Visit Spearfish 2015

Spearfish... your

destination for

fun!

This magazine presents only a small portion of the treasures waiting to be discovered by our visitors year-round.

We look forward to seeing you in town; we will be sure to offer you a warm welcome.

Mistie Caldwell

INDEX

Executive Director, Visit Spearfish, Inc.

Spearfish Introduction............................................................ 3-5 Outdoors Lifestyle...............................................................6 & 7 Spearfish Creek......................................................................... 9 Main Street & Downtown Friday Nights.........................12 & 13 Matthews Opera House and Arts Center.......................14 & 15 D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery..................................... 18-20 Birding in Spearfish................................................................. 21 High Plains Western Heritage Center..................................... 23 Spearfish Recreation and Aquatic Center............................... 25 Black Hills State University Activities..............................26 & 27 Local Golf Courses.................................................................. 29 Hiking in Spearfish...........................................................30 & 31 Canyon Curves: A Bikers’ Paradise......................................... 33 Spearfish Hunting ................................................................... 34 Fisherman’s Dream.................................................................. 35 Off-road Trail System............................................................... 36 World Class Climbing......................................................38 & 39 Winter Sports..................................................................40 & 41 Snowmobiling.......................................................................... 43 Fall Colors/Historic City Walking Tour.................................... 44 Spearfish Canyon Self Guided Tour................................... 47-50 Geocaching ............................................................................ 51

Disc Golf ................................................................................. 51 Spearfish Convention Center.................................................. 52 Festival in the Park.................................................................. 53 Movies in the Park................................................................... 54 Black Hills Corvette Classic..................................................... 55 Leading Ladies Marathon........................................................ 57 A Mountain Bike Mecca..................................................58 & 59 Lodging Listing........................................................................ 60 Nightlife................................................................................... 61 Diverse Dining Scene.............................................................. 62 Dining Listing.......................................................................... 63 Church Listing.......................................................................... 64 Calendar of Events.................................................................. 66 Spearfish City Map..........................................................67 & 68 Nearby Attractions: Vore Buffalo Jump................................................................... 32 Devils Tower............................................................................ 37 Black Hills Caves...................................................................... 45 Mount Rushmore National Memorial...................................... 46 Badlands National Park........................................................... 56 Bear Butte............................................................................... 65

Welcome to Spearfish is a special publication of the Black Hills Pioneer in cooperation with Visit Spearfish. © 2015 Black Hills Pioneer

For more information about anything in this publication: Visit Spearfish • 603 N. Main St., Spearfish, SD (605) 717-9294 • www.visitspearfish.com Special thanks to author Paul Higbee and photographers Les Heiserman, Heidi Watson, and Les Voorhis for their contributions to this publication.

Black Hills Pioneer 315 Seaton Circle, Spearfish, SD 57783 (605) 642-2761 • www.bhpioneer.com Publisher: Letti Lister, Designer: Melissa Barnett Front cover photo: SD Tourism; Smaller cover photos (L-R) Mark Watson 1 & 2, Les Voorhis 4, & SD Tourism 5 Above photo: Heidi Watson/Watson Photography • Back cover photos: Heidi Watson/Watson Photography (trees) & SD Tourism (snowmobile)

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SPEARFISH: Its natural setting connects to its colorful history

BY PAUL HIGBEE FOR THE BLACK HILLS PIONEER

To say nature awaits you in Spearfish is an understatement. Nature asserts itself here, grabs you by the senses, and in some cases never lets go.

It gets into your blood by way of pine-scented breezes, bugling elk, the feel of icy creek waters numbing your feet on hot summer days, and silvery moonrises that turn Lookout Mountain aglow.

Nature surrounds Spearfish, but it seems to flow especially from Spearfish Canyon, a deep gorge descending from the northern–most reach of the Black Hills. Also flowing from Spearfish Canyon is Spearfish Creek, a mighty 40-mile mountain stream that drops 3,000 feet over its short course.

The creek carved Spearfish Canyon, a place of high limestone cliffs, waterfalls, towering spruces, Ponderosa pines, aspens, birches, burdocks and box elders.

One-hundred-thirty bird species call the canyon home, including eagles that glide the gorge’s wind currents, and dippers that submerge themselves in the creek to feed on aquatic bugs. A good place to experience this abundant nature in full glory can be found next to Spearfish Canyon Lodge, 13 miles up the canyon highway from Spearfish. From the lodge, two easy hikes along the canyon floor lead you to Roughlock Falls and Spearfish Falls. A more strenuous hike brings CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Photo courtesy Heidi Watson/Watson Photography

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

you to the high rim at Buzzard’s Roost.

Spearfish Creek created this setting over millions of years, and it has also splashed its way through human history in recent centuries. Flowing strong even in the driest years, the creek drew plains natives who regularly camped along its low banks. Brooklyn-born Daniel Toomey traveled west to hunt buffalo and first saw Spearfish Creek in May, 1876, with no man-made structures anywhere in sight. After the town of Spearfish took root that same year, Toomey harnessed the creek’s water power and built a flour mill. The mill

remained a successful Spearfish industry far into the 20th century. Also eyeing the creek for the first time in 1876 was Irish-born Robert Evans, a self-taught engineer who devised a means of irrigating the wide valley where Spearfish sits.

He and friends dug an ingenious web of irrigation ditches and correctly calculated that the valley’s steep drop to the north would carry water to distant fields. Robert Evans and his wife Rebecca, Spearfish’s first teacher, grew grains and fruits not only for Spearfish, but for Black Hills towns in high, rocky locations where farming was next to impossible.

