Spearfish is a small but thriving town in the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota. Since its founding in 1888, it has been consistently prosperous. As with most towns in the region, visitors to Spearfish have the opportunity to buy Black Hills earrings and other souvenirs and memorabilia. However, there’s so much more that the Queen City has to offer.
- D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery
Trout are an introduced species in the Black Hills, and in the late 1800s, hatcheries were opened to raise them. Named after its first superintendent, who lived on the premises in a house that is still there, the D.C. Booth Hatchery is one of the oldest in the country. It is still functional today, raising thousands of rainbow and brown trout for release every year. There are several museums on site, including the Booth House and the Von Bayer Museum of Fish Culture. A renovation in the mid-1990s added an underwater viewing area.
- Spearfish Canyon
Over the course of millennia, Spearfish Creek carved a narrow gorge in limestone rock just north of where the town would eventually be established. Today, that gorge is called Spearfish Canyon, and it is a great spot for hiking, fishing, cycling, wildlife watching, or just taking a pleasant drive. Try to time your visit for late September or early October to enjoy the fall foliage at its peak.
- Termesphere Gallery
Dick Termes is an artist who has been recognized around the world for his unique paintings on spherical surfaces using six-point perspective. There is nothing “square” about Termes, who creates his signature Termespheres in a gallery constructed as a geodesic dome. If you call ahead, he will probably be happy to give you a tour and show you his remarkable creations.
Colorful characters such as Termes are part of Spearfish’s charm. Overall, you will find the people warm and welcoming to visitors, and justly proud of their beautiful little town.
