Spearfish, SD

Quick City Facts

County: Lawrence
Population (2019): 11,756
Population (2010): 10,494

Data provided by US Census Bureau (2019)

A Canyon Jewel

Known as the Queen City of South Dakota, Spearfish is a charming community nestled in the center of three major mountain summits: Crow Peak, Spearfish Mountain, and Lookout Mountain. The town is located in a scenic valley at the mouth of the visually spectacular Spearfish Canyon in Lawrence County. A Mecca for hikers and nature enthusiasts, the canyon is a breathtaking natural gorge along the northern stretch of the Black Hills, once heralded by Frank Lloyd Wright as among the most spectacular sights in the world. Gushing waterfalls, brilliantly hued foliage, and lush forests distinguish this attraction as a natural masterpiece. A local canyon favorite is the hike to the Devil’s Bathtub along one of the side gulches, culminating in a cascade of water tumbling from Sunshine Creek and feeding into a 10-foot-wide pool. Outdoor recreational activities abound in Spearfish, including mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.

History

Spearfish is named after the frequent spearing of fish by the Native Americans who originally inhabited the area in the early 1800s. With the bustle of activity and development in the wake of the Black Hills Gold Rush of 1876, Spearfish quickly became a bountiful supplier to local gold mining camps and was incorporated as a city in 1888. The Federal Fish Hatchery (also known as the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery) was established in 1898. Throughout the 20th century, the city experienced continued growth and development with abundant mining and tourist activity. As of the 2005 census, the city was home to nearly 13,000 permanent residents.

Art & Culture

For those seeking a rich, cultural experience, Matthew’s Opera House has staged hundreds of dramatic productions since it opened in 1906. Spearfish is also home to the Black Hills Passion Play, an outdoor theatrical depiction of Christ’s final seven days. Higher learning is provided by the Black Hills State University, which specializes in education and business programs.

Area Attractions

Its close proximity to the Mount Rushmore memorial, the historic town of Deadwood, and the Black Hills National Forest make Spearfish a popular tourist destination. The city has long functioned as a thriving retail trade center. Downtown Spearfish is renowned for its historical architecture and hometown charm. Locals and tourists enjoy several specialty shops, such as the Dakota Quilt Company, Kathleen’s Unique Boutique, and Cellar Chics. A variety of dining establishments are available, including Bay Leaf Cafe, B & B Lounge, and an authentic English pub. Other area attractions include the whimsical Dolls at Home Museum, Termesphere Gallery, and the Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.

Popular Attractions

Botticelli Ristorante Italiano

Botticelli Ristorante Italiano

Rapid City

Blacktail Horseback Tours

Blacktail Horseback Tours

Lead

Triple R Ranch

Triple R Ranch

Keystone

Wylie Thunder Road

Wylie Thunder Road

Aberdeen

CJ’s Patisserie

CJ’s Patisserie

Aberdeen

Bullwacker’s Saloon

Bullwacker’s Saloon

Whitewood

Holy Terror Mini Golf

Holy Terror Mini Golf

Keystone

Flags and Wheels Indoor Amusement Park

Flags and Wheels Indoor Amusement Park

Rapid City

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant

Pierre

Press Start Retro Arcade Bar

Press Start Retro Arcade Bar

Rapid City

Millstone Family Restaurant

Millstone Family Restaurant

Rapid City

Storybook Island

Storybook Island

Rapid City

Dakota Territorial Capitol Replica

Dakota Territorial Capitol Replica

Yankton

J.Ella Boutique

J.Ella Boutique

Brookings

Wrangler Inn & Windjammer Lounge

Wrangler Inn & Windjammer Lounge

Mobridge

Daily Clean Food & Drink

Daily Clean Food & Drink

Sioux Falls

Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center

Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center

Chamberlain

Broken Boot Gold Mine

Broken Boot Gold Mine

Deadwood

Great Faces. Great Places.

South Dakota is an incredibly unique state in that each region offers a completely different experience then the others. Check out each of the regions to see what each has to offer!

Badlands

Western South Dakota

Featuring the Black Hills, Badlands, the Sturgis Rally. This region tends to be the most popular.

CENTRAL REGION

This region of South Dakota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the entire central US. 

Eastern Region

The eastern region is home to the largest city in the state and provides visitors with a true "prairie" experience.