Photo courtesy Les Heiserman Photos below courtesy: Mark Watson 1; Letti Lister 2; Mark Watson 3; SD Tourism 4 & 5

44 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

In 1893 railroad tracks were built alongside the creek in hopes that mining would develop in the canyon, and in 1899 a federal trout hatchery took form along the water on Spearfish’s south side. The hatchery produced trout for sportsmen not only in the Black Hills, but across the West.

Early in the 20th century Spearfish Creek made possible one of the great American engineering projects of the era. Homestake Gold Mine of Lead built two hydroelectric power plants in the canyon and another on Spearfish’s southern edge, for the purpose of bring-

ing electricity to its mine. Homestake’s success turned the mine into the western hemisphere’s biggest gold producer for decades (and South Dakota the nation’s number one gold producing state). For the Spearfish power plant, Homestake diverted creek water through a remarkable series of eight tunnels cut through solid rock for about six miles.

Toomey’s mill is long gone. Canyon mines were short-lived and the canyon railway washed away in a 1933 flood.

After 125 years, Homestake dug out its last gold in 2001. But the creekside trout hatchery is now the archival,

interpretive and educational site for the entire federal fisheries program. The Homestake power plants still stand in tribute to the great mine and the one at Spearfish produces some power for the community. Robert Evans’ irrigation system works today as well as it did 135 years ago and keeps Spearfish gardens and fields green.

The powerful creek itself still flows as cold and clear and reliably as ever.

“

But how is it that I’ve heard so little of this miracle and we, toward the Atlantic, have heard so much of the Grand Canyon when this is even more miraculous. All the better eventually ... that the Dakotas are not on the through line to the Coast ...

My hat is off to South Dakota treasures.

~ Frank Lloyd Wright Famous American architecht and designer

A year-round

Retreat for the senses

visitspearfish.com 5

OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE

Majestic The

scenery makes for an amazing backdrop

Photo courtesy Les Heiserman

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embraced by locals and visitors

The most common response from people who visit Spearfish, is “ … we had no idea it was so beautiful here.”

The surrounding Black Hills National Forest features an abundance of recreational opportunities all year round.

Part of the reason so many area residents embrace the outdoor lifestyle here is the convenience of getting to the trailhead. Spearfish is a great place to live and play because the Black Hills National Forest is literally the community’s backyard.

More than 54 percent of Lawrence County is public forestland, and the trail systems offer something for both motorized and non-motorized traffic and Spearfish Creek offers some of the best fishing in the country, plus the majestic scenery makes for an amazing backdrop.

In the summer, it’s not uncommon to see mountain bikers maneuvering through the many miles of single-track trails, road bikers touring through Spearfish Canyon, people rock climbing, fly-fishing in Spearfish Creek, camping with their family at one of the many campgrounds or simply enjoying a relaxing picnic. One of the most preferred methods for many people to enjoy the outdoors is by hiking, and the Black Hills National Forest features a variety of trails and opportunities to scale the surrounding peaks.

Located just a short drive from Spearfish is the trailhead for Crow Peak, a challenging 3.2-mile hike. Its 5,760foot peak offers views of the Northern Hills and Wyoming. Located at the east edge of Spearfish is the trailhead for Lookout Mountain. This hike features a relatively moderate elevation gain and a bit of bouldering to get to its peak.

Another magnificent location near this growing community is Spearfish Canyon and Spearfish Creek. This is the most popular place for visitors to enjoy and the creek offers some of the best fly-fishing locations in the nation, providing rainbow, brown and brook

trout. The scenic byway makes for a relaxing drive or a stunning motorcycle ride. The hiking trails are rugged and challenging, and the many rockclimbing opportunities attract outdoor enthusiasts from all over. The only groomed hiking trail in the canyon is the ’76 Trail located in Savoy near the Spearfish Canyon Lodge and Latchstring Restaurant, but several primitive trails have been established over the years.

Just down the road from Spearfish Canyon is the Little Spearfish Trail, which is a six-mile loop that meanders through stands of ponderosa pine, quaking aspen and paper birch. To access this trail, travel south on Highway 14A to Savoy, and then travel west on Roughlock Falls Road for approximately five miles to access the trailhead.

There are also three waterfalls within the canyon, which include Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls located near Savoy, and Bridal Veil located along Highway 14A. During the winter months, Bridal Veil Falls transforms into the most sought after ice climbing in the area. But, the annual changing of the leaves is one of the most prominent events that occurs in Spearfish Canyon every year. Each autumn, thousands of visitors flock to Spearfish Canyon to gaze in awe at the variety of colors on display.

Another gem is the Big Hill Trail system that is located off the beaten path. To get to the trailhead, take McGuigan Road, which turns into Tinton Road, and follow that seven

miles south. This area offers almost 15 miles of trails that loop together at times for hiking, trail running, horseback riding and mountain biking during the spring, summer and fall — and in the winter, the area features groomed and non-groomed cross country trails and snowshoe routes.

Because this area is so large, it’s an area where one can feel secluded in nature and that fact alone is one of the draws of this area.

The Old Baldy Trail is also popular with hikers, horseback riders, bicyclists and cross-country skiers in the area. To access the 5.7-mile loop, travel south on Tinton Road for approximately 13 miles and the trailhead is on the west side of the road. The trail features a short spur that provides access to the summit of Old Baldy Mountain.

Iron Creek Lake provides a perfect hangout when the summer temperatures get too hot to handle. In addition to magnificent hiking and biking trails, swimming and fishing, the area features tent and RV camping opportunities.

