfish. It is free to visit 9-5 seven days a week all summer long. During winters you can visit Saturday and Sunday 10-5, and weekdays by chance or appointment. The gallery itself pays tribute to these well-known works through its spherical structure. Aside from the gallery, the spheres appear in various businesses around town--including the Spearfish Visitor's Center by the clock tower downtown. Vital to the local art scene, the Termesphere Gallery and the work of Dick Termes are truly local works of originality.
#7 High Plains Western Heritage Center
The High Plains Western Heritage Center encompasses the history of five Western States (South and North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska) and tells the stories of pioneering, cattle and sheep ranching, rodeo, Native Americans, transportation (railroad, covered wagon) and mining.
It even hosts a herd of longhorn steer, which are pastured on 40 acres with a panoramic view of Spearfish. Many genuine old dusty Western artifacts, sculptures, and Native art are also featured.
The Western Heritage Center provides locals and visitors alike a means to learn the context the 5 state area was created from. Ideal for history buffs and children alike, the Heritage Center is an interesting collection and phenomenal display of pioneer life.
Take advantage of this opportunity by visiting the High Plains Western Heritage Center between 9-5 daily. They are located on Heritage Drive off Exit 14 and are modestly priced ($10 for adults. Ask for a guided tour to get the full experience.
#6 DC Booth Historical National Fish Hatchery
A plethora of ponds, seasonal waterfalls, rock walls, and more make the DC Booth Fish Hatchery an all time favorite. When it opened back in 1896 though, the hatchery was strictly business. The first ten years, trout eggs were hauled by covered wagon from Yellowstone to Spearfish. Later on they were transported by a wooden river boat (The Yellowstone Boat) and then railcar--both of which can still be viewed at the hatchery.
Though the ponds, archives, and more are now open to visitors, the 117 year-old DC Booth Historical National Fish Hatchery still provides 20,000-30,000 trout to local streams and lakes. Highlights of the hatchery include:
- There are two large and magnificent bronze sculptures on site--one of a fisherman and his daughter dubbed “Generations” and the other “Spring Stocking Pond,” both by James Michael Maher
- A popular wedding venue, Ruby’s Garden is a gem. It’s cozy, lined with foliage, and hidden away in the depths of the hatchery
- The trail network identifies the boundaries of the hatchery. Two winding trails provide views of town, the creek, and the city park
- Foliage abounds, ducks (sometimes even eagles!) meander around, and the babbling brook can be heard can be heard anywhere on the 10-acre campus
- An underground viewing area that allows visitors to see into the largest pond--which also contains the largest trout on site
- The National Historical Archives, which provide historical information so important it cannot be moved. The archives feature documents and relics from the first days of the nation's hatcheries.
DC Booth Fish Hatchery is a go-to spot for taking a tranquil walk, letting your dog stretch its legs, or feeding the fish. The hatchery is open year round dawn until dusk, but tours are only done in the summer.
#5 Brew Culture
Spearfish is home to 11 coffee shops and 3 breweries in the area! We take the brew culture seriously in the Black Hills. The coffee shops range from corporate to locally owned establishments. There's a wide range of food offerings, from baked goods & pastries to deli and bistro style food menus.
The Coffee Shops are the following:
-Einstein Bagel Bro (inside of BHSU)
-Old Pine Coffee Co.
-Starbucks (inside of Safeway)
All our breweries have a different style and their own unique flavors amoung each establishments. The different brewmasters in our area have many years of practice in the industry and are passionate about their products.
The Breweries are the following:
#4 The Crowning Peaks of Spearfish
Crow Peak, Lookout Mountain, and Spearfish Mountain. They dominate the skyline, interrupt the sunset, and fit snugly around Spearfish. When the Spearfish area was first settled in 1876, the pioneers noted this rim of stone and pine; they called it a crown and dubbed Spearfish “Queen City.” Spearfish Mountain has no trail and is wildly untouched by man, but the other two are open for exploration.
Lookout Mountain is a relatively short hike, and the mountain overlooks Spearfish and Wyoming. It can be accessed two ways; through Sandstone Hills housing development, and via Nevada Street. Simply park at the end of the road and walk through the tunnel and across the field.
Crow Peak is one of the most popular hikes in the hills, though much more rigorous. The trail is about 7 miles, and it winds steeply up the rock. From the 1560 foot summit, you can see Wyoming and Spearfish from the eagle’s view.
Avid outdoorsmen also ride through on horseback, bike the trail in the summer or winter, as well as snowshoe or snowboard the mountain while it is less crowded.
