Places Welcoming You
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Oasis Campground Chamberlain, South Dakota |
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Beaver Lake Campground Custer, South Dakota |
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Chris' Camp & RV Park Spearfish, South Dakota |
Easy access to the dramatic, unique landscape of the northern Black Hills is just the beginning of what Spearfish has to offer. From Wild West attractions, to outdoors adventures, to the hip cultural offerings of a university town, there’s a reason this easygoing destination has been billed as the state’s “All Four Seasons” capital of recreation.
Spearfish Canyon’s undisputed highlight is Roughlock Falls, where Little Spearfish Creek cascades down a 50-foot limestone ledge in lacy falls. The Roughlock Falls Trail, located at the end of the Spearfish Canyon Lodge parking lot, is a novice 1-mile trail that weaves through stunning wildflowers and delivers exhilarating waterfall views of Roughlock Falls.
Just 6 miles from the canyon’s northern entrance is the pullout for the mesmerizing Bridal Veil Falls, which descend 60 feet into Spearfish Creek. There’s no hiking allowed at Bridal Veil, but more intrepid visitors can use the pullout for the trailhead to Spearfish Falls near the old sawmilling ghost town of Savoy.
Fly-fishing is religion in the northern Black Hills, where some of the country’s most scenic trout streams converge in an angler’s paradise. Crow Creek is the largest stream in the area and one of the best places to land wild brown trout. Spearfish Creek, especially where it meets Squaw Creek, is home to wild browns and rainbow trout in plentiful numbers.
Hikers have no shortage of choices in Spearfish, with nearby trails to challenge all levels of adventurers eager to explore the Black Hills National Forest. Try the Rimrock Trail, which winds through meadows and birch forests, for an introductory hike or the Crow Peak Trail for something a bit more difficult.
While you can see the Spearfish Canyon via trail, motorists can drive through it. Highway 14A — better known as the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway — winds 20 miles between the gorge’s tall limestone walls and ponderosa pine forests. Eagles, whitetail deer and the occasional bobcat can be seen along the route.
In Spearfish proper, you can relax after a busy day by exploring the town’s downtown boutiques, health and wellness shops, art galleries and cafes. The nearby campus of Black Hills State University gives the town a youthful, bohemian vibe, making it a perfect complement to outdoors exploring. It’s no surprise that Spearfish has been named the Best Hippie Town in South Dakota.
The Matthews Opera House & Arts Center had doubled as a shooting gallery and movie theater before it assumed its current vocation as a live theater. With lively summertime festivals, including the Downtown Friday Nights street festival, and a spirited university populace from Black Hills State University, Spearfish’s happy vibe works its charms on travelers.
The town of Deadwood, 20 minutes south of Spearfish on the CanAm Highway (U.S. Route 85), is a must-see for Wild West enthusiasts. In addition to the casino parlors and museums that dot the historic downtown, re-enactments are staged daily, with favorites such as Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok and others shooting it out on Main Street in dramatic re-enactments of historical events.
The D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery in Spearfish is a popular attraction that takes a more serene approach to the region’s history. Delving into the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s impact on the area, the hatchery has a museum, railcar, underwater trout viewing pond and historical artifacts all in a serene 10-acre setting.
During your trip, don’t miss paying a visit to the High Plains Western Heritage Center, southeast of town. The five states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana all collaborate to showcase the history of Wild West pioneers and Native Americans here, where preserved artifacts, Western art and live displays are showcased.
Visit Spearfish
800-344-6181
South Dakota Department of Tourism
800-732-5682