Iron Creek Lake is located about 13 miles south on Tinton Road. Ice fishing is also available in the winter.

For those who want to tour the Northern Black Hills on an off highway vehicle, or four-wheeler, they must first stop into the Northern Hills Ranger District office in Spearfish and pick up a map of where motorized traffic is allowed and a permit to ride the trail system. In December 2010, the Black Hills National Forest instituted a new policy governing motor vehicle use.

Off-road vehicle use is allowed. The next step is to study the map carefully and rangers are available to answer any questions.

Just because the temperature drops doesn’t mean the outdoor activities stop. Spearfish receives an average of 61 inches of snow every year, and nurturing that outdoor lifestyle is just one of the many ways area residents beat the winter weather blues.

Hundreds of people love to rev up their snowmobiles and get some fresh air. More than 350 miles of groomed trails are established, and they reach many significant areas deep within the boundaries of the forest. There are also several groomed cross country trails that offer views of some of the most beautiful areas in the Black Hills and snowshoeing routes that meet the standards of both the novice and the more advanced.

For those who love to take their four-legged friends along when they are enjoying the great outdoors, the entire Black Hills National Forest is pet friendly. One area that locals prefer pet owners try to stay away during the winter months, is the groomed crosscountry trails at both Big Hill and Eagle Cliff. They prefer people use the snowshoe routes.

tion, informae e r o m For t visit th call or Ranger Distric rn Hills 2 Northe 605-642-462 t.

S in a M . m.

2014 N ay 8am-4:30p k. a wee y-Frid Monda open 7 days is Foyer

Photo courtesy Heidi Watson/Watson Photography

Photo courtesy SD Tourism

visitspearfish.com 7

Black Hills Airport Clyde Ice Field

Airport Information and Services:

FBO Services Available: • Eagle Aviation, Inc.

• Airport Identifier: KSPF Phone: 1-800-843-8010 • Elevation: 3931 MSL or 605-642-4112 • Runways: After Hours: 605-642-2656 13/31 - 6400’ x 75’ Asphalt Fax: 605-642-1838 08/26-3975’ x 100’ turf www.eagleaviationinc.com 04/22-2023’ x 150’ turf • Caution: Mountain Airport - High Terrain in the vicinity of the airport. Right hand traffic Runway 13.

Spearfish Canyon Tours Connect with Visit Spearfish!

Discover

the hidden treasures of Spearfish and Spearfish Canyon!

Tour the City of Spearfish & scenic Spearfish Canyon in a 12 passenger van with large view windows.

Enjoy the sights, sounds & stories of why we adore this area so much.

Customized group tours by request.

Call us today! 605.722.4068

For a schedule of times & tours visit

www.spearfishcanyontours.com or on Facebook

88 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

Stop by our downtown office, conveniently located at 603 N. Main Street, for a warm welcome and more information about everything there is to do in Spearfish.

Open 7 days a week, Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Vacation packages, lodging rates and last minute hotel deals

www.VISITSPEARFISH.com

1.800.344.6181 RESERVATIONS

1.866.349.2576

GENERAL INFORMATION

SPEARFISH CREEK: City’s namesake flows gently through town

Photos by Mark Watson

BY MARK WATSON

Spearfish Creek starts high in Spearfish Canyon, growing as it flows downstream.

With the exception during the spring runoff, the creek returns to the aquifer before entering the city.

A large part of the water is removed from the creek at the Maurice intake. This is used to operate a hydro power plant in Spearfish. It is here that the creek returns to its bed and flows through town.

The creek runs past the city campground offering campers a place to dip their toes and splash in the cool water.

Downstream the creek runs along the city park. It is here that many tubers and kayakers put in for a lazy, yet fun-filled aquatic journey through town. The creek in this section is also a popular stretch for

wading, fishing and allowing dogs to chase sticks downstream.

Brown trout and some rainbow trout can be caught throughout the creek using both wet and dry flies.

At the lower end of the park is the “waterfall,” a short section of the creek that drops sharply over a manmade waterfall. Most tubers portage around the stretch, but kayakers push on for an exhilarating drop over the falls.

From here the creek drops deeper in the gully surrounding it. There is no easy way to get up the banks. Instead, people can enjoy the brief stretch of solitude and watch the banks for songbirds and even ducks feeding along the way.

The creek flows under a bridge and then another – Jackson Boulevard – one

of the city’s busiest streets.

Farther downstream there are benches that residents have placed along the creek, offering them a moment of creekside reflection.

The creek flows through a residential area on one side and the campus of Black Hills State University on the other. It is in this stretch that daredevil kids jump into deeper holes from tire swings.

The creek enters another turbulent area allowing for a final stretch of rapids before running near Jorgenson Park, the place that most kayakers exit the water.

The creek flows farther downstream leaving the city of Spearfish behind and enters farming and ranching areas before becoming a tributary to the Redwater River.

Take a break and refresh in the

Energizing water Photo courtesy Heidi Watson/Watson Photography

visitspearfish.com 9

kazco.biz • 10 10 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

Tri-State Museum

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

Vore Buffalo Jump

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

Spearfish Canyon Lodge

Linda Ahlers 877-975-6343 www.spfcanyon.com

High Plains Western Heritage Center Peggy Ables 605-642-WEST (9378) www.westernheritagecenter.com

The Old Fort Meade Museum 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 Callie Gordon 307-643-7173 www.blackhillsvacations.com www.buffalojumpwyoming.com

Buffalo Jump Saloon & Steakhouse

~ 2015 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 3, 4 & 5 - 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

visitspearfish.com 11

Photos by BHP Staff

Main Street: A celebration of arts & culture

Visitors to Spearfish are greeted by the timeless, familiar storefronts and historic buildings characteristic of Main Street, but with the added bonus of a fresh, new streetscape.

