Spearfish, South Dakota
Area attractions in Spearfish:
There are major destinations of note in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and then there's Spearfish. What can be said of Spearfish as a tourist attraction? Be prepared to spend far more time than money there because it is a place where dreams come true, or at least begin, if you give yourself time to savor the environment. You'll have the opportunity to experience a community of people who look you in the eye, shake hands and exchange first names . . . The business folk of Spearfish simply express the essential, spontaneous friendliness of the ordinary folk.
The art of making welcome, is a talent nearly everyone in Spearfish seems to practice expertly. It is a place people return to, or find themselves in, having come under the spell of their hearts' desires. And being made welcome themselves they now offer that welcome to all, without one whiff of pretension or off-flavor of commercialism. This is the storied West where folk are at liberty to realize their dreams.
Nestled in the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota, our picturesque city reflects a classic turn-of-the-century character, and the main street is interspersed with delightful boutiques, restaurants, and specialty shops. Located on I-90, Spearfish offers year- round accessibility. It only takes 45 minutes to reach downtown Spearfish from the regional airport.
The town is situated at the mouth of Spearfish Canyon and skirts the Black Hills National Forest. Nature has been gracious to this spectacular city as sparkling Spearfish Creek meanders through town. Crow Peak, Spearfish Peak, and Lookout Mountain form the crown jewels of the "Queen City." The Black Hills National Forest provides endless outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Come, experience our good nature, and see why we proudly claim Spearfish as "Naturally Inviting."
Spearfish offers easily accessible paths and trails for bicyclers, motorcyclers, hikers, and horseback riders - some in the city limits and some in the hills.
ONE OF A KIND
There are 3 things you can only find in our area:
Spearfish Canyon
A sight-seeing tour into Spearfish Canyon, its craggy walls embracing a modest two-lane highway that winds and delights, is free for the taking. Scenic Spearfish Canyon will take your breath away as each curve in the road reveals another dramatic view. Spearfish Canyon is 12 times older than the Grand Canyon and very user friendly. Frank Lloyd Wright, nationally renowned architect, on visiting Spearfish Canyon in 1935: ³But how is it that I¹ve heard so little of this miracle and we, toward the Atlantic, have heard so much of the Grand Canyon when this is even more miraculous . . . My hat is off to South Dakota treasures.²
D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery/Spearfish City Park
423 Hatchery Circle
Spearfish SD 57783
(605) 642-7730 Fax: (605) 642-2336
The archival site for the US Fish & Wildlife Service features the USFW museum, historic home, fish rail car, ponds, underwater viewing area, park-like grounds, and much more. The facility is open from dusk to dawn, year round.
When going for a walk in the City Park or on paved paths along Spearfish Creek, people will greet you and wave. Providing a meal to a 17 lb. Rainbow Trout at the DC Booth Fish Hatchery is $0.25 for quarter-cup tub of fish food, but you can¹t feed just one and so you are compelled to go back for the $2.00 baggie. Otherwise it¹s only a goodwill donation to keep the site open.
Termesphere Gallery
1920 Christensen Dr.
Spearfish SD 57783
(605)642-4805
Dick Termes is an artist whose art work has been recognized from San Francisco to France, from New York to Japan. He is unlike any other painter. He paints on spheres.
These globular canvases hang from ceiling motors. Each one is a complete world. As you watch them float by at one revolution per minute, you see north, south, east, west, up and down. ³It¹s as if you put a transparent sphere on your head and painted what you saw,² says Termes. ³Then you remove the sphere and look at the world you have created². The results look like large reflective bubbles. Some of the paintings are realistic. Some are geometric. Some are surrealistic. And some are a mixture of all three.
Call for directions - 1 1/2 miles on Christensen Drive
OTHER THINGS TO SEE & DO IN SPEARFISH
High Plains Western Heritage Center
825 Heritage Dr.
PO Box 524
Spearfish SD 57783
(605)642-9378 Fax: (605)644-0842
A herding demonstration of purebred Border Collies is free, as are unobstructed views of Longhorn cattle and American Bison. But the $7.00 admission to the museum gives you an appreciation of the topography of three states (upstairs) as well as that of Plains cultures over time. You will also see
- Cowboys, ranch life, history of rodeo
- Native American Culture and Artifacts
- Gold Mining, forestry and bentonite
- Authentic Wagons and Antique Farm Implements
- Furnished Log Cabin and Rural Schoolhouse
- Live Buffalo and Longhorn Cattle
- Small-Animal Farm (Summers)
- Book Store & Gift Shop
- Live Music, Cowboy Poetry and Historical Programs throughout the year in their 200 seat theatre
Spearfish Arts Center ~ Opera House & Gallery
614 Main St.
Spearfish SD 57783
(605)642-7973 Fax: (605)642-3477
The restored 1906 Matthews Opera House presents a variety of performances year round from local theatre and dance to touring companies. Shoppers enjoy the Spearfish Art Center Gallery on Main Street. The gallery features a variety of work from local artists for sale.
Festival In The Park
The second largest festival in South Dakota is the Festival in the Park, held the third weekend in July in Spearfish City Park.
Black Hills State University
(800) ALL-BHSU
www.bhsu.edu
A Liberal Arts University, BHSU offers students a choice of 80 majors and minors and master¹s degrees in education, business and science.
Spearfish Canyon Country Club
120 Spearfish Canyon Drive
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 642-7156
- The Northern Hills only full service Country Club
- 18 holes of scenic Championship golf
- Driving Range, Putting Green, 2 practice areas
Black Hills Passion Play
PO Box 489
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 642-2646 Fax: (605) 642-9840
The Passion Play tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, and represents a unique art form in the development of Classical Theatre. The performances are presented on a grand scale, with the structure and context of the Play dating back to the traditions of Medieval Germany.
Dolls at Home Museum
435 Meier Ave.
PO Box 489
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 645-2192
Dolls at Home presents Johanna Meier¹s extensive private collection of dolls and doll houses. Prior to her return to Spearfish to manage the Black Hills Passion Play, Johanna appeared widely as an international opera singer. Her travels around the world provide unique additions to this collection. The 'dolls at Home' collection has been featured in the New York Times and on Dakota Lives on South Dakota Public Television
Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
500 Tinton Rd.
Spearfish SD 57783
(605)642-2907
A new and highly-recommended addition to Spearfish attractions is the Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. A place of refuge for endangered wildlife, the Sanctuary offers eco-tourism hikes, photo opportunities, and year-around outdoor activities for all ages. They provide a home to over 200 animals, including leopards, tigers, lions, cougars, black bears, macaws, and even a liger. Many of the residents of the Sanctuary have been rescued from breeding operations, private owners and fur farms.
Lean Horse Productions, Inc.
600 Meier Ave.
Spearfish, SD 57783
(605) 642-2382
Jerry Dunn
Red Feather Art Gallery
122 W. Grant St.
Spearfish SD 57783
(605)717-3305
Savor the Flavor
Our local dining specialties include rainbow trout, buffalo burgers and Indian tacos. Treat yourself to home-style meals, juicy steaks, or ethnic foods. Whatever your taste buds require, we offer something to please. Take a few minutes to check out your options, and get ready to 'Savor the Flavor' of Spearfish.
Spearfish cannot be rushed through and crossed off a list of Attractions Visited. On a clear day you can see Wyoming and Montana in the distance . . . and your own far horizon more clearly.
