2016 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine

Discover Belle Fourche

N ILLS PIO BLACK H

PH EER FILE

OTO

Welcome to Belle Fourche...................................................... 3 Center of the Nation Monument........................................ 4-5 Tri-State Museum............................................................... 7-8 Downtown Belle Fourche....................................................... 9 Belle Fourche Area Community Center................................ 13 Historic Walking Tour........................................................... 15 Geocache............................................................................ 16 River Walk....................................................................... 18-19 Bronze Statues..................................................................... 21 Things to Do in Belle Fourche......................................... 24-25 Warrior Trail......................................................................... 26 Rocky Point Recreation Area................................................. 29 Hunting & Fishing.......................................................... 30-31 Making an Impact

COM COURTESY PHOTO/ALL CAR RALLY

MITTEE

Economic Development.................................................. 32-34 Belle Fourche Railroad.......................................................... 35 Agriculture........................................................................... 37 Belle Fourche History...................................................... 39-40 Belle Bits.............................................................................. 41 Penny Pincher...................................................................... 42 History of the Black Hills Roundup.................................. 43-44 Mark Your Calendar

2016 Community Events..................................................... 45 Arts & Entertainment...................................................... 46-47 Center of the Nation All Car Rally........................................ 49 Belle Fourche Rodeo Action............................................ 50-51 Butte/Lawrence County Fair................................................. 53 Get to Know Us

Churches............................................................................. 55 Demographics & Resource Directory.............................. 56-57 Belle Fourche Dining............................................................ 58 Belle Fourche Lodging......................................................... 58 Belle Fourche School District 9-1.......................................... 59 Kids Corral Activity Pages................................................ 60-61 City Map........................................................................ 62-63

Spending the day at the All Car Rally

TOGRAPH

Y

Welcome to Belle Fourche is a special publication of the Black Hills Pioneer. © 2016 Black Hills Pioneer

DIEB PHO

Black Hills Pioneer 315 Seaton Circle Spearfish, SD 57783 (605) 642-2761

NDALE/JO

www.bhpioneer.com

JODIE BAXE

For more information about anything in this publication, please go to bellefourche.org or call 605-723-2010.

Cover photos: Jodie Baxendale/JodieB Photography Publisher: Letti Lister Project Coordinator: Sona O’Connell Designer: Colin Key

Special thanks to the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center for their assistance with this publication.

Enjoying the Belle Fourche Roundup!

At the Black

.

Belle Fourche • 2

,

HIlls Gound

up rodeo grou

nds

Welcome to Belle Fourche ,

ILLS PIO

NEER FILE

PHOTO

It all began when some of the area’s first settlers found the area to be profitable in the fur trade, and soon it became a rendezvous point. Then, during the Black Hills gold rush in 1876 treasure seekers quickly realized that the fertile valleys around Belle Fourche provided land for farmers and ranchers to prosper. When the cattle business picked up across the United States, a stage line was constructed between Medora, N.D., and Deadwood in 1884 and a weigh station was built on a ranch owned

by Sol Star and Seth Bullock. A few years later, news of a possible freight stop in the area and in 1890 a railroad terminal was built where the Belle Fourche Livestock Auction sits today.

Greeting

s from B

COURTESY PHOTO

.

Belle Fourche • 3

,

elle Fourc

he!

BLACK H

When visitors arrive in Belle Fourche, they are welcomed with open arms and invited to immerse themselves in the cowboy lore and all of the Wild West history area residents have come to embrace.

This gateway to the Northern Hills has so much to offer, while still providing a hometown atmosphere and an enriching way of life. Whether it’s taking in a rodeo, perusing a museum or art gallery, shopping at all of the unique downtown shops, or enjoying a nice meal — there is truly something for everyone.

Belle Fourche, which translates from French into “beautiful fork” is nestled between the Redwater and Belle Fourche rivers and surrounded by Hay Creek. One of its claims to fame is the Black Hills Roundup, one of the oldest outdoor rodeos in the country. Known as the greatest show on dirt, the rodeo started 1918 and decades later the event still draws thousands of visitors to the community every year surrounding thes Fourth of July. The other is the fact that Belle Fourche is truly the geographical center of the nation, and a beautiful monument was constructed at the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center to highlight the fact and provide an experience for visitors.

The breadth of history that Belle Fourche is known for, is something to experience.

welcome

Cowboy town features rich history and a hometown feel

Center of the Nation monument

MARK WATSON/BLACK HILLS PIONEER

.

Belle Fourche • 4

,

was unveiled and officially dedicated in the summer of 2009.

Amende wrote the following in a

LS PIONEER

South Dakota sits front and center in the United States, geographically, and Belle Fourche holds the distinction as being the center of the nation since it is the closest community to the geographic point.

The geographical center of the landmass of the United States moved on Aug. 21, 1959, the day that Hawaii became the 50th state, and on Aug. 21, 2007, the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce and the Center of the Nation Planning Committee marked the spot by dedicating a new monument next to the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center.

Made from South Dakota granite, the 21-by-40 foot compass rose marks Belle Fourche as the Geographic Center of the United States, with a 12-inch bronze marker from the National Geodetic

Survey verifying the location.

“We are continuing in our effort to provide educational and entertaining experiences for the visitor, whether they be a tourist from far away or an area visitor who’s taking a “staycation” right here at home. This year, the deck overlooking the monument will receive extra attention from our staff, as we will be adding planters of flowers to our railing and brightly colored umbrellas to our wrought iron tables.” said Kristi Thielen, the director of the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center.

The monument was designed by local artist and musician Monte Amende and constructed by local contractors. The monument

OOD/BLACK HIL

Black Hills Pioneer

VIRGINIA SPOTSW

Kaija Swisher

An engraved courtyard, picnic area and avenue of state flags also adorn the monument, as well as the trailhead for the Belle Fourche River Walk, which features a 9-hole disc golf course.

In 2015, approximately 13,400 people visited the monument and museum.

monument

brief article about the monument: Located at latitude 44 degrees 58’N, longitude 103 degrees 46’ W, which is approximately 20 miles north of Belle Fourche, the center of the nation is actually in the middle of private property.

While visitors can visit the flagpole located there, the landowner does not want to develop the property, so the monument is located in Belle Fourche.

To drive to the actual geographic center of the nation (50 States): • From the intersection of Hwy 85 and 212, drive 13 miles north on Hwy 85.

FILE PHOTO

• Turn left onto Old Hwy 85 and drive 7.8 miles until you see a barn on your left hand side.

BLACK HILLS PIONEER

• On the right side of the road you will see a US flag flying freely in the pasture. At this location you will see the survey marker in the ground highlighting the “Center of the Nation.”

Welcome to Belle Fourche.

Handcut Steaks

Welcome to AmericInn.®

Prime Rib

Wake up to a free hot homestyle breakfast (gluten-free items available), enjoy our indoor pool & hot tub and keep in touch with complimentary high-speed internet access.

Enjoy your stay!

Burgers Wraps & More!

Kids Menu

our

Daily Happy H

Welcome to the end of the day.

™

19079 US Hwy. 85 S Belle Fourche, SD www.brandingironsteakhouse.net

605.892.2503 .

© 2007 AmericInn International, LLC

2312 Dakota Avenue, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605.892.0900 800.634.3444 americinn.com

Belle Fourche • 5

,

r o f r e t n e C e h t o t Come

! n u F y l i m a F

miy ith your fa ion: w e im t me at Spend so e Center of the N nter.

Ce at th nd Visitor a m u e s te Mu The Tri-Sta eo,

on rod t exhibits , plus n e n a rm a e m with p of the are at museu rs and dinosaurs of days long ago. re g r u o be w See bank rob ine and la cowboys, mewares, medic plus a o exhibits, overy ry ra o p pioneer h and disc i and tem nging min ern activity table a h c e v a st We also h ress up trunk, we n. d tio children's ands-on explora abin! h r fo aulding C s p S y n boxe n h e 1876 Jo cious to visit th t e rg fo oking spa 't o n rl o e d v o d n s A with table ranite tiful deck at our beautiful g u a e b r u o Picnic on then take a photo ent. d m n a s n w la on monu f the Nati Center o

r you! o f g n i t i 's all wa t I . .. e e r f ter It's all itor Cen

& Vis m u e s u eM bor Day l Day - La -5 | Sunday 12-5 a ri Tri-Stat o m e M aturday 9 ve 415 5thhA e, SD rc

Belle Fou

2010 3 2 7 5 0 6

Monday-S rial Day y - Memo a D r o b a L riday 10-4 Monday-F

.

Belle Fourche • 6

,

Documenting the rich local history

MARK WATSON/BLACK HILLS PIONEER

.

Belle Fourche • 7

,

Tri State Museum & Visitor Center Admission is free.

Memorial Day - Labor Day: Monday-Saturday • 9am-5pm Sunday • Noon-5pm Labor Day - Memorial Day: Monday-Friday • 10-4pm Closed Saturday & Sunday Group tours available.

challenge of riding Tipperary, the legendary bucking horse, set the momentum, and the rodeo became an annual Fourth of July celebration, which continues to this day, attracting overflow crowds from around the world.

In the museum, visitors will find the story of the Great Butte County Bank Robbery featuring the Sundance Kid and MUSEUM continued on pg. 8

museum

The Tri-State Museum is certainly a tion is currently involved in a capital cammust see for anyone visiting or relocating paign to raise funds for an addition that to Belle Fourche. would include an all-purpose gallery to be Since 1955, the Tri-State Museum used for events including gallery showhas collected historical materials from ings, hands-on education for children, the early settlement of the Tri-State area, office space, and research center. including the corners of South Dakota, As visitors enter the museum, the first Montana and Wyoming. display to greet them is the “Early Cattle The objective of the museum is to tell Companies”. At one time Belle Fourche the stories of the early pioneers and those was the largest shipping point of range who followed them and to preserve that cattle in the world. Many of the cowlegacy for future generations. boys of the area rode with Seth Bullock’s The museum houses a cowboys to the 1905 unique collection that atof Theodore The museum houses inauguration tracts thousands of visitors Roosevelt. a unique collection every year seeking to learn The Black Hills Roundthat attracts more about the history of up and Rodeo, now in its Belle Fourche and the Tri97th year, plays a large thousands of State region. part in the history of this visitors every year The non-profit museum seeking to learn more area. The Roundup began opened in 1955 after Mrs. in 1918 as a benefit for the about the history of Red Cross during World Roy Williams, of HamBelle Fourche and the War I, bringing $20,000 mond, Mont., donated Tri-State region. $1,000 and a western colfor the war effort. During lection started by her late the Roundup rodeo, the husband. To accommodate this collection, local businesses and interested parties grouped together to create the historical center.

In 2004, the museum opened in its current location at 415 5th Ave. The museum founda-

MUSEUM continued from pg. 7

K HILLS PIONE NNELL/BLAC

ER

monument. Museum and Visitor Center Director Kristi Thielen says that visitors often say that the Johnny Spaulding Cabin is the highlight of their stop in Belle Fourche. “It has a charm that’s especially unique and the story of Buckskin Johnny and the girl he left behind is a touching one. Tourists — especially those from outside the western states — really respond to it.”

The museum and visitor center continue to expand its cultural efforts through the addition of mini-exhibits in the visitor center and temporary exhibits in the museum proper. The complex also boasts a Western children’s activity table with themed workbooks, several puzzles and books and a TV which offers western and nature films. There is an old bank safe with discovery boxes for families to explore, on topics ranging from dinosaurs, to South Dakota to pioneer toys and games. There is also a children’s dress-up trunk in the museum.

SONA O’CO

the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang.

A military section with uniforms and memorabilia from the Civil War through Vietnam, includes the story of Don Smith, a local hero who was part of the Doolittle Raiders during World War II. Guns, local industry, a pioneer home complete with fashions and furnishings, a mercantile, and the history of the railroad round out the main collections of the Tri-State Museum.

Located next to the museum is the “Buckskin” Johnny Spaulding Cabin. Spaulding was an avid hunter, scout, and guide. The two-story cabin, which originally stood at the lower Redwater River just south of Belle Fourche, was built from hand-hewn logs hauled from the surrounding hills. After building the cabin, Spaulding invited his sister and brother-in-law and their six children to move to the area. For two years they lived together in his cabin, now equipped with furnishings and artifacts that reveal the modest lifestyles of the era.

In 1960, the W.A. Helmer family donated the cabin to the museum, and the Belle Fourche Lions Club provided renovations.

In 2006, it was moved to its present location near the banks of the Belle Fourche River and steps away from the Center of the Nation

Programmng has expanded to include not just the monthly “First Saturday Brunch,” with a convivial brunch following by a program on an historical, cultural or scientific topic, but also a monthly “Family Fun Day” on the third Sunday of each month.

For more information, call (605) 723-1200.

at the Olive Branch

The

Olive

Calamity Janes & Cowboys Too!

Branch

& Womens Western Clothing & Boots ANCMens R H B We have something for everyone!

VE I • Christian & Inspirational • Goose Creek Candles

- THE O L

05-7

• Windrift Hill • Corky’s • Lazy One • Vocal • Woolrich • Montana West & Handmade Items!

LE

FO

-6

BEL

Books & Gifts!

• Park Design Gifts • Christine Alexander • Cinch • Miller Ranch • Cruel Girl • Annie Oakley • Cowgirl Tuff

1 1 1 23

1

Your Destination Store

U R C H E, S D

605-723-1111 | On the Corner of Hwy 85 & State St.

.

Belle Fourche • 8

New Items Arriving Daily!

501 State Street • Belle Fourche, SD 605-723-1111 ,

TO LS PIONEE R FILE PHO

the parad

e during

the Black

Hills Rou

ndup

Downtown Belle Fourche Events ONEER

2016

Enjoying

BLACK HIL

The growing community of Belle Fourche has a diverse downtown scene.

More than 50 businesses line the streets that comprise the downtown area.

Whether you’re in the mood to shop for clothing, antiques, do your banking or just grab a bite to eat, the proprietors who do business downtown can assist in your needs.

A newer community event is Hometown Thursdays, a 9-week long downtown festival including live music, kids activities, vendors and more.

Many of the stores are in historic structures – a tribute to Belle Fourche when it was a fledgling community that was built off the back of the livestock industry. Some of those buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.

But beyond the heart of the city, Belle Fourche hosts stores that offer agricultural supplies, automotive parts and repairs, laundry services, dining and more – everything residents and visitors need.

No matter what you are shopping for and no matter where you go in Belle Fourche you are guaranteed to find great stores with friendly customer service.

K HILLS PI

CON Business Association Community Easter Egg Hunt..............................................March 19 CON Business Association Crazy Days............................... July 29-30

OD/BLAC

CON Business Association Halloween Parade................. October 31

Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce Parade of Lights........................................................... November 25

HOMETOWN THURSDAYS

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

June 16.................................................................... Hwy 85 Band

June 23.............................................................................. Ruckus

July 7............................................................................Judd Hoos

July 14............. Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band

July 21....................................................................... Zeona Road

July 28........................................................ Dakota Country Band

August 4.................................................................................TBA

August 11................................................................ Pumpin Ethyl

August 18....................................................................Dirty Word

Child

ren racing Enjoying the at Crazy Days Belle Fourch e Roundup!

Downtown shopping • Western Wear • Clothing & Jewelry • Antiques • Gift Shops • Fabric & Notions • Dining & Coffee Shops • Night Life and more!

LACEY PETERSON/BLACK HILLS PIONEER

.

Belle Fourche • 9

,

VIRGINIA

SPOTSWO

CON Business Association Light Up the Night & Fireworks.................................. November 25

downtown

Experience Friendly Downtown Belle Fourche

repurposed reused repainted

Resouled

~ Furniture ~ Home Decor ~ Jewelry & Local Handcrafted Jewelry ~ Caramel Creations ~ Candles ~ Mona B Canvas bags ~ Olive and Pique hats ~ Locally made soaps ~ Locally hand forged wrought iron

Y Y Y Y Y

Many unique, one-of-a-kind finds changing daily!