With a newly remodeled street and sidewalks, updated traffic lights, a clock tower, an outdoor fireplace, and a brand new public restroom facility, downtown business owners feel that the aesthetic attraction of Main Street has really enhanced the street’s welcoming, western feel.

Main Street offers plenty of options for the average shopper: clothing, antiques, organic food, outdoor sporting goods, coffee shops, wine bars and more can all be found in the downtown area. The historic Matthews Opera House and Art Gallery accents the city’s varied arts community with year-round programs and art exhibits.

Main Street’s mixture of businesses truly offers something for everyone, said Dillon Julius, owner of Base Camp Adventure Sports. Donna Stark, comanager of Good Earth Natural Foods, described downtown as “vibrant.”

“I think everyone who has a business downtown works very hard to keep the town going,” Stark said. “We’ve waited

12 12 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

patiently for the downtown to get all fixed up and pretty.”

Mark Kazmer, Spearfish Downtown Business Association secretary, is an avid traveler who believes Spearfish is a step above the rest for its healthy mix of businesses and friendly atmosphere.

“When I think of downtown, it’s one of the most welcoming shopping districts I’ve ever gone into myself … and I hear the same thing from customers that are visiting here,” he said. “It’s a whole different vibe for shopping and dining than they’re used to.”

The Downtown Business Association has been hard at work emphasizing the arts and culture of the Spearfish community.

It is once again gearing up for Spearfish Downtown Friday Nights, a weekly community event that Kazmer said is only getting better with time.

What started as a once-a-month event now happens every Friday night, June through September, drawing thousands to Main Street for family and musical entertainment.

“The music is probably what brings (crowds) down; what keeps them coming back is the camaraderie of the people there,” Kazmer said. “It’s just such a feelgood community event … the one thing I

hear is the absolute appreciation for having these events.”

During the Friday night events, businesses will stay open later so people can get a true feel of what the city has to offer while they enjoy the entertainment.

Spearfish Downtown Friday Nights is only one part of what makes Spearfish unique, though. The community itself – its people, historic buildings, and businesses – creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a friendly, welcoming Old West town.

“I don’t know that we’re purely an arts community or purely a music community, but it’s such a good mix,” Kazmer said. “Spearfish is going to be quite a destination for its mix of arts, movies and the music itself.”

Locally Owned Shops

at your service!

• Grocery • Clothing & Jewelry • Antiques & Gift Shops • Dining & Coffee Shops • Home Decor • Pubs & Night Life • Outdoor Recreation Shops and much more!

2015 Spearfish Downtown Friday Nights Live Music Schedule

Performers take the stage at 6pm.

June 12..............Chancey Williams &

The Younger Brothers June 19..............32 Below June 26.............Sgt. Rock (SD National

Guard Rock band) July 3.................TBA July 10...............TBA July 17...............TBA July 24...............The Outer Vibe July 31...............TBA August 7............. Matt Begley &

Bitter Whiskey August 14.........Judd Hoos August 21.........The Lonely Rangers

w/Kenny Putnam August 28........The Bottle Tops September 4.... TBA

Harvest Fest........ September 26 Christmas Stroll & Holidazzle Light Parade........ December 5

For mo r our offi e information ce, Visit ,s Spearfi top by corner s h, at o Hudso f Main St. & the n St. do wntow n downto or visit wnspea rfish.co m

Photo by BHP Staff visitspearfish.com 13

MATTHEWS OPERA HOUSE AND ARTS CENTER: A beating heart of color, culture, creativity

OPEN

YEAR-R

OUND (605) 64 2 7 973 matthe wsope r a.com Downt own Sp earfish

Photos courtesy Matthews Opera House

14 14 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

The Matthews Opera House and Arts Center has been the center of all things artistic in Spearfish since it first opened its doors to the public in 1906, and it remains the beating artistic heart of the city today.

Located on Main Street, all of its attributes and events provide a taste of the finest regional art the Black Hills has to offer and a unique window into the history of art in the west.

Today the Matthews Opera House and Arts Center thrives, hosting regular live productions. The community theater program puts on numerous stage productions each year. This allows both amateurs and professionals to mix their talents into solid, living pieces of theatrical work right here in Spearfish.

“The Matthews Opera House and Arts Center provides a really wonderful opportunity for visitors to be able to walk upstairs and imagine what it was like to see a show here 100 years ago,” said Sian Young, who is currently the Executive Director of the Matthews Opera House and Arts Center. “Our stage looks almost

exactly like it did in 1906. We are proud of how this community nurtures and sustains the opera house.

We love showing this special place to visitors who come to Spearfish. Even if there isn’t a production going on, our doors are open during regular business hours for impromptu tours,” Young said.

The Matthews Opera House and Arts Center is the only fully restored historic opera house in the Black Hills. Restoration work stuck as close to original as possible, and among the highlights of the building today is the original proscenium – an intricately scrolled, painted and detailed beauty glowing with history. The theater itself is unique in that the acoustics are the best around, which attracts actors and musicians from the community and throughout the country who enjoy taking the stage throughout the year. Cultural performances are also growing in popularity, with an annual foreign film festival, lectures, and educational events.

