Spearfish serves as both a town and a base camp. Back in the 1870s it serviced prospectors hunting gold in the surrounding Black Hills. Today it is more likely to be fly fishermen, hikers and nature photographers stocking up on supplies.
Planning a visit? Stay at Chris’ Camp.
Only horses could travel through the narrow 1,000-foot walls of Spearfish Canyon until 1893 when the railroad dug its way through. Now the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway crawls 22 miles up over 2,000 feet in elevation past scenic trails, historic mining and logging camps and roaring Roughlock Falls.
Photo Credit: dosecreative/istockpohoto/thinkstock
Kevin Costner filmed the climactic scene for his movie Dances With Wolves in the canyon and the film site can be reached on Forest Road 222. The film set is now home for the South Dakota Film Museum on Route 16. The Spearfish Arts Center is built around the historic Matthews Opera House. East of town local ranchers created the the High Plains Western Heritage Center with an antique saddlery and pioneer buildings.
Keeping the cold-water Black Hills streams stocked with trout is the DC Booth Historic Fish Hatchery that was constructed in 1899 and became a model for conservation programs across the country.
Chris’ Campground is a full service campground, with deluxe pull thru full hook-ups to shaded basic tent sites and primitive camping cabins. There is plenty of grass and shade trees with lots of room. Experience South Dakota Hospitality. Visit Chris’ Camp.