Y Y Y

Downtown Belle Fourche

Y

~ 605-210-1421 ~

Y

shoprusticsoul@gmail.com

Post Cards Vintage Jewelry Depression Glass Toys & Dolls Vintage Clothing Vintage Furniture Record Albums Comics Vintage Christmas Vintage Kitchen Ware

Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Jars Smoking Memorabilia Vintage Glassware Aprons & Linens Vintage Tins Man Cave Items Juke Box Arcade Machine Sports Cards Carnival Glass

Betty Wolf , Owner • 568-0123 • 515 State St., Belle Fourche

Welcome to the Friendliest Town in the Tri-State Area...

Belle Fourche ~ The Center of the Nation Visit our Unique Businesses, Great Merchants, Services & Eateries American West Restaurant AmericInn Lodge & Suites Belle Fourche City Belle Flowers, Gifts & Decor Belle Fourche Livestock Belle Fourche Physical Therapy Belle Inn Restaurant Bentz Equipment Belle Laundry & Dry Cleaning BH Pioneer/Prospector Black Hills Real Estate Team Branding Iron Steakhouse

Budget Appliance & Furniture 2 Bunney's Body & Collision Center Butte County Post Dairy Queen Dakota Finanical Services, Insurance Plus at NHFCU Dakota Lumber E.T. Sports Fast Break Screen Printing & Embroidery First Interstate Bank Frontier Glass Hersrud’s of Belle Fourche Hills Interiors Homestead Nursery Integrity Meats Jackson Dental Jem Enterprises, Inc KBFS-KYDT

Life Light Creative, LLC Lifestyles Lindstad Alignment Lueders Food Center Man Cave Mason’s 5th Ave./BuckStop New China Garden Olive Branch Patty's Place Pete’s Clothing/Western Wear Pioneer Bank & Trust Posy Palace Randy’s Tire & Lube Reid Motel Ross Equipment & Rental Roundup Building Center Runnings Rustic Soul Sand Creek Printing

"Keeping Belle Fourche in Business."

Center of the Nation Business Association .

Belle Fourche • 10

,

South Park Lanes Southside Conoco Stadium Sports Bar and Grill Stereo’s N Stuff Sunset Motel Tim Speidel Business & Tax Service Tri-State Construction Tri-State Museum Wells Fargo West Tire & Alignment

Over 200 different cigars including:

RYO Cigarette Supplies: Tobacco, Tubes, Papers, Machines, and Cases

Over 250 Varieties of eLiquid

for Vapes & Mods

Assorted flavors and nicotine content

We also carry Magic the Gathering Cards • Pipes & Tobacco • Hookah Tobacco

617 State Street Belle Fourche

605-347-0177

Cigar & Tobacco .

Belle Fourche • 11

Hours: Mon.-Wed. 10am-5pm Thursday-Saturday 10am-8pm facebook.com/mancavecigar ,

m Custom Picture Framing m Bookkeeping Services m Digital Photo Printing m Unique Gifts & Cards m Office & Art Supplies m Fabric & Notions m UPS Shipping

VALUE MADE SIMPLE, EVERY DAY Choose from 6 of our best six-inch sandwiches, a bag of chips and a 21 oz. fountain drink for just $6.

Now you’ve really got it made.

& Packaging m Fed Ex Drop

24 hr. shopping online at www.officeemporium.com

2 LOCATIONS IN BELLE FOURCHE:

1400 Mill St. • 605-892-4020 | 10982 Hwy 212 • 605-723-7827 Prices and participation may vary. Additional charges for extras. Plus Tax. Prices higher in Alaska and Hawaii. All Chip-related trademarks are owned by Frito-Lay North America, Inc. ©2015

Mason’s 5th ave. COMPLEX

We’re more than just a gas station • Phillips 66 Convenience Store

“The #1 Station in the Center of the Nation”

Open 3:30 am-11 pm daily • Mason Jar Deli Homemade grab ‘n go breakfast items, subs, desserts, salads, soups, hot dishes & pizza • Mason Jar Bakery Wedding, birthday & all-occasion cakes

• Center of the Nation Gifts Homemade strawberry margarita jam • 2 Video Lottery Casinos • Cinderella’s Palace Affordable “princess” dresses & items

510 5th Ave. Belle Fourche

605-892-4564

Buck Stop SPORTSMAN’S HEADQUARTERS

“Where B.S. Stands for Better Service” 514 5th Ave. • Belle Fourche • 605-892-0630

.

Belle Fourche • 12

,

Hunting & Fishing Equipment • Guns Ammo • Archery • Paintball • Live Bait Hunting & Fishing Licenses available

OPEN DAILY!

Mark Watson

Black Hills Pioneer

COURTESY PHOTO/

BELLE FOURCHE ARE

A COMMUNITY CET

NER

The Belle Fourche Area Community Center will celebrate its 24th year of service this February. The Center opened its doors in February of 1992 offering a place and programs for area residents to stay active year-round.

The Center is home to a 25-meter swimming pool, wading pool, a newly installed

waterslide, whale slide, gymnasium, walking track, theatre and more; all indoors to provide quality entertainment and athletic opportunities even during the depths of winter.

As the Belle Fourche community changes, they too evolve to meet the ever developing needs. Their purpose remains the same, but the way they fulfill that purpose is constantly being scrutinized and changed.

The 2016 season of Belle Fourche Community Theater includes: “Mr. Beautiful Fork” April 1; “Twelve Angry Jurors” June 24, 25, 26; and “The Last Voyage of the Ginormic” Sept. 9, 10, 16, 17.

“We really do offer something for everyone and would love for you to experience the fun.” ~ Michelle Deyo-Amende

Director, Belle Fourche Area Community Center

Fitness facility:

Take a walk on the track, a swim in the pool, a jaunt on the elliptical or lift a few weights in our weight room.

Programs offered:

• Community Theater • 500 Mile Club • Fitness Challenge • Volleyball Leagues (indoor & sand) • Basketball Leagues • Disc Golf • Group Fitness & Water Fitness Classes • SilverSneakers® Yoga, Classic, Circuit & Splash • Strength Training Classes • Personal Exercise Programs • ZUMBA® and More!

Youth programs:

• Basketball • Swimming Lessons • Little Dribblers • Youth Volleyball Camp • Fast Track to Sports • Youth Strength & Cardio • Oasis After School & Summer OST Program • Kids BOSU & Yoga • Teen Nights • Every Kid Active

Facility hours:

Monday-Thursday 5am-9pm Friday 5am-8pm Saturday 8am-6pm Sunday 1pm-8pm

Pool hours:

Monday-Friday 5:30am-7:30pm Saturday 8am-5:30pm Sunday 1pm-7:30pm Memberships or daily passes available.

605-892-2467 www.bellefourche.org

MARK WATSON/BLACK HILLS PIONEER

.

Belle Fourche • 13

,

community center

Belle Fourche Area Community Center offers year-round activities

Find your fun here! ©

• • • •

Your insider’s guide to the Black Hills Eat • Deals Shop • Events See & Do • Visitors Stay • and more!

get the

app

Text “XBHAPP” to 313131

Powered by

Pioneering Local News since 1876 .

Belle Fourche • 14

,

A walk through the history of a cowboy town raucous and untamed place. On the left side of the street one of the 13 saloons was housed and upstairs was one of Dora Dufran’s brothels, commonly known as “Diddlin Dora’s.” Calamity Jane worked in one of the brothels as a laundress and cook in the year or so before her death.

Going east on State Street opens up a history book of plans and ideas of the founders of Belle Fourche. Beginning with the Flat Iron building made of brick with a sandstone foundation and an unusual triangular shape and then going past buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s, the names of the buildings tell of ambitions and dreams of the builders. Names like the Gay Brothers, the Townsend Building, Ferrall Hardware and Wide Awake Grocery tell of early entrepreneurs.

On the next block of State Street stands the site of the original Butte County Bank where a bank robbery occurred June 27, 1897. The total take was only $97 and no one was ever convicted, but the Sundance Kid seems to be one of those involved.

BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTO

.

Belle Fourche • 15

,

Belle Fourche boasted of an opera house, a boarding house, elaborate dining establishments, a bakery and, of course, a post office, all found on State Street.

The tour continues viewing many beautiful homes ranging from Queen Anne styles to those built by stonemason John Aaron Scotney from the early days of Belle Fourche.

Near the completion of the walking tour, the Butte County Jail can be found. Completed prior to 1902, it is made from sandstone from the Belle Fourche quarry. The cost was nearly $7,000. The sheriff’s family lived above the office.

A short drive north, you will find the Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center.

On the grounds stand an old sheep wagon and an old tractor, perfect for a photo with family and friends sitting on a piece of history. The Center of the Nation Monument is just a short walk away by the Belle Fourche River.

A self-guided tour book can be found at the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center or Belle Fourche Public Library located at 905 5th Avenue.

The library is open Monday -Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

historic walking tour

The Belle Fourche of today serves a large trade area of ranches and farms.

Wool, cattle, farming and bentonite industries are an important part of the growth of the town. A walk along the self-guided tour of the historic town can transport a visitor into the reflection of an early 20th century commercial agriculture center.

Many of the buildings have undergone little or no major modifications and hold images of the self-reliant days of cowboys and cattle.

The tour begins at the Belle Fourche Public Library at 905 5th Ave. The tour is a walk of just more than one mile and takes the visitor past many of the sites listed on the National Historic Register.

North of the library sits the Butte County Extension Office. The building is a result of a WPA work project.

Next to the Extension Office is the Butte County Court House. Dedicated in 1912, the building displays native stone and elements of renaissance revival and beaux arts styles.

Along 5th Avenue several homes are located that hold an important place in the history of the town. The Charles Small home was built in 1895 and the Dan McCutchen home was built in the early 20th century.

Looking north while standing at the corner of State Street and 5th Avenue, one can imagine the sights and sounds of Saloon Street during the 1890s.

In the early days of the railroad and cowboys, Saloon Street was a

Hide & Seek:

Geocache in and around Belle Fourche Geocaches can be found all over the world, and Belle Fourche features 30 of them within 10 miles of the city and 206 within 20 miles.

Whether it’s Herrmann Park or along the banks of the Redwater River and Hay Creek, geocaches are hidden throughout the area and range from beginner to the more advanced.

The most common way to secure the coordinates for the caches in the area is to log onto www.geocaching.com, search the site and find out where you’d like to go. Securing a membership is easy at geocaching. com. Once you are logged on, choose a user name, enter a password that is easy for you to remember and your primary e-mail address. Agree to the terms, double check your validation code and set up your account.

Now it’s time to seek and find!

To find the caches in and around Belle Fourche, click on “Play” in the navigation bar and scroll down to “Hide & Seek a Cache.” From there, you have the option to enter an address, a zip code or simply by state and country. The zip code for Belle Fourche is “57717,” which is the easiest way to find what’s available.

Once you choose your location, enter the coordinates of the cache into your GPS Device and use it to assist you in finding the hidden cache. Caches vary greatly in size and in appearance.

Most of the information on the size of each cache is shown on the page when you retrieve the coordinates. Larger caches most often feature trade items, which adds a twist to the activity by creating a sense of a treasure hunt. Anyone is welcome to bring something to add to the cache, and those who find the cache are

JODIE BAXENDALE/JODIEB PHOTOGRAPHY

.

Belle Fourche • 16

,

more than welcome to take a trade item for themselves. Once you’ve located it, sign into the logbook provided and return the geocache to its original location.

Don’t forget to take photos and share them with the rest of the geocaching community online.

Bear Butte State Park

Approximately 45 minutes from Belle Fourche Bear Butte is a geological formation from one of several intrusions of igneous rock in the Black Hills that formed millions of years ago.

Mato Paha or “Bear Mountain” is the Lakota name and Noahvose is what the Cheyenne use for this sight seen as a sacred mountain by many American Indian tribes. They believe it to be the location where the creator has chosen to communicate with them through visions and prayer, thus making it the site of religious ceremonies and practices.

There are two hiking trails that are 1.85 miles to 2.5 miles in length and the northern most point of the 111-mile Centennial Trail is found here.

It has national distinction as a Natural Landmark, Historic Landmark and Summit Trail is a National Recreation Trail and was included on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

OPEN YEAR-ROUND • www.gfp.sd.gov COURTESY SD TOURISM

.

Belle Fourche • 17

,

River Walk leads visitors on city park tour

One of the many

MARK WATSON/BLACK HILLS PIONEER

.

Belle Fourche • 18

,

K HILLS PIONE

ER

continue connecting areas within the city of Belle Fourche, intcluding our neighborhoods, business districts, schools, and parks,” he said.

SWOOD/BLAC

maintaining all of our city parks.”

Jones Park receives considerable walking traffic and features basketball and tennis courts, a common target for younger crowds in the community. Herrmann Park is best for family gatherings and the like, with its picnic areas, band shelter and open, manicured lawns that sit underneath numerous giant Cottonwood trees.

In 2015 the River Walk was extended about 750 feet under U.S. Highway 85 at Hay Creek to Pine Street. That extension provides a safe crossing of U.S. Highway 85 for users of the bike path, said City Engineer Ryan Kavan, This year, crews will complete rehabilitation work from 7th Avenue to National Street along Hay Creek. Additionally, another project in The Forks area will work on stabilizing the bank.

Kavan said the city of Belle Fourche is also in the process of creating a master plan to extend their trail system.

“This plan will guide new trail construction projects for many years to come and may include extensions to Orman Dam to the east, the city of Spearfish to the south, and

• Arnold Park - State St. • Eagle Park - Elkhorn St. • Thomas C. Gay Memorial Park North 8th Ave. • Herrmann Park - 8th Ave. • Highland Park - National St. • Jones Park - 11th Ave. • Memorial Park - National St. • Rail Park - State St. • Weyler Park - 7th Ave.

paths on the Rive

VIRGINIA SPOT

Visitors to Belle Fourche can get out, bask in the weather, and enjoy scenery along the River Walk, a five-mile paved path that highlights the outdoor beauty of the city and the forked rivers that Belle Fourche was named after.

A project that began more than 20 years ago, the River Walk was slowly installed during the last 10 years. It features a pedestrian/bike path section, and an adjoining sidewalk and urban street section that intersect, converge, and wind through the city, connecting parks and famous landmarks in Belle Fourche.

Sections of the River Walk wind along the banks of both the Redwater River and Hay Creek, and there are several resting points along the River Walk’s way, including benches, water fountains and restroom facilities.

The River Walk is fully signed with large maps posted along the route that point out the various parks and attractions.

There is a picnic area near of the Center of the Nation Avenue of Flags, a nine-hole disc golf course just west of the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center, an ice skating rink adjacent to Weyler Park, and a loop section around Herrmann Park.

“We like to think we have some pretty nice parks here,” said Public Works Director Dirk Hoffmann. “We have an excellent parks supervisor. He and his staff do a great job

There are nine parks located throughout the City of Belle Fourche.

r Walk

riverwalk

THE FORKS

ARNOLD PARK

EAGLE PARK

MEMORIAL PARK

.

Belle Fourche • 19

,

PLAINS TOWING & RECOVERY 301 Roundup Street, Belle Fourche

605-892-3712

Plains Towing and Recovery offers a large assortment of towing, recovery and roadside services to all sizes of vehicles from motorcycles up to school buses and semis with trailers.

Licensed in SD, MT, & WY

Check out our in-depth list of services at

plainstowingrecovery.com

Come See Us in Belle Fourche!

New Faces are Always Welcome!

Please, use our website

RoundupBuildingCenter.com

as a source to find out what we can offer you.

We are your full service lumber & hardware dealer.

SMILE Matters

Providing Comprehensive Care

FAMILY DENTISTRY

Key Cutting Lock Keying Services Window & Screen Repair Custom Metal Bending Custom Homes Pole Buildings

Every

Complete Dentistry: Implants, Occlusion, TMJ, Dentures, Cosmetic Dentistry, 3D Imaging, Invisalign, & More

We strive to exceed customer expectations.

John H. Jackson, DDS Christopher J. Jackson, DMD

Phone

1-605-892-2094 Toll Free

Fellow International Congress of Oral Implantology & Fellow of Misch International Implant Institute

Fax

www.jacksondentalclinic.com

1-800-733-2094 1-605-892-2096 .