The lower level of the Matthews Opera House and Arts Center houses a gallery, which features

“Is The Matthews Opera House haunted?” juried work by a wide range of regional artists – many with national and international reputations. It is ever-changing as more and more emerging artists begin to display their work. “We promote visual artists at all stages in their development – from those with well-established arts careers to emerging artists. As an arts center, we can provide new artists with a means to grow into their medium and further develop their style, while learning the business of art.”

Young said.

So for visitors who enjoy seeking out some of the best art in the Black Hills, The Gallery is a perfect opportunity. Stop in to view a variety of work, ranging in mediums from watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings, jewelry, photography, sculpture and more. Dick Termes’ internationally recognized Termespheres are also showcased throughout the space.

One of the greatest triumphs of the Matthews Opera House and Arts Center is the Festival in the Park, an outdoor celebration of art and culture. It’s held on the third weekend of July, where more than 175 artists

display everything from handmade jewelry, woodwork and paintings to photography, handcrafted clothes and more.

“This is the largest summer event in Spearfish,” Young said. “We have up to 25,000 people that come to town just to attend this event, and it’s something we’re very proud of.”

As a nonprofit entity, the Matthews Opera House and Arts Center would be nowhere without the tireless work and generous contributions of volunteers and community members. “We have an incredible amount of volunteers and this organization couldn’t function without them,” Young said. Whether it’s helping organize a reception in the gallery, taking tickets at the opera house, or helping set up the Festival in the Park, Young said that volunteers are the true reason the Matthews Opera House and Arts Center is a success.

The Gallery, located at 612 Main St., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday from April through October, and Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

November through March.

History of the Matthews Opera House and Arts Center Thomas Matthews established the Matthews Opera House, and his goal was to bring arts and culture to the West.

After opening its doors in 1906, traveling theater companies from all over the world took advantage of the unique venue, and a lot of the original autographed doors and boards are now on display to memorialize its history.

As years passed the Matthews Opera House and Arts Center went through many transformations. In the 1920s it was known as “The Princess Theater,” when it was primarily a movie house. The silver screen fell in 1930 when the owner of the theater opened a new building down the street. Throughout the next 25 years the opera house served time as everything from a practice basketball court to a shooting gallery.

To say that the opera house fell into disrepair would be an understatement.

Various revision and restoration efforts were undertaken over the years, some of them more successful than others. It wasn’t until the 1980s that a serious restoration effort began. This was when the nonprofit Matthews Opera House Society was formed and the building was leased from owner Mike Kelley rent-free for 95 years. The first phase of the restoration was completed in 1989. It was finished in 2006, restoring this historic masterpiece to its original glory 100 years after the building’s initial construction.

Live on stage:

The Phantom of the Matthews Opera House

by Paul Higbee

July 6, 7, 8 13, 14, 15 20, 21, 22 27, 28, 29

Starting at

7:30 p.m.

Tickets:

$12.00 adults $6.00 under 18

Visit www.mat thewso for more inform pera.com at or call 605-642- ion, 7973.

This original melodrama first appeared at The Matthews in 1976 and became a summer theatre staple for locals and visitors alike throughout the 80s and 90s.

In a cooperative joint effort between The Matthews and the BHSU theatre department, “The Phantom of The Matthews Opera House” is coming back to The Matthews’ stage for the month of July 2015. It will be performed every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night at 7:30, starting after the Fourth of July weekend and runs the rest of the month.

Under the direction of BHSU Professor, Bert Juhrend, the performances will be staged in the beautifully restored Matthews Opera House, one of the West’s oldest and most beloved venues. Located at 612 Main St., Spearfish, the opera house is located on the second floor, just above The Matthews Art Gallery. The theatre first opened in 1906. We invite you to step into history, take a seat, and settle in for some great laughs and villainous hijinks.

Check for more great entertainment throughout the year on the opera house stage including theatrical productions, concerts, and various live entertainment acts.

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Enjoy Your Vacation in the Black Hills while making

Chris’ Your Home

Large RV & Tent Sites Camping Cabins Free Wifi Paved Interior Roads 3 Heated Swimming Pools Animal Petting Farm Large Pavilion Great For Groups & Reunions

Ladies FashionabLe Wearing appareL ~ Casual & Dressy in Petite & Misses Sizes ~ Stop and shop our large selection of sportswear such as Pendleton, City Girl, Alfred Dunner, Christine Alexander, Not Your Daughters Jeans, Lana Lee, Woolrich and Tribal

Reserve Y our Spot Toda 1-800-350 y -2239

Also featuring coats, sweaters and accessories View our beautiful display of over 100 porcelain dolls.

Mon.-Fri. 9am-5:30pm • Sat. 9am-5pm (Winter Hours 9am-5pm)

Margaret and the girls welcome you to Spearfish!

16 16 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

Family Owned & Operated for 45 Years!

701 Christensen Dr. • Spearfish, SD 57783 chriscamp@blackhills.com

Daily Lunch & Coffee Specials Latte • Cappuccino Bagels • Muffins • Java Slush Serving Uncommonly Good Coffee Since 1994 Patio Seating Available!

135 E. Hudson, Spearfish • 605-642-9066 visitspearfish.com 17

D.C. Booth HISTORIC FISH HATCHERY Take time to visit one of the most beautiful and well-preserved historic sites in Spearfish.

D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery is a free family attraction located just blocks from downtown along Spearfish Creek.

18 18 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

With the popularity of trout fishing and the abundance of streams and great fishing opportunities in the area, visitors might not realize that trout are not native to the Black Hills.

