Free fun awaits you at the D.C. Booth National Historic Fish Hatchery in Spearfish, SD. With varied wildlife, beautiful gardens, and rich history, this is one stop you don't want to miss on your family vacation to the Black Hills. The D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives is one of the oldest operating hatcheries in the country dedicated to fish culture and resource management.
Established in 1896, D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives was constructed to propagate, stock, and establish trout populations in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. After a very successful fish production history, the Hatchery ceased operations in the mid-80s and reopened with a new mission and partnerships to help preserve the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's historic and cultural heritage.
| Hours of Operation | Grounds are open from dawn to dusk. |
| Admission | Free |
| Phone | 605-642-7730 |
The Grounds
Admission to the hatchery grounds is always free and visitors are welcome to stroll the hatchery grounds from dawn to dusk any day of the week, 365 days a year. Visitors will views ponds, underwater trout viewing, gardens, hiking trails, and historical artifacts.
Historic Buildings & Structures
The Pond Gift Shop, Von Bayer Museum, Railcar, and Booth House are only open during the summer season from mid-May through the end of September. Guided tours through the historic buildings are available through September from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., on a rolling, as-needed basis.