503 Jackson St., Belle Fourche, SD • 1.605.892.6347 • 1.877.412.2978

Belle Fourche • 20

,

Lasting Legacies:

Downtown Sculptures exhibit rodeo legends of the past the most amazing trick roping and horse shows in the area.

Walk several blocks down State Street and see a pair of famous brothers. The Garrett brothers are top professional rodeo contestants who hail from the Belle Fourche area. The likeness of Marvin Garrett is found on the northwest side of the corner of State Street and 6th Avenue, while Mark Garrett is on the southeast corner of the same intersection. Marvin was a four-time National Finals World Bareback champion and has been inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Mark was National Finals World Bareback Champion in 1996.

Numerous other statues can be found along the River Walk and at the Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center, including The Peace Memorial statue and the Overpeck Family Memorial statue.

Many residents in Belle Fourche are proud of the rich history of their town, set amongst winding rivers and wide-open prairies, underneath vibrant sunsets and an expansive skyline, and established during a rough-and-tumble era in which settlers helped establish the unexplored land of the American frontier. These sculptures of Belle Fourche’s own legends serve as a nod to the “Lasting Legacies” that comprise so much of this town’s storied past.

Bronze western art MARK WATSON/BLACK HILLS PIONEER

.

Belle Fourche • 21

,

statues can be found througho ut the town

MARK WATSON /BLACK HILLS

PIONEER

ern town. This salutary cowboy embodies the stamina of the original wrangler as he prepares his horse for adventures out on the prairie.

The horse, known as Tipperary, is a legend himself. He’s credited with dumping more than 80 riders before famous rodeo rider, actor, and stuntman Yakima Canutt tackled the first successful ride on the bronc in 1920. Canutt rode the horse a second time at the Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche in 1921.

Another figure stands on the corner of State Street and 5th Avenue, where Chytka has sculpted modern-day buffalo trainer and Belle Fourche native Jerry Wayne Olson sitting on his buffalo, Chief.

Olson has performed for many years as an equine entertainer at rodeos and western events across the nation. But he’s also known for his time with that buffalo, Chief — and has even been known to ride on the back of the giant animal. He is the third generation of a family of rodeo entertainers, with one of

sculptures

Some of the best rodeo performers in the annals of Belle Fourche history have been immortalized in bronze by sculptor Tony Chytka, allowing visitors to downtown Belle Fourche a chance to see the town’s “Lasting Legacies” while simultaneously gazing into the region’s Old West past.

Sculptor T.R. “Tony” Chytka is a rural South Dakota native, a rancher, and a former champion bull rider whose art reflects his own life experience. A Chytka bronze is an entirely hand-made piece — from the clay model, to the bronze final castings and patina work — Chytka molds and creates the entire package.

Visitors coming from the south on Highway 85 will receive a welcoming site in Chytka’s tall figure of a cowboy “breakin’ his bronc,” located at the intersection of 5th Avenue and National Street. The sculpture is six-feet tall, composed of bronze, and has come to be known as one of the “Lasting Legacies” that embody the heritage of this West-

Tri-State Museum

High Plains Western Heritage Center

Kristi Thielen 605-723-1200 www.thetristatemuseum.com

Peggy Ables 605-642-WEST (9378) www.westernheritagecenter.com

Vore Buffalo Jump

The Old Fort Meade Museum

Glen Wyatt 307-283-3581 www.vorebuffalojump.org

Spearfish Canyon Lodge 877-975-6343 www.spfcanyon.com

Peg Aplan 605-347-9822 www.fortmeademuseum.org

~ To book a discount package which includes lodging and this self-guided tour, call: Black Hills Central Reservations 1-800-344-6181 or visit 307-643-7173 www.blackhillsvacations.com www.buffalojumpwyoming.com

Buffalo Jump Saloon & Steakhouse

~ 2016 Schedule of WeStern eventS ~

July 1, 2, 3 & 4 - Black Hills Roundup - Belle Fourche Ranch Rodeo followed by PRCA Rodeos. The community has celebrated this Annual Event since 1918. www.tristatemuseum.com July 2, 3 & 4 - National Day of the American Cowboy and Regional Meeting of the Great Western Cattle Trail Association at the High Plains Western Heritage Center www.westernheritagecenter.com June, July, August - Displays that tell the story of the 7th Cavalry, based at Old Fort Meade, after the Civil War. Also WWI, WWII and National Guard history. www.fortmeademuseum.org

.

Belle Fourche • 22

,

Devils Tower National Monument Just over an hour from Belle Fourche

Devils Tower is 867 ft. from base to summit and stands 1,267 above the Belle Fourche River. It is 5,112 ft. above sea level. The Tower hiking trail is just over 1 ¼ miles.

In 1906 President Theodore Roosevelt established Devils Tower as America’s first national monument. This rock formation towering over the land below is thought to be the remnants of a small intrusive body formed by magma which cooled and hardened under the surface and was then later exposed due to erosion of sedimentary rock.

Fun Fact: What’s the fastest the Tower has been climbed? In the 1980s, Todd Skinner – a Wyoming native - free-soled (climbed alone, without ropes or protection) the Walt Bailey route in 18 minutes.

OPEN YEAR-ROUND • www.nps.gov

PHOTO BY LES VOORHIS

e m o c l e W ! e l l e B o t

Bring in this ad and receive

Daily & Weekend Champs Chicken Specials

605-723-9000

Belle Fourche • 23

All In-Store Purchases Only Expires 12-31-16

18765 US Hwy 85, Belle Fourche

.

10% OFF

,

Things to Do in Belle Fourche

,

BELLE FOURCHE COUNTRY CLUB S. Hwy 85 www.bellefourchecountryclub.com Looking to spend some time on the green? Belle Fourche Country Club, a ninehole course nestled in the northern corner of the Black Hills, offers a challenging opportunity to everyone. The course is surrounded by pine trees with wildlife and abundant ground foliage sure to test even the most avid golfer. In fact, their second hole is rated

the second hardest par-3 in the state. After a day on the green, sit back and relax at The Mulligan Restaurant & Bar, located inside the clubhouse.

Come and enjoy Belle Fourche Country Club as a member or guest and be a part of our family at the #1 club of the Northern Hills.

For more information, please call (605) 892-3472.

BELLE FOURCHE SKATE PARK National St. Skateboarders can feel right at home in Belle Fourche with free access to the public skate park. The park boasts stairs, ramps and rails, and is located in Highland Park next to the Belle Fourche Area Community Center.

The skate park is open all day long, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., but there are no lights to keep it lit at night.

BIRD WATCHING Throughout Belle Fourche Belle Fourche lies just beyond the Northern tip of the Black Hills of South Dakota and is the central location for a variety of birding habitat.

You can pick up suggested birding locations and routes at the Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center. Current bird sightings for South Dakota are available on the internet at SDOU.org.

COURTESY TRI-STATE MUSEUM

THE FORKS Belle Fourche, a French name meaning “beautiful forks,” is so called for the three bodies of water that converge at the same point. The Redwater and Hay Creek rivers, as well as the Belle Fourche River, all join just outside of town.

The forks are easily accessible from the River Walk bike path, which runs along right alongside the rivers, allowing walkers, bikers, and joggers to get very close and personal with Belle Fourche’s namesake landmark.

. .

Belle Belle Fourche Fourche •• 24 24 , ,

BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTO

BELLE JOLI WINERY 1218 6th Ave. www.bellejoli.com The winemakers at Jackson Vineyards brought their dream of owning a Black Hills vineyard to a reality more than a decade ago. Belle Joli’, French for “a delight to the senses,” offers a taste of wine from grapes grown right in the Black Hills. The winery produces half a dozen different

wines, including both red and white varieties.

Matthew Jackson received his enology degree from California State University, Fresno, and is the state’s only enologist. He uses French hybrid varietals developed between Cornell University and the University of Minnesota that are well-suited to the short growing season in South Dakota.

DISC GOLF Disc golf aficionados have a beautiful place to throw and stroll in Belle Fourche, right on the banks of the Belle Fourche River – the meanest water hazard in the Northern Hills.

The nine-hole course starts behind the Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center at 415 5th Ave., right next to the Center of the Nation monument, and meanders along the banks of the river.

Each of the course’s nine-holes are rated Par 3. Hole distances vary from 152 feet to 367 feet, totaling 2,642 feet over all. Scorecards and course maps are available at the Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center.

Discs are available for purchase at the TriState Museum & Visitor Center gift shop.

RANCHING EXPERIENCES Guests interested in hunting and ranching have come to the right place. Visitors to Belle Fourche who just want to relax and take in the scenery the wide-open prairies provide, or those wishing to bag an antelope or take home some turkeys, are in luck.

Featured ranches include: The Crow Creek Guest Ranch; Vallery’s High Plains Game Ranch; Center of the Nation Hunting; and Colony Outfitters.

With numerous opportunities in and around Belle Fourche, guests looking for a good, old-fashioned hunting or ranching experience have come to the right place, so be our guest and revel in the excitement these establishments offer.

For more information, stop by the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce.

JODIE BAXENDALE/JODIEB PHOTOGRAPHY

. .

Belle Belle Fourche Fourche •• 25 25 , ,

SOUTHPARK LANES 510 National St. Hit a strike in Belle Fourche’s bowling alley, South Park Lanes.

This 12-lane alley is home to several bowling leagues. Built in 1964, the alley is owned by Rick Wessels who has run the local lanes since 1977. The bowling alley is open on Tuesday evenings during the summer and hosts winter leagues for men, women and mixed teams Monday through Friday starting in September. It is also open to the public at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in the winter. Call (605) 892-2626 for open bowling availability.

things to do in belle fourche

BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTO

TRIPP FAMILY AMC RAMBLER CAR COLLECTION 709 State St. Car lovers will be able to catch a glimpse of America’s last independent motor company at the Tripp Family Car Collection. Ellis Tripp, a resident of Belle Fourche, has built a collection of over 30 cars made by the American Motors Corporation, an independent manufacturer that operated from 1954-1987.

Tripp’s collection includes models like a 1966 Ambassador, a 72 Javelin, a 64 Rambler, and a 390 cc, 315 horsepower 1968 AMX, which was originally made to compete with the Corvette. His autos have won awards all over the country, including the George Romney award, the second-most prestigious award for AMC cars. All his cars are licensed, and he drives them all. To set up a showing, call Tripp at (605)641-9941.

WESTERN STAR, INC. Quality Products for Over 20 Years GARAGE DOORS

HOT TUBS & SAUNAS

Sales • Service • Parts

Sales • Service • Supplies

U.S. Highway 212 from Crow Agency, Mont., to Belle Fourche is the shortest distance between the Little Bighorn Battlefield and Mount Rushmore. Between 1865 and 1877, as American Indian tribes desperately tried to retain their lands and culture, and the soldiers of the U.S. Army strove to enforce an edict from Washington, D.C., many battles of great historical significance marked this corridor.

This stretch of highway has been officially designated as the Warrior Trail.

POST FRAME BUILDINGS Residential • Commercial • Ag

BILLINGS

39

BELLE FOURCHE

59 EXIT 510

LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD

ROSEBUD BATTLEFIELD

314

605-892-3376 605-892-4952 wsigaragedoors.com

westernstarbuildings.com

REYNOLDS BATTLEFIELD MONUMENT

212

59

90

rocknspas.com

512 INDUSTRIAL ST., 1 Block North of 212 - Off Highway 85

COURTESY SD TOURISM

Day Pass & Memberships Available

FOCUS ON

FITNESS OPEN

Monday-Thursday 5am - 9pm Friday 5am - 8pm Saturday 8am - 6pm Sunday 1pm - 8pm

SIGN UP TODAY!

1111 National Street ~ Belle Fourche, SD 605-892-2467 ~ bellefourche.org .

Belle Fourche • 26

,

B ELLE F OURCHE L IVESTOCK A UCTION

“Where the Ring is the Scale” CATTLE SALES EVERY THURSDAY

605-892-2655 or

Business or Personal Needs Available Year Round

1-800-894-8684

• Income Tax Preparation • Income Tax Planning • Bookkeeping • Payroll • Auditing

Owners: Thor Roseth & Jeff Long Belle Fourche Livestock is a representative for Western Video Market

• Quickbooks Consulting • Management Advisory Services • Estate & Gift Planning

“Large enough to know... Small enough to care.”

PO Box 278 • 1301 8th Avenue • Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-723-1040 • www.pummelassoc.com

w w w. b e l l e f o u rc h e l i v e s t o c k . c o m

Comprehensive Medical Eye Examinations Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration Treatment Contact Lenses/Lasik Surgery Care Advanced Eye Care Technology

Great Selection of Fashionable Frames Quality Sunwear: Smith, Wiley X & more!

Experienced Doctors and Opticians Latest Lens Technology

Dr. James Trimble ~ Dr. Heidi Nash Optometrists

Steve Jewett ~ December White Opticians

Like us on

1830 5th Avenue • Belle Fourche, SD • 605-892-2020 • 1-800-688-4913 .

Belle Fourche • 27

,

e c a l p e r n a c e W

We Help You Plan Your Projects, From Start to Finish!

S S A L G O T AU lash for Less!

Get the quality building products you need, from one reliable source.

Lumber • Hardware • Valspar Paints • Cabinets • Plumbing • Electrical Window Screen Repair • Picture Framing • Traeger Smoker Grill Dealer Estimates for homes, Decks, Garages & Pole barns

Great Service, Selection & Price across the board.

2 LOCATIONS:

DAKOTA LUMBER

18751 US Hwy 85, Belle Fourche | 605-892-4041

DAKOTA HARDWARE

in a F

• Auto, Truck & RV Glass • In-Shop or Mobile Service • Rock Chip Repairs • Insurance Approved

Auto Glass Replacement Specialist

FRONTIER GLASS Of Belle Fourche 19048 US Hwy 85, Belle Fourche, SD Call 605-892-2052 or 1-800-292-2052

2222 Junction Ave., Sturgis | 605-347-4031

Locally Owned

www.dakotalumber.doitbest.com

.

Belle Fourche • 28

,

Rocky Point Recreation Area at Belle Fourche Reservoir

Fishing: The Belle Fourche Reservoir has an average depth of 25 feet with areas as deep as 60 feet when full. The reservoir is a high density walleye fishery with several other species, such as channel catfish, yellow perch, black crappie, smallmouth bass, white bass and tigermuskie.

Anglers fishing for walleye often report high catch rates all year long with a good launching spot at Rocky Point Recreation Area.

Fishing license required.

Reservations: (800) 710-CAMP (2267) or www.CampSD.com.

Up to 90 days prior to arrival.

(showers and flush toilets)

Dump station 2 Boat ramps Fish cleaning station Paved roads Picnic shelters Playground Archery trail Horseshoe pits Canoe/Kayak rentals Drinking water Fishing pole checkout Game checkout Beach Area

Source: South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks gfp.sd.gov, 605-892-4968

Nature Day Camps: 9:30am - 12:00pm Kids ages 7-12 June 15 - Kids Fishing Day July 20 - Nature Explorers Park entrance license required year round: Daily License: $4 per person or $6 per vehicle Annual: $30 first vehicle $15 for second

TO

History: The 8,000-acre Belle Fourche Reservoir was created in 1911, when Orman Dam was constructed to store water for agricultural use. At the time of its completion, Orman Dam was the largest earthen dam in the world. In 1989, Orman Dam was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Facilities: 57 Electrical campsites 2 Camping cabins 5 Group camping sites Comfort station

R FILE PHO

Availability: Open year round.

Primitive camping available.

Campsites available up to 90 days prior to arrival.

Contact Information: Rocky Point Recreation Area 18513 Fisherman’s Road Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-641-0023, RockyPoint@state.sd.us

LS PIONEE

GPS Coordinates Lat: 44.709229 Long: -103.7

ROCKY POINT RECREATION AREA

BLACK HIL

Location: 8 miles E of Belle Fourche off Hwy 212

recreation

BELLE FOURCHE RESERVOIR

Camping & Fees: $15/non-electrical, $19/electrical site per night.

Camping cabins $40 per night.