In 1890 — because of the pristine water, habitat and food sources for trout — Congress appropriated $500 to investigate the possibility of placing a hatchery near the Black Hills to establish trout populations in the area. After considering several locations, Spearfish was finally chosen because of the abundance of pure, cold spring water and its proximity to the town and railroad system.

In 1899 the completed hatchery building (which now houses the museum), raceways, ice house and rearing ponds were accepted from the contractor. Four days

later, 100,000 trout eggs were incubating.

After years of very successful fish production that included overland trips to Yellowstone National Park; destructive floods; visits by heads of state; railroad journeys; and the hatching of millions of rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout, the Spearfish National Fish Hatchery was closed. In 1989, however, the hatchery was rehabilitated and reopened with a new museum, public restrooms, visitor center and underwater viewing area. The Fish and Wildlife Service resumed operations of the facility with a new mission to assemble, preserve, protect, make accessible to researchers and interpret the history and technology of fish culture. The museum collection at D.C. Booth is growing and is currently one of the largest collections of

Beautifully

Preserved Photo courtesy Les Voorhis

Photo by Mark Watson

Photo courtesy Les Voorhis

Photo by Letti Lister

fishery history and artifacts in the nation.

Today, over 150,000 visitors visit D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery every year.

THE FISH

Between 20,000 to 30,000 rainbow trout are stocked out of D.C. Booth each year by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks into nearby lakes and streams for anglers to enjoy. Visitors can get up close and personal with brown and rainbow trout by feeding them from above or watching them through the underwater viewing windows.

THE MUSEUM

The Von Bayer Museum of Fisheries History was created to preserve

the vibrant history and rich heritage of American fisheries workers. The museum collection contains over 175,000 items and is the largest collection of fisheries artifacts in the country. The museum is open daily during the summer season.

THE GROUNDS

Spanning 10 acres, the entire hatchery site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the general landscape is itself a historic resource. Ponds, rock walls, water systems and buildings all contribute to the site’s historical significance.

The 10-acre grounds also include nature trails with scenic overlooks. Although many alterations have been made to the site over the years, each change tells a story about hatchery operations.

ND R-ROU A E Y N OPE 2-7730 (605) 64 ry Circle tche 423 Ha ery.org hhatch s fi h t o dcbo

THE YELLOWSTONE BOAT

U.S. Fisheries Boat #39, a wooden “Great Lakes” style cabin cruiser, tells the story of early hatchery workers who went on expeditions to Yellowstone National Park to collect trout eggs to be returned to the hatchery and stocked in the Black Hills.

THE SCULPTURES

Two life-size bronze sculptures can be seen on the hatchery grounds depicting the lives of early fisheries workers and the important role that fishing plays in American tradition and culture today.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

visitspearfish.com 19

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

THE BOOTH HOUSE

The Neo-Colonial Revival Booth House, built for the first superintendant in 1905, is open for tours to visitors who can learn about the history of the house and the families who lived and worked on hatcheries. Don’t forget to visit Ruby’s Garden behind the house, which is the site of dozens of weddings throughout the summer.

THE RAILCAR

Before the advent of refrigerated tanker trucks, fish hatcheries were faced with the problem of how to quickly move fish from hatcheries to lakes and rivers around the country.

During the “Fish Car Era,” 10 specially-designed railcars were constructed; and by 1920, fish cars had carried over 72 billion fish across 2 million miles of railroad track. D.C. Booth is home to the only fisheries railcar exhibit in the country. Visitors to this unique and beautifully-restored railcar will learn about the history of the Fish Car Era — a 66-year period that played a key role in enriching the nation’s national

Photo courtesy Les Voorhis

resources and created a unique, romantic and proud tradition.

THE POND GIFT SHOP

Visit The Pond gift shop for hatchery and fisheries souvenirs, books, nature toys and gifts, fly-fishing supplies and of course fish food. The gift shop provides information on the Black Hills, South Dakota fishing licensing and the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program, which allows visitors to check out fishing poles and gear to use off-site at no cost.

Admission to the hatchery is always free, although donations are appreciated.

Grounds are open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.

Guided tours through the Booth House, museum and railcar are generally available every day from May through September.

Visitors can feed the fish and view them through the underwater viewing windows.

For more information or to check exhibit hours, call (605) 642-7730.

The Pond GifT ShoP Great gifts for visitors and locals alike!

• Hatchery & Fisheries Souvenirs • Nature Toys & Gifts • Books - Local Interest & Nature • T-shirts & Caps • Fly Fishing Supplies • Fishing Tackle Loaner Program • Fish Food The Pond Shop is open May through September.

D.C. Booth historiC NatioNal Fish hatChery & arChives ~ 423 hatChery CirCle, spearFish, sD • 605-642-7730 ext. 221 20 20 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

Photo courtesy SD Tourism

Pick up a FRE at Visit Spearfi E Bird Checkli s s Main S t. & Hu h on the corn t e d r s o of n St or visit the D.C . downtown . Boo Histo Fish Ha ric Fish Hatc th hery tchery Lo (605) 64 op, Spearfish 2-7730

Photo courtesy Les Voorhis

Photo by Mark Watson

Birding in Spearfish The Spearfish area contains great bird habitats: Ponderosa pine forests, flowing mountain streams with rich vegetation, aspen groves, lakes, burned areas, mixed grassland hills, potholes and marshes, pastureland and urban parks.

This diversity of habitat provides a home for scores of migratory and resident birds — some of which are found in few other locations in South Dakota. Your trip to Spearfish is a great opportunity to add some birds to your “life list.”

