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 |
Spearfish is located in the northern Black Hills and sits on the edge of 1.2 million acres of the Black Hills National Forest. Nestled between Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Devils Tower National Monument in nearby Wyoming, the town was officially incorporated in 1888. Its early settlers initially called it “Queen City,” taking a cue from the ring of Ponderosa pine-dressed hills and rocky bluffs that surround the town.
The Black Hills National Forest is filled with Ponderosa pine trees. Locals say that on cool summer evenings, ponderosa trees scent the air with a vanilla or butterscotch aroma. But don’t just smell the trees—go out and explore.
A popular Black Hills destination, Spearfish Canyon is a gorge with 1,000-foot-high limestone palisades older than the Grand Canyon. The rock formations are breathtaking, and passersby can see the canyon en route to other Black Hills attractions on US Highway 14A, which winds through the canyon for nearly 20 miles. Built on top of an old rail bed, the highway affords visitors views of natural wonders and historic treasures.
The canyon offers an array of wildlife and recreational options. Near the end of the canyon is an old sawmill town, Savoy, a starting point for scenic hikes that lead to former mining and logging camps.
Roughlock Falls is considered one of the most beautiful locales in the Black Hills and a highlight of Spearfish Canyon. Movie buffs may recognize it as one of the settings for the film, “Dances with Wolves.” Fishing, hiking, picnicking and nature exploration entice visitors to Roughlock Falls.
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Whether it’s mountain hiking, fly fishing or coming upon a white-tailed deer, Spearfish has an adventure for everyone. Starting with a stellar national forest at its doorstep, the nature and wildlife surrounding Spearfish is like no other.
Spearfish is a mecca for mountain biking, with hundreds of miles of rocky tracks as well as paved trails. Anglers need only choose one of the Black Hills mountain lakes or Spearfish Creek, which winds through town inviting a fishing line. Game hunters can look forward to wild turkey, deer, elk and pheasant.
Every second Friday from June until Labor Day, Spearfish offers Downtown Friday Nights on Historic Main Street. Live music, food, vendors and entertainment especially for children are all part of the fun.
And yes, there really is gold in “them there hills.” Jewelry made from gold mined right from the Black Hills is available all around Spearfish. This is but one example of the unique shopping experiences that visitors can discover. Art galleries and unique stores with locally made rugs, wines and gourmet foods make shopping in downtown Spearfish a stellar retail experience.
Whatever your style of dining may be, Spearfish is likely to have a place to suit your tastes. From barbecue to beer on tap, there is plenty of variety. There is a special emphasis on locally grown, natural foods, including freshly caught Black Hills trout. Try one of the local, family-friendly eateries to experience new flavors.
Visit Spearfish
800-344-6181
South Dakota Department of Tourism
800-732-5682