Founded in 1876 at the entrance to Spearfish Canyon, Spearfish is a historic gold rush town originally known as “Queen City”. It became an important hub for the transport of foodstuffs to the Black Hills mining camps and is home to one of the oldest fish hatcheries in the United States.
Things to do in Spearfish
One of Spearfish’s most beautiful old buildings is the Matthews Opera House, which was constructed in 1906 as a performing arts venue. It still hosts live concerts and theatrical events today, as well as changing art exhibitions, educational programs and workshops. Surrounding the Matthews Opera House are plenty of eateries where you can dine before or after your show, including Fujisan, Antunez and Nonna’s Kitchen.
On the southern edge of Spearfish is the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery, which was established in 1896 to establish trout populations in the Black Hills. Explore the exhibits of the Von Bayer Museum of Fish Culture and admire the wooden-built Booth House, together with a replica of a fish car once used to haul trout.
A short drive from Spearfish is Bridal Veil Falls, which plunges 18 metres into the waters of Spearfish Creek. It’s best admired on a scenic drive through Spearfish Canyon and can be combined with a stop at Spearfish Falls. Don’t miss the multi-tiered Roughlock Falls, named after the method used by pioneers to transport their wagons down the drop.
Getting around Spearfish
Spearfish is around 45 minutes’ drive from Rapid City and an hour from Rapid City Regional Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Long-distance buses connect to Rapid City while the centre is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring the surrounding area.