And you don’t even have to venture far from your hotel or campground. The city of Spearfish maintains an amazing recreation path — most of which follows Spearfish Creek through town. The creek — together with 26 pocket parks along the 7.5-mile recreation path, the enormous Spearfish City Park and the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery — all offer close and easy opportunities for successful bird watching during your Spearfish vacation. You can pick up a free bird checklist at the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery before you begin your journey.

Keep an eye open for some of these coveted Black Hills species: ruffed grouse, lewis’s woodpecker, red-naped sapsucker, gray jay, canyon wren, lazuli bunting, american dipper, three-toed woodpecker, black-backed woodpecker and clark’s nutcracker.

visitspearfish.com 21

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High Plains WESTERN HERITAGE CENTER Western history comes alive at the High Plains Western Heritage Center overlooking Spearfish.

The museum was founded to honor the Old West pioneers and the American Indians of South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska.

Step back in time as you take in the museum that contains 20,000 square feet of displays featuring a wide range of western artifacts, the cattle and sheep industries, blacksmithing, saddle making, natural history, mining, forestry and, of course, cowboys and rodeo.

Observe outside displays including a one-room schoolhouse, a homestead log cabin, antique farm equipment and live longhorn cattle grazing in the pasture.

The Center is part of the Blue Star Museums and offers free admission from Memorial Day until Labor Day for active duty and retired military personal.

“

A great glimpse into the past.” ~ Steve & Janet Brackner,

Pine Bluffs, WY

The High Plains Western Heritage Center currently provides a community forum for entertainment and education that includes a 200-seat theatre.

After the Civil War, upon returning home, Texas ranchers found their neglected longhorn cattle herds had grown too large to be sustained by their home ranges.

In 2004, a trail project, that includes nine states from Mexico to Canada, was started to identify the most used cattle trail route from Texas to the High Plains. HPWHC is now one of more than 700 marked locations along the trail. Today’s travelers are able to loosely follow the same 1,800-mile Great Western Cattle Trail blazed by those early cowboys and see the sights that many early pioneers witnessed along the way.

UND AR-RO E Y N E OP it 14 I-90 Ex T (9378) 2-WES com (605) 64 Center. e g a it r nHe Wester

Courtesy photos

visitspearfish.com 23

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

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24 24 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

Courtesy photo

WATER PARK:

Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (May 23rd - Sept. 7th) Public Swim: 12pm-7pm daily

SPEARFISH RECREATION & AQUATICS CENTER: Fun for the whole family The Spearfish Recreation and Aquatics Center is a great place to get away. Nestled between Lookout Mountain and Crow Peak, this state-of-the-art attraction offers something for everyone.

More than an acre of swimming pools, slides and recreation areas entice tourists to stop and play for the day. Relax poolside under shaded umbrellas or float down the lazy river. Crank it up and ascend down the double flume waterslide into the deep plunge pool or drop through the enclosed body slide – all will grab you by the seat of your suit. For the tiny tots in the family, child-size slides and a playland are atop a splash pad that also features a 300-gallon dump bucket. And like the beach, a zeroentry pool gradually descends to a depth of 3 feet.

Grab lunch at the Snack Shack, where all items cost less than $4 each.

Up to the challenge? Team-up for a game of foosball or ping pong.

For a full-body work out, check out thetwo-court gymnasium, walking tracks, cardio room and weight room. In addition, the staff offers 30-50 group fitness classes per week.

Back at the pool, try your skill on the floating log adventure, climbing wall or volleyball in the heated 3-lane lap pool. Your family will find affordable fun for everyone at this beautiful location.

The SRAC is conveniently located south of Interstate 90 at Exit 10. The center is three blocks from the city recreational bike path, which weaves through seven city parks and follows along Spearfish Creek for more than six miles, and in the Spearfish City Campground and D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery.

Water Park Summer Pass $75.00 for the general public Water Park Day Pass Less than $10.00 per day (depending on height and usage)

Rec Center & Water Park Day Pass Less than $14.00 per day (depending on age)

REC CENTER:

Mon. - Fri. 5:30am - 9pm, Sat. 8 am - 6pm, Sun. 12pm - 6pm Rec Center Day Pass Adults $4.00, Youth $3.00

Photo by Mark Watson

ion: format in e r o For m 2-1430 (605) 72 enter.com shRecC Spearfi

visitspearfish.com 25

BLACK HILLS STATE UNIVERSITY HAS ACTITIVIES FOR ALL SUMMER STAGE

Now in its eighth year, the Summer Stage, comprised of 10-12 core collegian cast members, has built a solid reputation for impeccable live theatre performances.

“They are just really fun entertainment in an intimate theatre, you get to interact with the actors,” said Bert Juhrend, Summer Stage artistic director and Black Hills State University’s director of theatre.

The Summer Stage features a three-show live performance theatre lineup that plays in June, with two comedies and one musical each season.

The plays are for the whole family, and each year community children that take roles in the shows.

While local kids are getting a taste of the performing arts, the college students who

26 26 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

run the Summer Stage are gaining valuable on-the-job training.

“It is a great training ground as they work at theatre seven days a week and have the chance to work on all aspects of a production,” Juhrend said.

Unlike previous years, the Summer Stage crew will do two comedies in a row and the musical last.

The first show runs from June 4-7. The second show will run June 11-14. The last show which is the musical runs June 18-21 and June 25-28. Exact plays have not yet been selected. All shows will be in Pangburn Hall on campus. For more information visit the BHSU website at www.bhsu.edu.