62 camp sites. Three ADA accessible sites.

COURTESY SD TOURISM

.

Belle Fourche • 29

,

Belle Fourche home to prime hunting and fishing

EER

The thousands of acres of ranchland around Belle Fourche are not only home to ranchers’ cattle and sheep, but it is also home to a diverse crop of wildlife and prime hunting.

From whitetails and mule deer to upland game and antelope, hunters have plenty of animals to pursue.

Rebounding numbers of antelope are offering hunters more opportunities.

Each year, when the West River deer season opens, traditionally in mid November, hunters head to the nearby ranches and walk-in areas in hopes of taking one of the large mulies or whitetails that feed in the alfalfa fields or sagebrush draws. In 2008 the No. 8 ranked mule deer was killed just north of Butte County, and in late 2015 what is

like the largest deer bagged with a muzzleloader in the state was killed in Harding County. While the majority of hunters chasing deer around Butte County are seeking a large mule deer, the whitetail population is still high and large bucks can be frequently found.

While South Dakota’s central and eastern counties are home to massive pheasant populations, a hearty population of pheasants call Butte County home. The birds can be found in the same type of areas as they would in prime

LACK HIL LS PION

Black Hills Pioneer

HUNTING & FISHING continued on pg. 31

Abundan

t wild ga

COURTESY BLACK HILLS, BADLANDS & LAKES

.

Belle Fourche • 30

,

me!

MARK W ATSON/B

Mark Watson

HUNTING & FISHING continued from pg. 30

COURTESY SD TOURISM

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Skyler Massie, Broker Associate; Bob Gerkin, Broker Owner; Alan Kindsfater, Broker Associate.

Open Daily 11:00 am - 7 Days a Week

ly Proud ng Servi s tite Appe 93!

19 since

• • • • • •

Full Bar & Menu Carry Out Available Nightly Drink Specials (Mon-Fri) Happy Hour (5pm-6pm Mon-Fri) Video Lottery Families Welcome!

Where Sports Fans Meet!

818 5th St., Belle Fourche, SD • 605-723-9521 www.stadiumsportsgrillsd.com Corner of Jackson & Main, 206 N. Egan Ave., Spearfish, SD • 605-642-9521 Madison, SD • 605-427-9521

.

Belle Fourche • 31

Photo courtesy SD Tourism

,

hunting & fishing

pheasant habitat – near corn, in cattails, in tree rows and in alfalfa fields. Sharptail grouse can also be hunted.

Large turkey populations also give hunters a chance at providing the bird for a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

At many of the area lakes and stock ponds waterfowl can be abundant. The numbers of birds are not nearly what hunters can find along the Missouri River or in the eastern part of the state, but success can be found especially in creeks that remain open long after the flat water freezes over.

Belle Fourche is also home to one of the largest bodies of water in the state, the Belle Fourche Reservoir. Fishermen use the shores, their boats and the ice to bring home their daily catch of walleye and other fish. When the walleye spawn, the dam becomes alive with fishermen trying to catch the big one.

Catfish and bass can also be found in the large body of water that has filled to near capacity in recent years after nearly a decade of drought.

Other nearby lakes and ponds and the Redwater River are home to prime fishing.

Partners for Success , 10 Miles S. to I-90 175 Miles N. to I-94 12 Miles S. to Spearfish, SD 103 Miles W. to Gillette, WY 286 Miles N. to Williston, ND

to Bismarck

to Billings NORTH DAKOTA SOUTH DAKOTA

Belle Fourche Industrial & Rail Park

MONTANA WYOMING

South Dakota Certified Ready Site Lots Now Available.

BLACK HILLS

to Gillette

HIGHWAY 212

Lot 2A

Che yen ne S tree t

Lot 1A

HERSRUDS

PERMIAN TANK & MANUFACTURING, INC.

Block 1 9.63± Be ad le

acres

LD

urt Co Bo na nz a

Lot 1 3.73± acres

SO

Lot 3 11.56± acres

Str ee t

Lot 2 13.00± acres

Lot 2 14.91±

he ac Ap

et re St

ADIA

N PA

CIFIC

RAIL

ROA

D

Lot 3 5.41±

RAI

acres

LYA RD

Bustfi eld D rive

acres

CAN

Lot 1 4.08± acres

Drainage Lot 4.68± acres Drainage Lot 0.77± acres Not for Sale

Not for Sale

Utility Lot 0.40± acres

Drainage Lot 2.55± acres

Not for Sale

Not for Sale

.

Belle Fourche • 32

,

HILLS PION EER RSON/BLACK

Development, building relationships, and nurturing partnerships with new businesses and those who wish to expand are the driving forces behind what the Belle Fourche Development Corporation intends to accomplish during 2016 and beyond.

The Belle Fourche Industrial and Rail Park was completed in September 2013.

The expansion of the park’s capabilities is just one part of what the Belle Fourche Development Corporation is focused on for 2016.

“Belle Fourche is a community with strong leadership and alliances to help make the development process seamless.

Belle Fourche Development Corporation, the city, the county, the school and business leaders within, help lead the way and tie it all together,” said Hollie Stalder, the executive director of the Belle Fourche Development Corporation. “An important component of what economic development is focused on is aligning with companies to build community. “ 2015 saw multiple companies expand in Belle Fourche.

Permian Tank, managed by Bob Sieve, completed phase two of its facility, adding 22,000 square feet. The $4 million expansion to its location at the Belle Fourche Industrial and Rail Park added a blasting, painting, and coating section to its facility.

Runnings in Belle Fourche is also in the midst of major expansion. The company purchased 10.6 acres at the intersection of Highways 85 and 34 and begun construction of a 60,000 square-foot facility, which will be four times larger than its current

store at 10990 Highway 212. The company is shooting for a summer opening this year.

“Bottom-line, our current store in Belle Fourche is too small. We needed a new, larger store because it will give us more space to offer an expanded selection of ranch and farm equipment and accessories, automotive, tools, hardware, pet and animal supplies,” said Dennis Jensen, Future hom e of Running director of marketing s of Belle Fo urche and advertising for Runnings. “Plus, it allows us to offer more selection in sport“Obviously, we’re incredibly excited to ing goods, clothing, footwear, lawn and have this expansion in our home town of garden, toys, and more. More space really Belle Fourche,” said Scott Peterson, owner. means more space to sell more stuff.”

“We are now able to hire more employees “We’re just really excited about and be a part of the very exciting comopening the store; the customers in and mercial growth that is happening in Belle. around Belle Fourche have always been It is a continual reminder that the people very receptive and warm towards our in this area are such great local customers. store,” added Jensen.

We have a base of strong community Scott Peterson Motors, Inc. completed leadership that is helping us be a part of its 25,000- square foot, $2 million expanthese great things happening in the town, sion allowing the company to cater to the and of course we’re excited to be a part of service needs of a wider variety of clients’ that in anyway possible.” cars, ranch pick ups, and Wyoming and Industrial growth in Belle Fourche will North Dakota oil commercial businesses. have a nice vantage point with the develThey expanded to 23 total bays, which opment of a rail yard in the Belle Fourche includes two new express lube bays Industrial & Rail Park. The economic where no appointment is required. They impact is significant given this is the only also added a car wash bay and a Hunter one of its kind in western South Dakota Alignment Machine. Some small improvewith a site ready industrial park at its side. ments were made prior to this addition; With on and off loading opportunity however, this is the first major expansion available to key customers, transportation since 1991.

LACEY PETE

By Lacey Peterson Black Hills Pioneer

MARK WATSON/BLACK HILLS PIONEER

.

Belle Fourche • 33

,

economic development

Belle Fourche Celebrates Milestones and Continued Progress

“Where Honesty & Quality Meat”

Integrity Meats 605-892-6215 404 Industrial Street Belle Fourche, SD

Mon.-Fri. 8:00-5:30 • Sat. 8:00-12:00

SIDES OF BEEF & PORK AVAILABLE (HALVES OR WHOLES)

GREAT FOR GRILLING...USDA CHOICE T-BONES, RIBEYES & SIRLOINS • HUTTERITE CHICKENS • SD MADE CHEESE • SUMMER SAUSAGE • SALAMI • PEPPERONI STICKS • BRATS • LIVERWURST • POLISH SAUSAGE • DRIED BEEF • JERKY • SMOKED GERMAN SAUSAGE • FRESH & FROZEN CUTS OF MEAT • WILD GAME PROCESSING

Specializing in cuStom & inSpected meat proceSSing for over 12 yearS

.

Belle Fourche • 34

,

FILE PHOTO

ber of items.

“We are the Center of the Nation, and the crossroads that are part of that. Highway 85 experiences over 10,000 vehicles a day through the main corridor of town between Highway 34 on the south end and 212 on the north end, making connections in any direction very accessible,” Stalder said. “Our close proximity to Interstate 90 (10 miles south) and the Bakken oilfields activity within 100 miles north of us, adds to the appeal,” she said.

Belle Fourche Development Corporation formed a partnership with NeighborWorks Dakota Homes Resources in the fall of 2014. This partnership is focused on assisting those who work in Belle Fourche to be able to consider home ownership. Two new homes are available now and one more will be available to qualified buyers in June as part of the corporation’s Workforce Housing program. A third phase of homes will begin construction late summer of 2016.

BLACK HILL S PIONEER

savings can be realized immediately.

The development of rail facilities like this also helps take some of the burden off of our highway and interstate system noting that one rail car can easily transfer goods equivalent to three to five truckloads. This has further reaching benefits for our region and state.

The Bureau of Land Management broke ground on its new office and storage facilities for its South Dakota Field Office this winter at the eastern gateway to the Belle Fourche Industrial & Rail Park. The 18 full time and summer seasonal employees will be moving from several facilities in Belle Fourche into a 5,600 square foot office facility with another 3,300 square feet of warehouse and 32,000 square feet of storage yard sometime next summer. Mark Jacobsen, district public affairs specialist, said that the move to the new facility will be designed for current and future technology for mapping and other office needs. “It definitely will be state of the art,” he said.

The BLM-administered lands throughout South Dakota are used for livestock grazing, mineral extraction, forest management and recreation (especially hunting) where legal public access exists.

Businesses looking at Belle Fourche for relocation will be able to capitalize on a num-

Commercial investment and reinvestment in 2015 in Belle Fourche amounted to just short of $7.5 million based on building permit records.

“New commercial construction in 2016 was the largest we’ve had on record for Belle Fourche,” said Stalder.

Belle Fourche owes its start to the railroad railroad PIONEER FILE

PHOTO

LACEY PETERS

ON/BLACK HI

LLS PIONEER

kitty litter to cosmetics.

Today, the railroad in Belle Fourche is seeing a modern boom thanks to the oil fields in North Dakota. A new industrial rail park opened in the city in 2013 and has been steadily expanding since. High-density polyethylene pipe manufacturer Permian Tank and Manufacturing Inc. opened a facility in the industrial rail park in 2013 and expanded in 2015 to accommodate increased demand.

Belle Fourche city officials announced this year the addition of a half-milelong siding track at the industrial rail park making it easier for businesses to load and unload products. The construction plan also includes a new switch which will allow for additional track construction in the future should additional businesses come in with rail access needs.

BLACK HILLS

In 1890, the railroad had been built west to a point that is now Belle Fourche. On Sept. 16 of that year, the first load of cattle was shipped by railcar to eastern states. Over the next two months nearly 1,300 railcars of cattle were transported to markets.

The first rail station in the cowtown was completed in December 1890.

The success of the railroad then brought about the platting of Belle Fourche in the spring of 1891 and land parcels were sold starting in June of that year. The railroad made it possible for the region’s agricultural industry to have easy access to a highly efficient means of delivery for its products to market.

In 1892 nearly 4,000 railcars of cattle were being shipped from Belle Fourche. By 1895 that number had soared to 2,500 railcars of cattle per month, making Belle Fourche the largest shipper of cattle in the world.

Over the decades the railroad has shipped numerous agricultural commodities from Belle Fourche including wool, grain, flour and numerous other items for the industry. The rails now reach to Colony, Wyo., where the railcars carry bentonite, a mined substance used in a wide variety of products from

VIRGINIA SPOTSWOOD/BLACK HILLS PIONEER

.

Belle Fourche • 35

,

FRIENDLY & GENTLE DENTAL CARE FOR ALL AGES • • • • • • • • •

Dental cleaning & exams Gum disease treatment Dental implants Partials and dentures Crowns & bridges Teeth whitening Cosmetic dentistry Lap exams for toddlers Sedation dentistry for nervous patients

SMILE

Matt Nehl, DDS Fellow & Master ICOI, Surgical Fellowship MISCH International Implant Institute, Prosthetic Fellowship MISCH International Implant Institute

Our Kid Friendly Office features

KID DAY

605 Railroad St., Belle Fourche

Every Thursday

605-892-3603 • 800-611-8796

to help make you and your family a little extra comfortable.

nehldental.com

.

Belle Fourche • 36

,

Belle Fourche Livestock Auction a staple for cattle community During the busy months, the Belle Fourche Livestock Auction is bustling with buyers and sellers. People travel from Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and throughout South Dakota to buy and trade cattle.

The Belle Fourche Livestock Auction was originally built in 1935. With a rich history and a staple for economic development in Butte County, it is by far the largest livestock exchange facility for miles.

The stockyards exist because one man had a vision of building a town around a railroad. Though the train system is no longer utilized to transport the cattle, the location of the Dakota, Minnesota

COURTESY SD TOURISM

.

Belle Fourche • 37

,

Y PHOTO COURTES

Corn is among the most produced crop in Butte County; alfalfa and soybean production come in right after.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Butte County ranks number one in sheep production, with at least 42,000 head. Statewide, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports there are approximately 305,000 head of sheep and approximately 3.7 million head nationwide.

& Eastern Railroad was the reason it exists.

According to history records, the valley that Belle Fourche lies in was first settled in 1876 after gold was discovered in the Black Hills. Shortly thereafter, Seth Bullock came to the Black Hills and settled around the Belle Fourche River.

Bullock, a frontier marshal and rancher, offered a free right of way and offered to build the terminal to the proposed railroad company looking to build a new rail system through the Black Hills. That location at the Old Middle Creek shipping yards is where the present day Belle Fourche Livestock Auction sits. By 1895, Belle Fourche was shipping 2,500 carloads of cattle east every month during the busy seasons, making it the world’s largest livestock shipping point at that time. Most of the cattle were shipped to markets in Chicago and Omaha, Neb. Transporting the cattle became a lot easier and less expensive, therefore making the location perfect to create weekly markets for stock.

agriculture

Agriculture is South Dakota’s number one industry and in Butte County, it’s a way of life.

“It’s handed down from generation to generation around here,” said TJ Swan, formerly with the Butte County Cooperative Extension Service. “If you’ve got the land to do it and the gumption to fight the markets, it’s just what you do.”

“South Dakota has always been and will continue to be an agricultural state,” said Bill Evan, with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. He noted that the economic impact of agriculture in South Dakota exceeds $20.9 billion and employs more than 173,000 people, directly and indirectly.

According to an agricultural census, there are a total of 659 farms in Butte County, making up a total of approximately 1.2 million acres. Of that, a total amount of 163,375 acres is used for cropland.

The largest agriculture operations are mostly cattle production and farming.

An average of 60,000 head of cattle are roaming throughout the county in a given year.

And, he said, because of the open prairie land, it makes for excellent crop production, which in turn, provides feed for cattle producers.

“When the rains are heavy in the spring around here, it can make for a healthy amount of forage for cattle,” Swan said. “Western wheatgrass is one of the best forage for cattle and we certainly have a lot of that around here.”

/LES HEI SERMAN

Agriculture mainstay of Butte County

Spearfish Canyon A self-guided tour starting from the intersection of Hwy. 14A and Colorado Blvd in Spearfish Six hundred million or so years ago, long before man walked this area, it was covered by a huge sea. As waters subsided and landmasses began to appear – 30 to 60 million years ago – drainages such as Spearfish Canyon formed as softer rock was eroded away.

Today, this area is part of the Black Hills National Forest.

