What Makes Spearfish Different

What Makes Spearfish Different

A must-see Destination for your Black Hills Vacation

Sure, someone who was born and raised in a town might be biased toward the charm and activities the town itself offers. No, I am not going to simply give you a few places you should visit and check off on a list. Because Spearfish deserves more than that.

Take it from me, I grew up in Spearfish. Both my mom and dad grew up in Spearfish. I’ve traveled and lived in various states, and I can tell you there is no place like Spearfish.

The Hills Are Calling

Nestled in the captivating Black Hills is Spearfish Canyon. A scenic byway approximately 20 miles long. While you drive admire the limestone rocks and cliffs boarding the road. I guarantee you will pass a waterfall (Bridal Veil Falls is a must stop photo-op). Make sure you reach Spearfish Canyon Lodge where you can park your car and go for a hike to Spearfish Falls or Roughlock Falls. Only a few miles north of Roughlock Falls is one of the set locations for Academy Award winning film, “Dances with Wolves.” After seeing the sights, you could even drive roughly five miles from the lodge to Cheyenne Crossing. A stop that has been serving Black Hills visitors since 1878.  

Outdoor enthusiast? Spearfish has a wide selection of campgrounds with trailer hook ups, tent spots and cabins. Take Spearfish City Campground. A quiet location only a short walk from the City Park and the historic D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives. 

Fascinating History

Originally funded by an 1890 U.S. congressional bill, the Spearfish fish hatchery continually brings in curious visitors since being established in 1896. Help feed the fish, take a walk on the surrounding trails, or attend tours through the old train Fish Car No. 3, the Booth House (the original house built for the superintendent in 1905), or through the National Fisheries Museum which was the original 1899 hatchery building.

But the hatchery isn’t the only landmark must-see. Historic downtown on Main Street is the heart of the town. Within the downtown district you will find locally owned shops, boutiques, and multiple coffee shops. 

One of the most unmistakable places along main street is The Matthews Opera House. Speaking as someone who has had the opportunity to perform on this very stage not once but twice, I can tell you it is a treasured moment to be a part its legacy.

Texas rancher Thomas N. Matthews built the theater, and it opened its doors for the first time in 1906. Musicians, plays, musicals, and more have performed on its stage including the infamous production by local playwright Paul Higbee’s “Phantom of Matthews Opera House.” Wait!? Is the opera house haunted? Well, maybe not, but the opera house is filled with art, history and a beloved staple in Spearfish.

You can even learn more about the eager ranchers, cowboys, and miners who hoped to strike it big in the then, Dakota Territory at Spearfish’s High Plains Western Heritage Center. From rodeo legends, Native American exhibits, and even President Calvin Coolidge’s saddle he rode on in dedication to Mount Rushmore. I remember when my dad took me for the first time. For a history lover, it’s a memory I will forever cherish.  

A Place Like No Other

While you’re here, drive down the canyon, grab some ice cream at Leone’s Creamery or go tubing down Spearfish Creek. There’s plenty to do and see, but what you might notice is you’ll never feel rushed. Sometimes we may feel that we must “go here,” “do this,” “see that,” “don’t forget about this.” But when was the last time you were able to take a breath, relax and simply enjoy the day that lay ahead of you? Spending a whole summer in Colorado Springs and attending school in Virginia, I have come to appreciate the art of slowing down.

When you visit comes to an end, you won’t be saying “I need a vacation from my vacation.” No, you’ll be planning your next stay in this beautiful area. Here, the stars shine brighter during the summer. The towns always got a community activity to look forward to either being the Festival of Arts in the Park, the Corvette Rally, or Downtown Friday Nights. We aren’t rushing to get from one place to the next. This is our town and we are proud of it. The history, the outdoors, the locally owned businesses, everything. When you come visit Spearfish, you aren’t just seeing another small town. You get to be a part of our community. Take it from me, there’s no place like Spearfish.