The Crow Peak trail is accessible through FSR 214, 7 miles out of Spearfish.
Lookout, Crow Peak, and Spearfish Mountain have been attractions and icons of Spearfish since the pioneers arrived. The crown jewels will forever be a symbol of the Northern Hills.
#3 Matthews Opera House and Arts Center
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 theater to like-new conditions.
Today the Matthews Opera House is the centerpiece of the Spearfish Arts Center, and plays host to many theatrical and musical events. This historic building is located off of North Main Street and visitors can stop by the opera house to see a local theatre production, or browse the modern art gallery. Hours vary throughout the year, but is typically open on weekdays.
Downtown Spearfish packs a punch with dining, shopping, and more. The shops and galleries escape the confines of Main Street, extending the downtown area to side streets Hudson, Illinois, and Grant.
Many of the downtown buildings are nearly as old as Spearfish itself; some were built out of local Sandstone. Old Spearfish City Hall is also on the registry; it is now home Leone’s Creamery, West River Studios, and more. The Matthews Opera House and Arts Center--still in use today--first opened its doors over 100 years ago, in 1906. They now host concerts, plays, art shows, and more.
Here’s what makes downtown Spearfish an attraction today:
- Local dining options abound with The Bay Leaf, Smokin' 608, and Steerfish
- A wealth of art, furniture, antiques, and junk can be found in galleries and boutiques like The Junk Drawer, The Main Street Antique Mini Mall, and Hudson & Main
- Spearfish grown Leone's Creamery features handmade ice cream and local ingredients. Their waffle cones and ice cream cookie sandwiches are made in house too. Yum!
- Live music, theater, and temporary art exhibits at the Matthews Opera House and Spearfish Arts Center
- Cafes and bars with outdoor seating capitalize on the quiet, inviting atmosphere
- Nightlife that includes open mic night, magick tournaments, sip and paint classes, cosplay events, and live music
- Seasonal festivals like Harvest Fest and the Holidazzle Light Parade, which feature food, fun, and great downtown shopping deals
- Riding clubs, poker runs, and show and shines take over downtown! Spearfish has hosted the National Impala Association Convention, the Hamsters Motorcycle Club, and the Corvette Classic.
- Downtown Friday Nights, the weekly summer extravaganza takes over Main Street! Corn dog and stone baked pizza vendors line the curb, and many of the shops stay open for late night shoppers. Even the bars set up outside since open container is permitted from 5-10. Of course the main event is the band, center stage. A different regional band is featured each week, and you’re welcome to bring a chair and enjoy the show--or to bring the kids and dog down with you
Stop by Visit Spearfish seven days a week from May to September by the clock tower for a historic downtown map, Spearfish Activity Guide, and more!
A narrow highway winds between stone giants, racing next to the creek, nestled in between Ponderosas and Aspens. When it’s cold, the fog presses down and the woods become mysterious. Not a deer rustles, not a bird flies. The pines contrast phenomenally against the shimmering snow. In Fall, the crimson leaves of birch and oak are burning up by the millions and the crisp air smells fresh and feels good to breathe.
When it’s warm, the canyon is a comfortable degree or two cooler, and the golden sun bathes the crevices of each and every limestone tower. Purple and white wild flowers dot the forest floor. The flooded creek sings lazily, and town seems forever away. Carved millions of years ago by a receding sea eroding soft stone, Spearfish Canyon has long been revered by man. Since Spearfish was settled the canyon has offered world-class hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, rock climbing and of course photo ops.
When it comes to cross-country skiing, the Eagle Cliff trails are a treat. This set of 21 trails that sprawls through the canyon can be accessed through taking Highway 14A to Cheyenne Crossing, then going southwest on Highway 85. The first trail head is 7.4 miles in.
With over 350 miles in trails, the Black Hills Snowmobile Trail System is one of the largest in the nation. The #4 trailhead is in Spearfish Canyon--near Spearfish Canyon Lodge, which will rent you all the snowmobiling equipment you could possibly need.
You can also camp at several locations in Spearfish Canyon, one of the most coveted being Timon Campground. Timon owes its popularity to its location near Roughlock and Spearfish Falls, the Days of ’76 Trail, and Spearfish Canyon Lodge.
So--which will you do first? Gain a new perspective at the Termesphere Gallery? Go for a swim in the creek? Or sit back with a brew at Crow Peak Brewery?
Between the diverse culture and natural wonder, it can be hard to pick a favorite.
Which is yours? Let us know!