What remains is a stunning canyon

filled with a wide variety of flora and fauna and breathtaking views of the canyon walls.

Archaeological evidence indicates big game hunters and their families (paleo-indians) were present in the area and possibly in the canyon at least 10,000 years ago. Today, the Canyon attracts visitors to take in sights and to fish its pristine waters for trout.

COURTESY SD TOURISM

.

Belle Fourche • 38

,

Gateway to the Northern Black Hills

GATEWAY continued on pg. 40

COURTESY TRI-STATE MUSEUM

.

Belle Fourche • 39

,

Y PHOTO

Like many places, the area now known as Belle Fourche was inhabited long before a name or township was ever established. The name came when France held the claim on the area and French explorers found the meeting point between the Redwater and Belle Fourche rivers and Hay Creek. Belle Fourche (pronounced Bell Foosh) translates to “beautiful fork,” and many beaver trappers found the area to be profitable in the fur trade, making Belle Fourche a rendezvous point during the 1800s for trappers and traders.

After the Black Hills gold rush in 1876 brought treasure seekers of all sorts to the area, the fertile valleys around Belle Fourche provided land for farmers and ranchers to prosper, as they had ample customers at the mines in need of food and work animals.

The plains throughout the United States, and even those beyond its borders, were filling with cattle, and service areas and towns began to appear to meet the needs of the cattle business. The stage line between Medora, N.D., and Deadwood was established in 1884, and a way station, known as De Mores, which included a stage barn and a saloon, was built on the SB Ranch owned by Sol Star and Seth Bullock. After only a few stage runs, however, the stop proved unprofitable, and the stagecoach no longer took the route that included De Mores. While the saloon remained open, it wasn’t until the railroad came along that Belle Fourche really made a mark on the map.

Everyone in the area knew that the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad, under pressure from the cattle barons, would soon need a freight stop in the area for herds before shipment to packing plants in the Midwest, and though the town of Minnesela, near Sol Star a Belle Fourche and nd Seth B ullock at more developed at the Belle Fourche River the time, was the favored choice of location by the railroad, a spectator purchased Minnesela’s right-of-way and Belle Fourche in 1890. However, demanded a high price for the land the free lots in town were offered to businessrailroad wanted. Seth Bullock, having aces moving from Minnesela, and while quired land along the Belle Fourche River there was some bad feeling for the past since his arrival in Deadwood in 1876, between the communities, many busiappraised the situation and decided to nesses did move to the thriving town. offer the railroad free right-of-way across The early days of Belle Fourche revolved his land, in addition to offering to build around the cattle business, and known a terminal if the railroad would locate it as a “cow town,” Belle Fourche catered on his land. to cowboys and cattlemen. The town’s His business partner, Sol Star, sent original main street (now Fifth Avenue), word to the railroad that he would not nicknamed Saloon Street, quickly filled approve any deal that Bullock promised with businesses, including several saunless the railroad also built into Deadloons, restaurants, clothing and grocery wood. The railroad officials recognized stores, a hotel, and Star and Bullock’s a deal when they saw one and agreed to hardware and furniture store. the terms, and following the agreement, After losing the railroad depot, the the railroad terminal was built in 1890 in community of Minnesela also lost the the place where the present Belle Fourche Butte County seat to Belle Fourche in Livestock Exchange sits. Seth Bullock 1894, after an election where, supposedsupposedly requested the town name afly, hundreds of voters were “imported” ter the last rail was hammered into place. to ensure the desired outcome in Belle The town was born, lots were sold, and Fourche’s favor. Seth Bullock once again the first trainload of cattle departed from

COURTES

Black Hills Pioneer

belle fourche history

Kaija Swisher

after the fire in 1895.

Belle Fourche made headlines again in 1897 when a member of the Hole-inthe-Wall gang attempted to rob the Butte County Bank. Belle Fourche is also home to one of the oldest outdoor rodeos, the Black Hills Roundup, which started in 1918. Originally raising funds for the Red Cross during World War I and named the ‘Tri-State Roundup,” the Black Hills Roundup drew 15,000 spectators to Belle Fourche its first year, though the population of the town at that time was under 1,500 and there were no roads and few cars to speak of in the area. The Roundup started on the Fourth of July and raised nearly $20,000 for the war effort. Though the war ended the year after, the popularity of the rodeo made it an annual event that continues each July.

Belle Fourche continues to serve as a large trade area for wool, cattle, and bentonite

If you like

FRESH

COURTE BLAC K HILSYLSPHOTO PIONEER FI

intervened on behalf of Belle Fourche, raising $2,000 to build a two-story building for a courthouse once the county seat transferred.

After elated jubilation once the vote passed, a few overzealous citizens of Belle Fourche rode into Minnesela and stole the county books, though the transfer would not take place until the first of the new year.

Growing from a rendezvous point for trappers to the county seat, Belle Fourche was on its way to establishing itself as an important community in the area.

Just five years after the first trainload of cattle left its depot, Belle Fourche shipped 2,500 carloads per month in 1895 in the peak season, becoming the world’s largest livestock shipping point. Belle Fourche was no longer a simple stage stop; it was, and still is, an agricultural center for the region.

Unfortunately, a fire in 1895 destroyed most of the business district, but within three months, it was almost completely rebuilt.

Many buildings were moved from Minnesela; unfortunately, without a railroad, the town slowly diminished and is now considered a ghost town, but many of the buildings in Belle Fourche’s present downtown business district remain from the rebuilding

LE PHOTO

GATEWAY continued from pg. 39

industries which have been instrumental in the growth of the town.

Serving as the “Gateway to the Northern Black Hills,” Belle Fourche describes not only the intersection of waterways, but also the intersection of history, commerce, and community which makes a mark on the area and state in a variety of ways.

BUTLER TOWING & SCRAP IRON SERVICE, LLC

you will

LOVE

Dakotamart Pride Beef!

For the Best Smoked Sausage & Cheese Selection, stop in at Lynn’s.

24 HOUR SERVICE

Reasonable Rates

Lynn’s

$3 per mile | $65 hookup fee

John R. Butler

Your Hometown Neighborhood Market!

Belle Fourche ~ 600 National St. Custer • Faith • Lead • Martin • Fort Thompson • Sturgis Hot Springs • Pierre • Fort Pierre

.

605-723-6391 • (c) 605-210-3357 402 Lawrence St. • Belle Fourche, SD 57717 Belle Fourche • 40

,

belle bits

e l l e B its B

In July 1918 a telegram was sent to President Wilson offering a donation of a prize lamb which brought $5,425 at a Red Cross Auction at the first Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche. The telegram asked for the lamb to have a “meal” on the White House Lawn. The president replied, “I appreciate your telegram and admire the work for the Red Cross…thanks for thinking of me, but I have no means to care for such a lamb.”

All this and more at the Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center!

At the turn of the century, Calamity Jane returned to the Black Hills in her final stages of raging alcoholism. One of the most famous madams, Dora Du Fran took in Calamity Jane where she worked as the brothel’s laundress and cook until her death August 2, 1903.

The Great Butte County Bank Robbery in 1897 was committed by the Hole-In-the Wall Gang including Kid Curry, the Sundance Kid, and Tom O’Day. Wells Fargo Bank currently sits on the site of the Butte County Bank.

How to keep the cowboys in town when they came to ship the livestock?

They wanted gambling, drink, dance, and girls. The merchants of Belle saw that the cowboys had what they wanted or they would have taken all their money to Deadwood.

On March 13, 1907, John C. Perrett, “Potato Creek Johnny” who found the largest gold nugget in the Black Hills, married Mollie Hamilton at the Butte County Courthouse.

They had no children, and the marriage was reported as stormy. They separated after 20 years and divorced Sept. 3, 1928. Mollie died in Belle Fourche in 1944 and is buried in Pine Slope Cemetery.

The Doolittle Raid, April 1942, was the first air raid by the US to strike a Japanese home island. Lt. Don Smith, Belle Fourche High School Class of ’36, USAA Corps, piloted the 15th plane to take off from the aircraft carrier Hornet. Lt. Smith crash landed off the coast of China. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Military Order of China from Madame Chiang Kaishek and earned the rank of captain. He was honored by his hometown of Belle Fourche at the 1942 Black Hills Roundup. In November of 1942 Captain Smith died while piloting a plane over western Europe.

He was inducted into the South Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame in 2012.

PHOTOS COURTESY TRI-STATE MUSEUM & VISITOR CENTER

.

Belle Fourche • 41

,

Belle Fourche once had a traveling house of prostitution that floated up and down the Belle Fourche River. In 1919, the town “tried to spoil a man’s fun.” They voted out prostitution and voted in prohibition.

A local milliner made hats giving the girls at the brothels first choice. Once a hat was chosen, that model was taken off the market so proper women of the town would not be seen wearing the same hat.

The famous bucking horse, Tipperary, was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1979. He was credited with dumping 80 riders before Yakima Canutt made a qualified ride in 1920. Canutt also rode the famed bronc a second time in Belle Fourche in 1921.

The colt was rejected by military horse buyers because he bucked off all riders. A saloonkeeper, who won the horse in a poker game, bet a local bronc rider $500 that he couldn’t ride the horse. The cowboy was bucked off and sat in the dust singing “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary”, a famous World War I song.

The name caught on and Tipperary began a bucking career that lasted until 1928.

The 1972 Western movie, “The Cowboys”, starring John Wayne, Slim Pickens, and Robert Carradine’s film debut, is a classic cowboy tale.

A life-size likeness of John Wayne can be found at the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center, ready for a photo opportunity and to greet visitors to the area.

Penny collectors rejoice!

Now you can get a collectible penny token during your visit to the western town of Belle Fourche and they’re available exclusively at the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center at 415 5th Ave. For collectors of all ages, penny tokens are a fun and inexpensive way to commemorate your trip to Belle Fourche with three unique designs; the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo, Tri-State Museum and the Center of the Nation Monument All you do is put in your penny plus two quarters, crank the rollers and watch as your token is made right before your very eyes!

They also have passport books

available to keep your tokens organized.

Elongated tokens have been around since the 1892-93 World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago, Ill. There were four different designs made to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s landing in America.

They have become quite a specialized collectible with some people focusing on anything from travel themed tokens, Christmas tokens, political tokens or even everything produced by one specific roller.

No matter what your level of interest, you’re sure to have fun getting your one-of-akind penny token from the Center of the Nation! Belle Fourche, among other machine locations, can be found at www.pennycollector.com.

BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTO

.

Belle Fourche • 42

,

Black Hills Pioneer

Started in 1918 to raise funds for the Red Cross during World War I, and named the “Tri-State Roundup,” the Black Hills Roundup drew 15,000 spectators to Belle Fourche its first year … an incredible number, as the population of the town at that time was under 1,500 and there were no roads and few cars to speak of in the area. The Roundup started on the Fourth of July and raised nearly $20,000 for the war effort.

Though the war ended the year after, the popularity of the rodeo made it an annual event.

The benefit raised money through an auction and everything from livestock to a pet antelope to doughnuts were sold.

Another more patriotic fundraiser was the “German Kaiser Bill Coffin Scene,” where a person paid 25 cents for a nail to hammer into the coffin and received a war Thrift Stamp for the effort of hammering the Kaiser’s coffin shut.

The first Roundup consisted of saddle bronc riding, wagon, horse and relay races, bulldogging, steer and calf roping, cow pony races, and a ladies’

bucking contest.

Simple in setup in its humble beginning, the rodeo had no chutes or stands, and the arena was barely fenced in enough to keep the horses from getting out.

Obviously this made for more risk, as the contestant would have to catch the bronc before a ride. The rules were simple: choose a bronc, “ear” it, climb on, nod, and start. To “ear” a horse, two or three cowboys would catch its head and bite its ear to control it, distracting it long enough to saddle up and hop on. In the ladies’ bucking contest, women were required to “shackle” their horse, tying the stirrups together underneath the horse, as it was believed to be safer and easier for the women to thus participate.

The feature of the first Roundup was the appearance of Tipperary, the famous Harding County bucking horse, ridden by only one man. Thirteen years old and over 1,000 pounds, Tipperary drew a

HY /JODIEB PHOTOGRAP JODIE BAXENDALE

Kaija Swisher

huge crowd, and though the crowd saw Sam Brownell of Cheyenne, Wyo., finish his ride, a technical error disqualified him. He switched hands in the middle of his ride, and though the judges did not see it, he admitted his mistake and Tipperary remained a “one man” bronc.

Roundups, through the 20s, consisted of whatever the organizing group at the time decided to do, as there was no standard or type of events for a rodeo.

Many events at the early Roundups were organized by the Bit and Spur Saddle Club, which added to the entertainment and fun of the rodeo atmosphere. The Hide Race consisted of a rider racing ROUNDUP HISTORY continued on pg. 44

JODIE BAXENDALE/JODIEB PHOTOGRAPHY

.

Belle Fourche • 43

,

black hills roundup

History of the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo

ROUNDUP HISTORY continued from pg. 43

HURLB U

RT/BLA CK HIL LS PIO NEER

arena, and in more recent years there have been trick acts with buffalo performing all sorts of interesting feats.

Chariot racing became a favorite in the 50s and 60s, where a two-wheeled cart pulled by one horse held a racer, and many contestants readied their horses for this event as they traveled. The horse would pull the family and rodeo Carniv al rides supplies to Belle fill the street!

Fourche in true practical training, and later race against one another with much lighter loads.

The formation of the PRCA (Pro Rodeo and bull riding. Additionally, steer roping Cowboys Association) standardized seven will be held. events for the Roundup: bareback riding, The Roundup will be celebrating its 97th tie-down roping, team roping, saddle year July 1-4, 2016. bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing ADAM

across the arena pulling a cowhide behind his horse to where his partner waited to jump onto the hide for the ride back across the arena.

The rodeo events were canceled in 1929 because of the mud in the arena, and an early newspaper clipping tells of what replaced the events: “a burlesque show was put on for two or three hours …” Outdoor rodeos today are rarely, if ever, stopped on account of weather, and there is plenty of evidence to suggest the appearance of mud on many horses and competitors throughout the action of the Roundup.

The 30s brought the chance for the younger generation to participate in the events of the rodeo.

A rancher would agree to bring a dozen calves, and children could earn $1 to ride a calf in the arena. Many youngsters also practiced their trick riding during the Roundup.

Since the 40s, buffalo have been present throughout the Roundup events, either in staged stampedes or entertainment. In the 40s, a buffalo hunt would be staged, as actors dressed in Native American garb to chase the buffalo as they ran through the

Let Our Family Care for Your Family!

Michael R. Dana, D.D.S., P.C. Nicole D. Dana, D.D.S., FICOI, MICOI Monique M. Dana, D.D.S., FICOI, MICOI Bradly R. Dana, D.D.S., FICOI, MICOI

605-723-6272

• Digital & 3D X-Rays • Laser Cavity Detector • Drilless Dentistry

105 Ziebach, Belle Fourche

CosmetiC Dentistry

Nationally Known Locally Owned Keep it running Longer, Strong er with

NAPA Know How

Reserve Online

• Veneers • Bonding • Tooth Colored Fillings • Tooth Colored Crowns • Braces

• Latest Technology • Minimal Sedation for Anxiety • Hard & Soft Tissue Laser

General Dentistry • Implants • Fillings • Extractions • 1 Appointment Root Canals • Gum Disease Treatment • Dentures

Reasonable Fees • Most Insurance Accepted • Care Credit Available

at

1306 Main Street Spearfish, SD 605.642.7727

m NAPAonline.co e

Pick up in Stor

1814 5th Street Rapid City, SD 605.342.6038

www.danadentalarts.com

.

