Spearfish is in western South Dakota near the Wyoming border. Part of the Black Hills, it’s known for waterfalls, an outdoor lifestyle and nature. Spearfish Canyon, a deep gorge formed by Spearfish creek, drops about 3,000 feet in a short distance of 40 miles. The water from the creek was vital in the agricultural development of Spearfish and for hydroelectric power. Gold was briefly mined in the canyon. Now the creek continues to provide irrigation, hydroelectric power, fishing, kayaking, a fish hatchery, and a place to just relax.
Spearfish, South Dakota
Less than 13,000 people live here. Locals say that the most common response from visitors is “we had no idea it was so beautiful here”. We felt the same way. On the map, it looks like a small highway town. We only booked a couple nights as a layover and to get warranty work done on the truck at the local Ford dealership. We would like to have spent more time. The downtown area has plenty of shops and restaurants to entertain. From Medora, North Dakota it was about a 4 hour drive to Spearfish.
The drive along Spearfish Canyon is beautiful. Bridal Veil Falls is 60 feet tall.
Kissing Rocks, also known as The Dice rest in the middle of the creek.
Spearfish Falls was a short hike from the Latchstring Inn restaurant near Savoy.
Lunch at Killian’s. They had a full bar, friendly staff and a delicious lunch menu.
Spearfish City Campground
What a great find. We had 50-amp service, good water pressure, sewer, but no WIFI. The sites were large. Our site backed up to Spearfish creek.
There was a walking path behind us. Jake loved watching the people go by. The campground was large and had extensive trails making it easy to get our daily walks in.
D.C. Booth National Historic Fish Hatchery
The hatchery is next to the campground. We went every day, because there was something different to see each time.
There was a lot of history around the grounds including a museum, railroad cars and a boat.
They still raise and release fish. Jake loved watching them. Daffodils were still in bloom.
We were taking a photo of a bat in a tree when a blue jay flew nearby and took a look at it. The blue jay tried to kill it, but the bat got away. Reading about it, blue jays will eat bats and other birds and rodents occasionally. The bat seemed to get away unharmed.
It was spring, so goslings were plentiful.