Belle Fourche • 44

,

events

Mark Your Calendar , 2016 community events

May:

2.......... Belle Fourche Middle School

Band Concert, 6:30 pm, BFACC 7.......... First Saturday Brunch, 10 am,

Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center 9.......... Belle Fourche High School

Band & Choir Concert, 7 pm, BFACC 10........ Belle Fourche Middle School

Choir Concert, 6:00 pm, BFACC 15........ Family Fun Day, Tri-State Museum

& Visitor Center 21........ Belle Fourche High School Graduation 30........ Memorial Day

June:

Thursday nights:

Hometown Thursdays June 16 & 23,

6-9 pm, downtown 2.......... BFACC Track & Field Meet, BFACC 4.......... First Saturday Brunch, 10 am,

Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center 11........ 14th Annual Hay Fever Run/Walk, BFACC 14-18... South Dakota High School State

Finals Rodeo, Roundup Grounds 17........ 29th Annual Center of the Nation

All Car Rally Drive-In Classic,

Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center,

Downtown Belle Fourche 18........ 29th Annual Center of the Nation

All Car Rally, Herrmann Park 18........ BH Roundup National Anthem Contest,

10am, Herrmann Park bandshell 19........ Family Fun Day, Tri-State Museum

& Visitor Center

TO R FILE PHO

August:

Thursday nights:

Hometown Thursdays

Aug. 4, 11, 18,

6-9 pm, downtown 3-7....... Butte-Lawrence County Fair,

Nisland Fairgrounds 6.......... First Saturday Brunch, 10 am,

Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center 8-14..... 76th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle RallyTM 21........ Purple Pride Triathlon, BFACC 21........ Family Fun Day, Tri State Museum

& Visitor Center 22........ School Resumes - Grades 5-12 23........ School Resumes - Grades K-4

Enjoying the

Cattle in d

during the

Cattle Dri

ve

TBD...... Veterans Day Program,

Belle Fourche Middle School 20........ Family Fun Day, Tri-State Museum

& Visitor Center 25........ CON Business Association Light Up the Night

& fireworks, downtown Belle Fourche 25........ Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce

Parade of Lights, downtown Belle Fourche

3.......... First Saturday Brunch, 10 am,

Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center 8-12..... Belle Fourche PleinAir Paint Out,

Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center 18........ Family Fun Day, Tri-State Museum

& Visitor Center 23........ Belle Fourche Homecoming

December:

3.......... First Saturday Brunch, 10 am,

Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center TBD...... Festival of Trees, First Interstate Bank 18........ Family Fun Day, Tri-State Museum

& Visitor Center

October:

1.......... First Saturday Brunch, 10 am,

Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center 11........ Autumn Tea, Tri-State Museum

& Visitor Center 16........ Family Fun Day, Tri-State Museum

& Visitor Center 23........ Fearless 5k, BFACC 31........ CON Business Association Halloween Parade,

downtown Belle Fourche 31........ 16th Annual Halloween Spooktacular, BFACC

November:

TBD...... Purple Pride 5k Run/Walk 5.......... First Saturday Brunch, 10 am,

Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center TBD...... Belle Fourche High School Fall Play Belle Fourche • 45

Belle Fourch e Roundup!

owntown

September:

.

LS PIONEE

2.......... First Saturday Brunch, 10 am, Tri-State

Museum & Visitor Center 3.......... “Dave Osborne Trio”,

CON Concert Association, 7:30 pm, BFACC 9.......... Tri-State Museum Annual Banquet,

Community Hall 9.......... Belle Fourche High School Prom 16........ Center of the Nation Sportsman’s

Banquet, Community Hall 17........ Family Fun Day, Tri-State Museum

& Visitor Center 22-24... BFHS Spring Muscial, BFACC Theatre 25........ “Brassfire”,

CON Concert Association, 7:30 pm, BFACC

Thursday nights:

Hometown Thursdays

July 7, 14, 21, 28,

6-9 pm, downtown 1-4....... Miss Rodeo South Dakota Contest 1-4....... 97th Annual Black Hills

Roundup & PRCA Rodeo

full schedule and concert announcements at blackhillsroundup.com 1-4 ...... NorthStar Amusement

Carnival, downtown Belle Fourche 1.......... 7th Annual Ranch Rodeo,

Roundup Grounds 1.......... Cattle Drive, downtown Belle Fourche 3.......... Dana Dental Arts Eagle Country

Showdown, Roundup Grounds 3.......... Fireworks, dusk 4.......... Fourth of July Parade, 10:30 am,

throughout Belle Fourche 17........ Family Fun Day, Tri-State

Museum & Visitor Center 29-30... Crazy Days, downtown

Belle Fourche

January 2017:

7.......... First Saturday Brunch, 10 am,

Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center 8.......... Resolution Run, BFACC 14........ Wellness Fair, BFACC 15........ Family Fun Day, Tri-State Museum

& Visitor Center

February:

4.......... First Saturday Brunch,

10 am, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center 19........ Family Fun Day, Tri-State Museum

& Visitor Center Schedule subject to change.

Check www.bellefourchechamber.org for additional events.

More event dates on pages 9, 46, 47, & 51.

,

BLACK HIL

April:

July:

PIO PI ON NEE EERR FI FILE LE PH PHO OTO TO

3.......... “Tribute to Neil Diamond”,

CON Concert Association, 7:30 pm, BFACC 5.......... First Saturday Brunch,

10 am, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center 7.......... Belle Fourche Middle School

Choir Concert, 7 pm, BFACC 11-12... Belle Fourche Middle School Play,

Belle Fourche Area Community Center

(BFACC) Theatre 12........ BF Chamber Annual Banquet,

5:30, Branding Iron Steakhouse 13........ Purple Pride 5k Run/Walk, Herrmann Park 15........ Belle Fourche High School Band &

Choir Concert, 7 pm, BFACC 19........ Community Easter Egg Hunt,

10 am, Baseball Fields 20........ Family Fun Day, Tri-State Museum

& Visitor Center

BLAAC BL CKK H HIL ILLS LS

March:

Arts abound:

CENTER OF THE NATION CONCERT ASSOCIATION September-May In the early 1990s a group of citizens saw an opportunity to expand the culture and bring entertainment to Belle Fourche.

Together, they formed the Center of the Nation Concert Association.

Audiences for the series come from all across the Tri-State region.

The performances, which are appropriate for all ages, are all held at the Belle Fourche Area Community Center Theater, which is located at 1111 National St. For more details on the organization and concert schedule, visit www.centerofthenationconcerts.org.

BELLE FOURCHE COMMUNITY THEATRE 2016 Season The overall mission of the community theatre organization is to entertain and

BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTO

.

Belle Fourche • 46

,

EER FILE PH

inspire the audience and participants alike. A group of hardworking volunteers, all with a diverse range of expertise and creative backgrounds, have been setting the stage for this program since May 2010.

After several successful events, the program has developed into a vibrant and productive community organization.

This year’s productions will include: “Twelve Angry Jurors”, on June 24, 25 & 26 and “The Last Voyage of the Ginormic,” on September 9, 10, 16 and 17.

Mr. Beautiful Fork is a new event being put on this year, featuring male contestants to entertain and raise money for the Belle Fourche Community Theater. The event will be held April 1 and proceeds will go toward improvements in the Belle Fourche Area Community Center Theater and to help sponsor Middle School Theater Camp.

The Middle School Theater Camp, in conjunction with the Belle Fourche Middle School Summer JAM program will be July 11-15. It is sponsored by the Belle Fourche Community Theater and will feature workshops each morning on such things as stage makeup, improv, character development,

BLACK H ILLS PIO N

Visitors and residents alike will find that the arts abound in the picturesque community of Belle Fourche.

Whether it’s spending a July evening in the park listening to area musicians, touring the local art galleries, or attending a community theatre production, there is plenty of arts-related entertainment throughout the year in Belle Fourche.

OTO

Belle Fourche community fosters music, art

and more. In the afternoon the children will break into small groups and each group will prepare a short piece to be performed on the evening of Friday, July 15. This event is open to the public at the Belle Fourche Area Community Center Theater.

For information on upcoming shows and events visit www.bfctheater.com, or stop into the Belle Fourche Area Community Center, located at 1111 National St., in Belle Fourche and talk to their staff.

BLACK HILLS ROUNDUP

NATIONAL ANTHEM CONTEST June 18 The fifth annual Black Hills Roundup National Anthem Contest will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 18 at Herrmann

During the summer there are free concerts at the band shell in Herrmann Park. All of the concerts begin at 7 p.m., weather permitting.

The performance schedule varies year to year — from rock to classical to bluegrass — and all shows are appropriate for children. Bring a lawn chair, your family, and something to drink because this is the best place to be when the sun starts to set after a hot summer day in Belle Fourche. Sponsored by the Belle Fourche Arts Council, this is just one of several activities held during the summertime.

A schedule of bands follows (subject to change): July 6 - Von Varagon Society July 13 - Rhythm-Airs July 20 - Center of the Nation Brass Quartet July 27 - Northern Hills Band

July 14 - Chancey Williams and the Younger Brother Band July 21 - Zeona Road July 28 - Dakota Country Band Aug. 4 - TBA Aug. 11 - Pumpin Ethyl Aug. 18 - Dirty Word

BLACK HILLS

PIONEER FILE

PHOTO

8TH ANNUAL DANA DENTAL ARTS EAGLE COUNTRY SHOWDOWN July 3

n

nual Showdow

g at the 7th An

rformin Contestants pe

Some of the Black Hills’ most talented musicians will gather in Belle Fourche for the 8th Annual Dana Dental Arts Eagle Country Showdown during the Black Hills Roundup at the Roundup Grounds.

This event is the most popular music talent search contest in South Dakota, as everyone is competing for $100,000 and the title of the “Best New Act in Country Music.”

.

Belle Fourche • 47

,

THE BELLE FOURCHE COWBOY BAND The Belle Fourche Cowboy Band is the oldest, most established local band in the area. It was officially organized in 1931, but its rich history stretches all the way back to the turn of the century.

Today, the Belle Fourche Cowboy Band can be seen performing at nearly every single community event throughout the year and is a staple in all of the parades in Belle Fourche. One of their most well known performances occurs during the Black Hills Roundup and Rodeo, held every Fourth of July. They are also a common sight at the Butte-Lawrence County Fair held every August in Nisland, and remain a presence at other local events. Dressed in bright red shirts and white cowboy hats, the band’s familiar tunes are the backdrop of presentations all over town that families have enjoyed coming to for decades.

The band is made up of a variety of different musicians who come from a variety of backgrounds, and added a brass quintet this past year. For more information on the band, all of their upcoming events, their history and their photo album, visit www.bfcowboyband.com.

TO LS PIONEE R FILE PHO

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES IN THE PARK July

This event is fun for the whole family with a hometown feel, so make sure to head downtown at 6 p.m. on Thursdays to check out the newest addition to the Belle Fourche entertainment scene.

“Hometown Thursdays” is held in downtown Belle Fourche, near State Street and 7th, Activites fo r everyone at Hometow every Thursday from n Thursda ys June 16 to Aug. 18.

Hometown Thursdays is a community gathering that includes food, vendors, children’s activities, and much more.

In order to make it to the finals, Hometown Thursdays also offers the contestants have had to qualify by a new band every week. Many of the sending a video entry to www.myealive musical acts are comprised of local glecountry.com by early June. Then, a talent, and span multiple genres — anyselection of 10-12 finalists will perform where from rock to country music. All live at noon on Sunday, July 3 at the musical entertainment is family friendly.

Roundup Grounds where the winner will be chosen.

A schedule of bands follows For more information on this event, (subject to change): or to perform visit www.myeaglecounJune 16 - Hwy 85 Band try.com or call The Eagle 95.9/96.3 at June 23 - Ruckus (605) 642-8800.

July 7 - Judd Hoos

BLACK HIL

BELLE FOURCHE ARTS COUNCIL

HOMETOWN THURSDAYS Thursdays, June 16 August 18 (excluding June 30)

arts & entertainment

Park in Belle Fourche. Numerous hopefuls will sing the well-known patriotic song “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a crowd of spectators and judges for the chance to perform the American National Anthem at the 97th annual Black Hills Roundup Rodeo, set for July 1-4.

Contestants will be judged on vocal ability, originality, stage presence, charisma, and overall talent on a scale of one to 10.

Caves of the Black Hills

The Caves in the Black Hills are considered by many to be one of it’s most mysterious and intriguing wonders.

There are 7 Caves open to the public in the Black Hills including: • Wonderland Cave, Nemo, SD • Stage Barn Crystal Cave, Piedmont, SD • Sitting Bull Crystal Caverns, Rapid City, SD • Black Hills Caverns, Rapid City, SD • Rushmore Cave, Keystone, SD • Jewel Cave Nat’l. Monument, Custer, SD Jewel Cave is the 3rd longest cave in the world with nearly 163 miles of mapped passages - Open daily except holidays

• Wind Cave Nat’l. Park, Hot Springs, SD Wind Cave stretches more than 100 miles under ground, making it the 5th largest in the world - Open daily except holidays www.travelsd.com

PHOTOS COURTESY SD TOURISM

"First order of checks FREE with this ad for every new member account."

1842 5th Ave., Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-892-4631 Mon.-Fri.-8:30am-4:30pm lobby (drive thru 5pm) Sat.-8:30am-12:00pm drive thru only

1111 Lazelle St., Sturgis, SD 57785 (inside Lynn's Dakotamart) 605-347-5935

Mon.-Fri.-9:00am-7:00pm • Sat.-10:00am-2:00pm

We are a Community Credit Union and everyone is welcome! simplyservicefcu.com

.

Belle Fourche • 48

,

All Car Rally cruises into 29th year in Belle Fourche

CO

PHOTO URTESY

/ALL CAR

RALLY C

OMMITTE

E

bring the younger generation out and get them involved as well,” Silacci said.

This year’s Rally schedule of events includes a pre-show n’ shine car display in front of the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center at 6 p.m. Friday, culminating in the presentation of the Mayor’s Choice Award to one lucky car owner, followed by an 8:30 p.m. “drivein” showing of classic car culture film “American Graffiti” on the museum’s lawn.

During the main show ‘n shine event on Saturday, food vendors and games will be available to the public, but the cars — and their owners — are the stars of the show, of course. First, second, and third place trophies will be awarded to show winners in each class, as well as an overall Best of Show trophy and a Longest Distance Traveled trophy.

Classes in the Rally include: Pre-1950; 1950-1959; 1960-1963; 1964-1966; 1967-1969; 1970-1979; 1980-1989;

One

lly

ll Car Ra

s at the A

treasure of many

SONA O’CONNELL/BLACK HILLS PIONEER

.

Belle Fourche • 49

,

1990-2004; 2005-Current; Pre-1980 Trucks, Vans, SUVs, and Off-Road; 1981-Current Trucks, Vans, SUVs, and Off-Road; Street Rods; Tuner/Import/Low rider; Rat Rod/Work in Progress; and Motorcycles. All classes will include both stock and custom vehicles.

Silacci said one of his favorite things about the All Car Rally has always been the small town feel of the show. That said, he’s hoping to see the number of cars at this years event exceed 250.

“We’re looking at really expanding to the younger crowd; the tuner and import market is huge. We’re hoping to get more of those people involved in the show and drawing more attention to their stuff,” Silacci said. “Those are the up and coming muscle cars. We’re trying to broaden our horizons.”

Registration for the rally runs from 8-10 a.m. on June 18. Pre-registration before June 1st costs $20, and registration after or on the day of the show is $25.

For more information on the All Car Rally, go to its Facebook page or call Silacci at (605) 210-2013 and leave a message.

all car rally

The 29th annual Center of the Nation All Car Rally is set for June 17 and 18.

The event, featuring cars from more than a dozen different categories and over 60 years of auto history, will offer a variety of events at both the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center as well as Herrmann Park in Belle Fourche.

Sam Silacci returns to the driver’s seat as president of the All Car Rally this year. Silacci, the 38-year-old owner of Black Hills Auto Care, has been attending the All Car Rally since he first moved to the Hills from Sonoma County, Calif.

20 years ago.

“As a car enthusiast myself I want to keep this tradition going and hopefully

Belle Fourche:

Rodeo is the of

the state of So

uth Dakota!

Belle Fourche has made a “Alumni Night” is one of the name for itself as a rodeo town. new offerings for this year. Tupper Much of that is due to the popsaid anyone graduating from a Black ularity of the historic Black Hills Hills-area high school will receive Roundup, an annual Professional free admission for the July 2 PRCA Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo Rodeo performance and receive free that’s been held here hors d’oeuvres and other since 1918. refreshments.

Annual PRCA “We’re very excited “Chutes for Charity” event among about the 97th Black will take place on July 3, many on rodeo with “Military Day” set Hills Roundup and calendar. have already started for July 4. preparations for the While the rodeo 100th in three years,” said Black itself is certainly the big draw, there’s Hills Roundup Chairman Justin Tupenough going on at the Black Hills per. “This is one of the largest impact Roundup to please almost anyone. times, and we love to showcase Belle There are carnival rides, art shows, Fourche.” concerts and much more.

This year’s rodeo will feature The Black Hills Roundup’s firesaddle bronc riding, a cattle drive, works display is among the best in mutton bustin’, a ranch rodeo, and South Dakota, and the Independence steer tripping, among other events.

Day parade is one of the largest in the The July 1 ranch rodeo starts at 7 state. This year’s fireworks display is p.m. and begins four days of events set for July 3 and follows the 7 p.m. that include steer roping and three PRCA rodeo performance.

PRCA performances. Tickets will The event is also home to the Miss tentatively go on sale starting Rodeo South Dakota pageant. It is Friday, April 1. hoped that a B-1 bomber flyover will Tupper said last year’s Black precede the Fourth of July rodeo, but Hills Roundup rodeo attracted that has not been finalized.

9,000 to 10,000 fans and more While the Black Hills Roundup is than 600 contestants. He anticthe biggest rodeo in Belle Fourche, it ipates similar numbers for this does not stand alone. Belle Fourche is year’s event. home to many other rodeos as well.

BLAC

ER FILE PH K HILLS PIONE

OTO

ficial sport of

JODIE BAXEND ALE/JODIEB PH OT

OGRAPHY

South Dakota’s rodeo home

JODIE BAXENDALE/JODIEB PHOTOGRAPHY

.

Belle Fourche • 50

,

dle bronc riding and a pageant called “the Ambassador Contest.”

This 4-H rodeo begins with the Ambassador Contest, which then gives way to the main rodeo events. The Butte County 4-H Rodeo is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, July 10. For more information on the Butte County 4-H Rodeo contact the Butte County Extension Office at (605) 892-3371.

Belle Fourche also plays host to the South Dakota State High School Rodeo Finals. More than 1,500 cowboys and cowgirls gather in Belle Fourche each June for the state championship, competing in bareback riding, team roping, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, break away roping, goat tying, steer wrestling, and pole bending.

The 2016 South Dakota State High School Rodeo Finals takes place from June 14-18. Winners will proceed to the National High School Rodeo Finals in Gillette, Wyo., from July 17-23.

rodeo

The Belle Jackpot Association rodeos take place this year on several dates in May through August.

This rodeo features roping, goat tying, barrel racing, and pole bending events for contestants of all ages. Check the link facebook.com/Belle Jackpot for more information.

The Get the Green Slot and 4D Barrel Races offer three days of barrel racing from Friday, Aug. 26 to Sunday, Aug. 28. Action takes place at the Black Hills Roundup Grounds.

More information on those races will appear in The Wrangler magazine. Call Lorita Crofford at 645-7592 for more details.

The Butte County 4-H Rodeo also calls Belle Fourche home. This rodeo is open to South Dakota 4-H members aged 8 to 18 and features barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, team roping, ribbon roping, calf riding, senior and junior bull riding, bareback riding, sad-

Rodeo Action in Belle Fourche!

Black Hills Open Horse Show May 14

Besler’s Cadillac Ranch, Belle Fourche

Belle Jackpot Association Rodeo May 25; June 1, 8 July 27; August 3, 17 Rain Date: June 22

For more information, contact Lorita Crofford at 605-645-7592

SD High School Rodeo Finals June 14-18

97th Annual Black Hills Roundup PRCA Rodeo July 1-4

For more information and tickets, contact the Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center at 605-723-2010 or go to www.blackhillsroundup.com

Get the Green Slot & 4D Barrel Race August 26, 27, 28

For more information, contact Lorita Crofford at 605-645-7592

Butte County 4-H Rodeo July 10

For more information, contact Butte County Extension at 605-892-3371 All rodeos are at the Roundup Grounds unless otherwise noted.

Schedule subject to change.

BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTO

.

Belle Fourche • 51

,

No matter the season, we remain committed to providing plumbing, heating and cooling solutions that keep you and your family comfortable year-round.

Vore Buffalo Jump

New construction, remodeling & service.

Residential • Commercial• Industrial

About a 30-minute drive from Belle Fourche

South on 85 then west along I-90 to Exit #205 and then left along U.S. Hwy 14 The Vore Buffalo Jump is regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites of the late-prehistoric plains Indians. A natural sinkhole, the buffalo jump was used by at least five different tribes as a way to trap and harvest bison for their meat, hides and bones. The site was active for around 300 years from 1500 through the 1700s. The layers of the site expose well-preserved bones and stone artifacts, offering a unique perspective into the changing culture of the late-prehistoric plains tribes.

Only about 5% of the The Vore Buffalo Jump has been excavated, yielding the potential for decades of scientific research in the disciplines of archaeology, tribal ethno-history, zoology, geology and paleo-climatic studies.

Chicken Bacon Ranch

Fun Fact:

Chicken Bacon BBQ

Hot from the Oven

All trademarks owned or licensed by Am. D.Q. Corp. @2015. ®,TM, and © 2015. O.J. of Am.

The Vore Buffalo Jump contains the remnants of an estimated 20,000 bison and thousands of chipped stone arrow points, knives and other tools within the 22 levels extending nearly 20 feet deep.

OPEN DAILY 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mid-June through Labor Day www.vorebuffalojump.org

Triple Chocolate Brownie

DQ GRILL & CHILL RESTAURANT 208 PINE ST BELLE FOURCHE, SD 57717-2328

.

PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

Belle Fourche • 52

,

Annual Butte-Lawrence County Fair is a major draw for thousands

S/BLACK HILL

S PIONEER

Rabbit” contest, and “Bucket Calf Show,” along with a talent show, baby contest, and fashion review.

For out of town visitors looking to camp overnight at the fairgrounds, board members request people call and secure a camping permit prior to the event. To obtain a pass, call the fairgrounds office at (605) 257-2370. There are parking spaces with electricity and tent sites available.

For more information, call the fair board office at (605) 257-2370 or visit http://butte.sdcounties.org/county-fair/.

JASON GROS

whole year preparing their agricultural exhibits and livestock. Numerous animals file in, including beef, sheep, swine, rabbits, goats, bunnies, and chickens for competitive judging. Several buildings on the grounds house 4-H exhibits and the livestock.

The Nisland Fairgrounds lie along the Belle Fourche River, and include the historic grandstand, which is no longer in use, and the groundskeeper’s house.

The Pavilion, built in 1921, is the site of Open Class Exhibits including flowers, quilts, canned goods, and photography.

There’s something for everyone at the fair held this year Aug. 3 - 7. Visitors can watch contestants pit their manpower against a machine in the tractor pull, or they can catch the Youth Rodeo, with family-friendly events like barrel racing, goat tail untying, dummy roping, pole bending, and breakaway roping. Live musical guests and the Belle Fourche Cowboy Band provide entertainment throughout the fair, and a community barbecue is held every year, as well.

Other events at the fair include the Beef Showmanship, small animal, and pet judging, sheep dog trials, livestock sale, and dance. The fair has many activities for the little ones, including the “Catch a Sheep” contest, “Bum Lamb Dress-Up” contest, “Dress a

county fair

The sounds of “mews,” “baas,” and “moos,” can be heard each August in Nisland as the annual Butte-Lawrence County Fair commences.

The fair, held yearly at the historic fairgrounds in Nisland, dates back to the early 1920s. At a meeting held in Nisland on April 5, 1920, a county agriculture fair was proposed.

In September of 1920, Butte County purchased 40 acres of land on the Belle Fourche River from Albert M. Willard and Roy F. McNeil, to use as the Butte County Fairgrounds.

County commissioners appropriated $7,500 for improvements of the fairgrounds in preparation to hold the fair in 1921. In August of 1921, Earl Wilson was given a contract for constructing buildings, moved onto the fairgrounds, and started pouring concrete foundations for buildings.

Thus, the Butte County Fair was born; the first official fair was held in Nisland on Sept. 27-29, 1921. The 50th Butte County Fair was held in 1977, but the Golden Jubilee was not celebrated until 1978. Lawrence County joined forces with Butte County in 1979.

The first annual Butte-Lawrence County Fair was held in 1980. Today, more than 35 years later, the agricultural fair is still a major draw for thousands of local residents and visitors alike.

Youth members of 4-H spend the

JASON GROSS/BLACK

HILLS PIONEER

Wedding party at the Center of the Nation monumen t

Country Fair BBQ

BLACK HILLS PIONEER STAFF PHOTO

.

Belle Fourche • 53

,

Mount Rushmore National Monument About 90 minutes from Belle Fourche

The Mount Rushmore National Monument is visited by nearly three million people each year from around the nation and around the world.

“The purpose of the memorial is to communicate the founding, expansion, preservation and unification of the United States with colossal statues of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.” ~ Gutzon Borglum artist

Fun Fact: A man-made opening called the Hall of Records was created in the mountain behind the heads on Mt. Rushmore. Gutzon Borglum and his carvers worked on the Hall of Records from July 1938 until July 1939, but it was never finished.

OPEN YEAR-ROUND • www.nps.gov PHOTO COURTESY SD TOURISM

Honestly...

Great Properties Exceptional Service

Open Tues. - Fri. 9-5pm

Cathy BirkelandEaton

Gloriann Ruby

Shane Labrier

Amanda Labrier

Fred Wilson

Artie Gifford

Broker/Owner 605-210-2222

Call to schedule your appointment with Brian Gill, O.D. and Jess Moser, O.D. Optical is full with a unique selection of eyewear!

Broker Associate 605-490-0048

The Difference Is Clear!

Broker Associate 605-645-1314

1432 Mill Street Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-723-3937 www.redwatereyecare.com

.

Broker Associate 605-645-8938

Broker Associate 605-490-0185

Broker Associate 605-347-1167

1401 5th Avenue • Belle Fourche • 605-723-7654 bfrealestatecenters.com

Belle Fourche • 54

,

Belle Fourche churches BLACK HILLS GOSPEL ASSEMBLY

EMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH 902 Lawrence St. 605-644-6457 Andy Anderson, Pastor

Sunday: 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. Worship

1105 Todd St. 605-892-3700 Brad Buchholz, Bishop

Sunday: 9 a.m. Sacrament Meeting 10:10 a.m. Sunday School

CONNECTION CHURCH 613 6th Ave. 605-210-2150 Stephen Carson, Bishop

Sunday: 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship

NORTHERN HILLS CHURCH OF CHRIST

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday: 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Worship 9:30 a.m. Fellowship/Sunday School

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS

Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship

Sunday: 9 a.m. Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship

CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER 2020 Vista St. 605-892-4767 Paul Howard, Senior Pastor Clay Conry, Youth Pastor

2.2 miles east on Hwy. 34

SUMMIT OPEN BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Bible Class Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Worship

Sunday: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 717 Jackson St. 605-892-3402 Del Neumeister, Pastor

7th & Summit 605-892-4389 Pastor Rick & Diane Brennan

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship 11 a.m. Kids’ Church

806 6th Ave. 605-892-2446 The Rev. Evelyn Weaver The Rev. Sandy Williams Sunday: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist

ST. JAMES LUTHERAN

Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Worship 9:30 a.m. Summer Worship

1100 Stanley St. 605-723-3923 Jeff M. Otterman, Pastor

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

855 5th Ave. 605-723-3226 Msgr. Michael Woster, Pastor Father Tyler Dennis, Associate Pastor Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Mass 5 p.m. Spanish Mass every 2nd Sunday

5 miles south of Belle Fourche on Hwy 85 605-642-7167

807 8th Ave. 605-892-4178 Tim Smith, Pastor

ST. PAUL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1804 7th Ave. 605-892-2405 Robert Duemig Pastor

Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:30 a.m. Fellowship/Sunday School 11:30 Refuge (Contemporary)

Saturday: 5 p.m. Worship Sunday: 10:15 a.m. Worship, 9 a.m. Summer

23 5th Ave. 605-892-4820

LINDSTAD ALIGNMENT AND BRAKE SERVICE

#1 Since 1945

Compact Cars to Semi-Trucks and Trailers

See us for all your auto maintenance needs!

• Alignment • CV Joints • Suspension • Brakes • Axle and Frame Straightening

• Parts • Accessories • Wash & Wax • Fluids & Chemicals

501 5th Avenue • Belle Fourche, SD 57717

(605) 892-4776 • 1-800-432-0017

LINDSTAD TROUT FARM Rainbow Trout

Spearfish 605-642-7435 • 605-892-4776

.

Belle Fourche • 55

,

worship

1/2 mile east on Hwy. 34 605-892-3558 Kenny Riley, Pastor

LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Get to Know Us , demographics & resources Source: http://quickfacts.census.gov

BELLE FOURCHE (pronounced Bell Foosh)

DEMOGRAPHICS:

EDUCATION:

COUNTY SEAT OF BUTTE COUNTY

Belle Fourche School District 9-1 723-3355 1 high school (9-12) 1 middle school (5-8) 2 elementary schools (PK-4) 1 alternative school

ELEVATION: 3,022 FEET

HEALTH CARE:

INCORPORATED ON APRIL 20, 1903

Belle Fourche Regional Medical Clinic 2200 13th Ave., 605-723-8970

MOUNTAIN TIME ZONE ZIP CODE: 57717

Butte County Health Nurse 2398 5th Ave. Ste. 102, 605-892-2523

CLIMATE:

Annual Precip: 18.0 in./yr Average Low Temp: 33.1˚ F Average HIgh Temp: 62.0˚ F

POPULATION: 5,594 (2010)

Unofficial population as of July 1, 2012: 5,658 Median Age: 36.1 Years Median Income: $37,917 Cost of Living Index: 80

HOUSING: 2,524 UNITS

Belle Fourche Senior Citizens Center 828 Kingsbury St., 605-892-6285

Occupied: 88.4% Vacant: 11.6%

Country Place Senior Living 10905 Sourdough Rd., 605-723-3000

Owner Occupied: 67.5% Rent Occupied: 32.5%

The same year General Custer made his last stand at Little Bighorn, W.A. Laughlin and A.W. Merrick printed the original edition of the Black Hills Pioneer.

As the first newspaper in the West River Dakota Territory and the oldest continuous business in this area, we have a proud history.

We look forward to a strong future.

Daily Home Delivery and Online Subscriptions

Subscribe today, and Save!

Mention the Welcome to Belle Fourche ad and receive

$20 OFF a New Annual Subscription

*

Call

605-642-2761

Sunpointe Senior Estates 2200 13th Ave., 605-892-3333

COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY CITY OF BELLE FOURCHE:

Airport 10970 Airport Rd ........................ 605-892-6345 Dispatch 830 6th ....................................... 605-892-2737 Engineer Dept 511 6th ....................................... 605-892-3006 Fax ............................................... 605-723-0897 Finance 511 6th ........................................ 605-892-2494 Fax ............................................... 605-892-2784 Landfill Scale House, 183 N 8th .............. 605-892-3530 Baler Building .............................. 605-723-0485

or visit us online at www.bhpioneer.com

Shop 516 Faulk .................................... 605-892-3414 Fax .............................................. 605-723-0145

*Carrier delivery, new subscribers only.

Not valid on Postal Subscriptions.

Water Office 606 6th ........................................ 605-892-2674 After Hours .................................. 605-892-2737 Library 905 5th Ave. ................................ 605-892-4407

315 Seaton Circle l Spearfish, SD l 642-2761 l www.bhpioneer.com

.

Belle Fourche • 56

,

US GOVERNMENT OFFICES: Butte Conservation ...................... 605-892-3368 Bureau of Land Managment ........ 605-892-7000 FSA Ag Credit Team .................... 605-892-3367 South Dakota ONE Call ........... 1-800-781-7474 South Dakota Licensing ........... 1-800-952-3696 Drivers License Renewals every Tuesday at the Community Hall .... 605-892-2008 Dept. of Natural Resources ......... 1-800-GET-DENR

BUTTE COUNTY OFFICES: Auditor ........................................ 605-892-4485 Dir. of Equalization (Assessor)....... 605-892-3950 Emergency Management ........... 605-723-0900 Extension Office ........................... 605-892-3371 Highway Office ........................... 605-892-4414 Highway Shop ............................ 605-892-3180 Register of Deeds ......................... 605-892-2912 States Attorney ............................ 605-892-3337 Treasurer ..................................... 605-892-4456 Veterans Services Office .............. 605-892-4205

STATE OFFICES: Clerk of Courts ............................. 605-892-2516 Highway Shop ............................ 605-892-2610 Dept. of Transportation Office .... 605-892-2872

EMERGENCY: 911 UTILITIES:

Water and Sanitation Pickup City of Belle Fourche, 605-892-2494 RSI, 605-723-7723 Natural Gas Co. Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., 1-800-MDU-FAST

CABLE/COMMUNICATIONS:

Midcontinent Communications 1-800-888-1300 Dish Network - Belle Fourche Prime Entertainment Communications 605-892-4565

Black Hills Area Community Foundation 605-718-0112

Belle Fourche Police Department Scott Jones, Police Chief 1010 8th Ave., 605-892-4240 12 Officers Fred Lamphere, County Sheriff 605-892-3324 4 Deputies

BHACF.COM

Belle Fourche Volunteer Ambulance 605 6th Ave., 605-892-2254

Butte County Historical Society Eleanor Marousek, 605-892-2507

ORGANIZATIONS & PUBLIC OFFICES:

American Legion Mike 605-892-5599

COMMUNITY FACILITIES:

Public Library, 905 5th Ave., 605-892-4407 Post Office, 804 State St., 605-892-2815 Senior Citizen’s Center Tri-State Museum 605-723-1200 Community Hall Dick Bowman Memorial Hall Landfill Mon.-Fri. 7am-4pm Saturday 9am-2pm RV Dump Station in between Tri State Museum and City Hall Cemetery Office, 605-892-3735 Pine Slope Cemetery - Hwy 34 St. Paul’s Cemetery - Hwy 34 Riverside Cemetery - Mona Rd. off E. National St. Belle Fourche Ministerial Association Compassion Cupboard, 522 5th Ave., 605-892-3402, Tues. 9am-Noon, Thurs. 2pm-6pm To reserve a room at the Belle Fourche Area Community Center, BFACC Pool, the Community Hall or the Dick Bowman Memorial Hall call 605-892-2467, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

RECREATION FACILITIES:

9 city parks and Roundup Rodeo Arena 2 tennis courts Softball/baseball & soccer complex Public ice skating rink State Park, bike path Disc Golf Herrmann Park Band Shell Amphitheater BF Area Community Center 605-892-2467 swimming pool, walking track, weight room, wading pool, 2 water slides, 2 basketball courts, 2 racquetball courts, cardio workout room, conference rooms, theatre

Butte/Lawrence County 4-H Butte County Extension Office, 605-892-3371

Butte Lawrence County Fair Board 605-892-3371

Center of the Nation All Car Rally Sam Silacci, 605-210-2013 Center of the Nation Business Association Stacey Raisanen, 605-892-0900

American Legion Auxiliary 605-641-7043

Center of the Nation Concert Association Lorraine Klingler, 605-892-3602 Buy tickets online at

Artemis House/Victims of Violence Intervention 605-642-7825 Spearfish, SD 57783

CENTEROFTHENATIONCONCERTS.ORG

Center of the Nation Sportsman’s Club Rik Bartels, 605-645-9242 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CONSPORTSMANSCLUB

Badlands Early Head Start 605-723-8837 Belle Fourche All-Nighter Softball Tournament For more information call 605-641-1687 Belle Fourche Arts Council Louise Reade, 605-892-3600 Belle Fourche Cardinals Youth Football Gesse Kracht, 605-892-5011 Belle Fourche Cowboy Band Tim Speidel, 605-892-2930 BFCOWBOYBAND.COM

Belle Fourche Girls Softball Association Kerri Juelfs, 605-645-9030 bfgirlssoftball@gmail.com Belle Fourche Legion & Pony League Baseball Brian Mehmen, bellebaseball@gmail.com Belle Fourche Lion’s Club Rick Walton, 605-645-2636 Belle Fourche Ministerial Association/Compassion Cupboard Del Neumeister, 605-892-3402 Belle Fourche Northern Lights Lions Club Joyce Drabek, 605-892-4082 Belle Fourche Soccer Association BELLEFOURCHESOCCER.COM

Fire & Iron Motorcycle Club, Station 118 Kip Marshall, 605-210-1049 arcgodmarshall@hotmail.com Girl Scouts - Dakota Horizons 1-800-658-3391 1202 E. St. Francis St., Rapid City, SD 57701 Loyal Order of Moose 605-892-3121 NAJA Shriners 4091 Sturgis Rd., Rapid City, 57702 605-342-3402 NAJASHRINERS.COM

Mount Rushmore Area Association of Realtors Brandy Purcell, 605-722-0181 MOUNTRUSHMOREMLS.COM

Northern Hills Area United Way 605-343-5872 Parents Who Care Kelly Keegan, 605-892-2246 South Dakota State High School Rodeo Finals Committee SDHSRA.COM

South Dakota Retailers Association 1-800-658-5545 320 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501 SDRA.ORG

Belle Fourche Youth Little League 605-641-4168

Belle Fourche • 57

Department of Social Services 605-892-2731

UNITEDWAYBLACKHILLS.ORG

BELLEFOURCHELIONS.ORG

.

WWW.SCOUTING.ORG

Butte/Meade County Housing Sturgis, SD 57785, 605-347-3384

AAU Wrestling

CenturyLink 1-866-642-0444

Boy Scouts - Troop 252 Alan Schreier, 605-641-3315

Butte County National Guard 842nd 605-892-4346

Belle Fourche Volunteer Fire Department 605 National St., 605-892-6237

VAST Broadland 1-888-745-2888

3 banks, 2 credit unions

BLACKHILLSDOSIDO.ORG

County 5 Commissioners

AAUWRESTLING.NET FACEBOOK.COM/ BELLEFOURCHEAAUWRESTLINGCLUB

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS:

Black Hills Buckles & Bows Square Dance Club 605-642-3919

City Mayor, 8-member City Council

,

Tri-State Museum Foundation 605-723-1200

community information

Electricity Black Hills Energy, 1-800-742-8948 Butte Electric Co-op, 1-800-928-8839 South Dakota ONE Call Call before you dig!, 1-800-781-7474

GOVERNMENT:

Belle Fourche

dining

AMERICAN WEST BAR & GRILL

1807 5th Ave.

605-723-4139

BELLE INN

2511 5th Ave.

605-892-4430

BOB’S CAFÉ

610 5th Ave.

605-892-4298

GRAP’S BURGERS AND BREWS

512 National St.

605-723-1610

BRANDING IRON STEAKHOUSE & SOCIAL CLUB

19079 US Hwy. 85

605-892-2503

CBH DELI

18765 US Hwy 85

605-720-2946

DAIRY QUEEN

208 Pine St.

605-723-7222

HARDEE’S

2504 5th Ave.

605-892-6170

JUMPIN’ JACK’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

16 North 5th Ave.

605-892-2270

LUIGI’S PIZZA

HWY 212

605-892-9066

THE MULLIGAN at Belle Fourche Country Club

South Hwy 85

605-892-3472

NEW CHINA GARDEN

614 5th Ave.

605-892-3888

PATTY’S PLACE CAFE & COFFEE

1405 5th Ave.

605-723-0099

PAPA JOHN’S

2406 5th Ave.

605-892-2411

PIZZA HUT

1819 5th Ave.

605-892-2671

SKI’S PIZZERIA

1853 5th Ave.

605-723-7547

STADIUM SPORTS GRILL

818 5th Ave.

605-723-9521

SUBWAY

1400 Mill St.

605-892-4020

SUBWAY

10982 HWY 212

605-723-7827

TACO JOHNS

1401 Mill St.

605-892-6436

THE GREEN BEAN COFFEEHOUSE

710 State St.

605-723-0760

Belle Fourche

lodging

ACE MOTEL acemotelinbelle.com

109 6th Ave.

605-892-2612

AMERICINN LODGE & SUITES americinn.com

2312 Dakota Ave.

605-892-0900

BESLER’S CADILLAC RANCH

19314 Helmer Rd.

605-484-9774

BUNKHOUSE MOTEL & GIFT SHOPPE

2519 5th Ave.

605-892-2634

CROW CREEK GUEST RANCH crowcreekguestranch.com

17816 Prairie Winds Ln.

605-892-6961

ECONO LODGE

1815 5th Ave.

605-892-6663

KINGS INN kingsinnsouthdakota.com

518 National St.

605-892-2691

PLAYGROUND CAMPGROUND

1010 State St.

605-892-5849

REID MOTEL

922 Harding St.

605-892-2521

RIVERSIDE CAMPGROUND riversidecamp-rvpark.com

418 9th Ave.

605-892-6446

ROCKY POINT RECREATION

Hwy 212 to Fisherman’s Rd.

605-641-0023 1-800-710-CAMP

SCOOT INN scootinn.com

3 Miles W US Hwy. 34

605-892-2660

SUNSET MOTEL & RV PARK sunsetmotelofbelle.com

19022 US Hwy. 85

605-892-2508

SUPER 8 MOTEL super8.com

501 National St.

605-892-3361

SKI’S PIZZERIA

1853 5th Ave.

605-723-7547

WYATT’S HIDEAWAY CAMPGROUND

11144 SD Hwy. 34

605-892-0600

.

Belle Fourche • 58

,

Belle Fourche School District 9-1 MISSION STATEMENT

29 North 6th Ave. Belle Fourche 605-723-3379 Beginning & Dismissal Times: 8:10 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.

SOUTH PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Elementary Grades K-4 1816 Valley Drive Belle Fourche 605-723-3382 Beginning & Dismissal Times: 8:00 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.

BELLE FOURCHE MIDDLE SCHOOL Grades 5-8 1302 Ziebach St. Belle Fourche 605-723-3367 Kevin Smidt, Principal Kevin.Smidt@k12.sd.us Beginning & Dismissal Times: 7:55 a.m. - 3:43 p.m.

Mathew Raba, Principal Mathew.Raba@k12.sd.us Beginning & Dismissal Times: 7:50 a.m. - 3:37 p.m.

7 class periods

PIONEER

Kindergarten

1301 12th Ave. Belle Fourche 605-723-3350

CK HILLS

NORTH PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Home of the Belle Fourche Broncs Grades 9-12

ROSS/BLA

2305 13th Ave. Belle Fourche 605-723-3355

BELLE FOURCHE HIGH SCHOOL

Alternative Calendar Calendar includes both four and five-day school weeks.

The calendar currently averages one five-day school week per month with more five-day weeks in the first semester.

JASON G

BELLE FOURCHE CENTRAL OFFICE

schools

We, the members of the Belle Fourche community, are committed to building a learning community and ensuring all learners equal opportunity for an excellent education program that results in learners who are responsible and accountable, who value lifelong learning and know how to learn; and who are capable of succeeding in a changing society.

Co-Curricular Activities Wrestling, Boys/Girls Golf, Boys/Girls Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Track, Choir, Band/Pep Band, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Dance, Fall Musical, Spring Play, One-Act Play, Oral Interpretation

BELLE FOURCHE EDUCATION CONNECTION (Alternative School) 1301 12th Ave. Belle Fourche 605-723-0955 Mathew Raba, Principal Mathew.Raba@k12.sd.us

For more information go to www.bellefourcheschools.org Mailing address: 2305 13th Ave., Belle Fourche, SD 57717 JASON GROSS/BLACK HILLS PIONEER

.

Belle Fourche • 59

,

s d i K ral r o C

Color this Cowboy!

Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 2. Famous bucking horse ridden by only 1 man (1 word) 7. (Answer to 1 down) is held during what holiday (3 words) 8. Located next to the museum is the “(1 word)” Johnny Spaulding Cabin 9. Belle Fourche was a rendezvous point during the 1800s for (1 word) 10. Belle Fourche is French for (2 words) DOWN 1. Oldest outdoor rodeo originally started to raise funds during World War I (3 words) 3. Surrounding the monument (4 down) is the (3 words) 4. A granite 21-by-40 foot compass rose marks this monument (4 words) 5. Belle Fourche Reservoir is home to what popular fish (1 word) 6. A member of what famous gang attempted to rob the Butte County Bank (4 words) ANSWERS: 1. Black Hills Roundup 2. Tipperary 3. Avenue of Flags 4. Center of the Nation 5. Walleye 6. Hole in the Wall 7. Fourth of July 8. Buckskin 9. Trappers 10. Beautiful Fork

Pull the Wool Over Your Eyes

Can you spot all six differences between these two scenes?

GAME ANSWERS: 1. Poster is smaller.

2. Blindfold is different. 3. Arm is moved.

4. Tail is missing. 5. Bell is lower. 6. Handle is missing.

Shortcuts® by Jeff Harris

.

Belle Fourche • 60

,

Word Search

ALL CAR RALLY BEAUTIFUL FORK BENTONITE BRONCS CATTLE CENTER OF THE NATION COWBOY COWBOY BAND FAIR JOHNNY SPAULDING CABIN ORMAN

Badlands National Park

One hour, forty-five minute drive from Belle Fourche

PARROT RAILROAD RIVER WALK RODEO ROUNDUP SETH BULLOCK SOL STAR THE FORKS TIPPERARY WOOL

Sudoku

A trip to the Badlands National Park makes for a great day trip from Belle Fourche.

The Badlands were formed around 69 million years ago from sedimentary deposits from an ancient sea that covered what is now the Great Plains. The park consists of 244,000 acres of protected land for bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and other wildlife. The landscape

PHOTO COURTESY SD TOURISM

.

Belle Fourche • 61

,

boasts eroded buttes, pinnacles and spire surrounded by a tall-grass prairie land to the east and short-grass prairie to the west.

It takes about 60 minutes to drive the entire Badlands loop.

OPEN YEAR ROUND www.nps.gov

to Wyoming

to Spearfish

to St. Onge, SD

Belle Fourche SOUTH DAKOTA

Helmer Rd.

,

Belle Fourche • 62

.

city map

to Montana

to Buffalo, SD

to Rocky Point Recreation Area

DISTANCE TO:

Black Hills Attractions

Spearfish Canyon......................... 15

Devils Tower................................. 72

Mt. Rushmore.............................. 83

Crazy Horse................................ 117

Custer State Park........................ 112

Black Hills National Forest........... 20

Nearby Cities

Spearfish, SD.......................... 14 Deadwood, SD........................ 28 Rapid City, SD........................ 61 Sioux Falls, SD...................... 405 Gillette, WY.......................... 103 Sheridan, WY....................... 205 Dickinson, ND..................... 194 Bismarck, ND....................... 293 Billings, MT.......................... 263 Denver, CO.......................... 405

,

Belle Fourche • 63

.

e r e h w o t e m o c l We

! s n i g e B e h c r u o F Belle useum M e t a t S i at the Tr r e t n e C r o & Visit

Belle Fourche is one of the greatest "old west" towns ever. Learn how it all began with a visit to theTri-State Museum and Visitor Center.

Step into the 1876 Johnny Spaulding Cabin or visit our museum with exhibits on cowboys, ranch life, rodeo and pioneers, as well as changing mini and temporary exhibits on a variety of topics.

Kids will love our western dress-up trunk, hands-on discovery boxes and western activity table.

There's more outside!

Picnic on our back deck, stroll the river walk, play a round of disc golf and cap off your visit with a photo at our fabulous Center of the Nation Monument.

Before you leave, pick up all the travel information and state maps you need for the road ahead.

Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center

!

Free Admissionr. e yea Every day of th

Memorial Day - Labor Day: Monday-Saturday 9-5 | Sunday 12-5 Labor Day - Memorial Day: Monday-Friday 10-4

Call for more information 605-723-2010