Ticket prices are; adults; $15, seniors; $13, students; $10, ages 12 and under; $7.

Reservations are highly recommended.

JACKET RIDE

The annual guided Jacket Ride through the Northern Black Hills will have its third run this year during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The third annual motorcycle ride is Tuesday, Aug. 4. This ride benefits local veterans going to school at Black Hills State University.

The guided ride starts at the Donald E. Young Center at BHSU and ends at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis, where there is a brief program, lunch and some giveaways.

“Our goal is 50-100 bikes,” said Steve Meeker, vice president of University Advancement.

Last year there were four scholarship recipients, with plans for more in future Jacket Rides.

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Donald E. Young center, is $50 and an additional $25 for an extra rider.

Funds from the ride go towards student scholarships. The ride starts at 10 a.m.

CONCERT TIME

This spring is a great time to listen to all the different singing and music festivities that Black Hills State University puts on for the public.

The BHSU community chorale is a mixed ensemble made up of students, faculty members and community singers.

Jonathon Nero, associate professor at BHSU said the community chorale will be performing a program of opera choruses.

They will perform works by Mozart, Copland, Offenbach, Sullivan, Verdi and Puccini at 7:30 p.m. on April 14, at the Clare and Josef Meier Recital Hall on the BHSU campus.

The BHSU concert choir and chamber singers are singing a variety of literature from Renaissance motets to Finnish spoken choruses. Nero said they will be performing some Venezuelan lullabies, Brahms and Schumann Gypsy songs and traditional American Spiritual arrangements, at 2:30 p.m. on April 19, at the Clare and Josef

Meier Recital Hall on the BHSU campus.

These are free to the public and scholarship donations are welcome at the door.

Other musical events that are planned for the spring semester are; a band concert at 7:30 p.m. on March 2; an opera workshop: Iolanthe at 7:30 p.m. on March 6-7; Jeremy Johnston’s percussion recital at 2:30 p.m. on March 15; South Dakota nationals competition on March 28, that is an all day long event; BHSU Choral Festival— Men’s sing at 2:30 p.m. on April 13; jazz ensemble at 7:30 p.m. on April 23; and a band concert at 7:30 p.m. on April 27.

RUDDELL GALLERY

Open all year long, the Ruddell Gallery is a great place to check out local, state and surrounding area art works.

The Ruddell Gallery located on second floor of the David B. Miller Student Union, displays work of area artists and houses student and alumni art shows.

The gallery displays an alumni show, The Dakota MastersWork show, student photography show, senior art show, student award show and six visiting art shows, that include individual and group shows every year.

The art shows display different types of art from sculptures, clay, paintings, stained glass, mixed media and more.

Jim Knutson, a retired professor of art and the Ruddell Gallery director said the Ruddell Gallery along with the campus is a cultural stop in Spearfish.

There is the President’s Gallery in Woodburn Hall, a photo gallery in the basement of Jonas Hall and a permanent collection in the David B. Miller Student Union.

“The student union is full of artwork altogether,” Knutson said.

Schedules are still being finalized for many events at BHSU. Visit BHSU.edu/ events for details on events throughout the year.

:

tion informa e r o m For 2-6171 (605) 64 u d bhsu.e

visitspearfish.com 27

premier Black Hills The

Destination

Resort

Golf Course

Development

VA C A T I O N • B U I L D Y O U R D R E A M H O M E • C O M M E R C I A L O P P O R T U N I T I E S

www.elkhornridgervresort.com | 877-722-1800 | 20189 US Hwy 85 | Spearfish, SD 57783 28 28 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

Golf Courses

Score a great day on the green!

BY JASON GROSS

Spearfish Canyon Country Club and Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club provide wooded fairways, elevated tees and scenic views for all visitors.

Spearfish Canyon Country Club is one of the state’s oldest courses. It was established in 1921 and became the Northern Hills’ only 18-hole course in 1988.

The front nine features a traditional treelined layout. A modern design intertwined with an oak-laden creek bed highlights the back nine.

Spearfish Canyon Country Club also features a driving range, practice green, short-game area, full-service bar and grill and a fully stocked pro shop with namebrand apparel and equipment.

Head golf pro and operations director Rob Kortan said the bar and grill help set

Spearfish Canyon apart from other courses.

He added that it enables the course to host events and accommodate more people than other facilities.

“If the course is playable, we’re open,” Kortan said. “When we can get on the back nine, we can play.”

The nine-hole Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club opened Aug. 1, 2009. This course is located just off Exit 17, Interstate 90.

The course offers fantastic views of the Centennial Valley, with elevation changes up to 285 feet, and a full-scale practice facility.

In September of 2014, Elkhorn Ridge began construction of another nine holes making Elkhorn Ridge an 18-hole golf course.

“If everything goes to play, we will open in the spring of 2016,” said Greg Brandriet, the course superintendent. “This is going to

be one of the best, if not the best laid out, 18-hole course in the state.”

Brandriet said a course highlight would be the scenery.

“Three holes, 12, 13 and 14, will run through a deep canyon and Hole 12 will be more than 600 yards long with a double dogleg in the canyon. It may become the longest par 5 in the state,” Brandriet said.

Jeremy Campos, the Elkhorn Ridge director of golf, since January of 2014, said the addition of nine holes will help make the course competitive with other golf courses in the area.

“With the new expansion of the new nine (holes), especially with the holes that can be built in the canyon, it’s going be up there with the Red Rocks and the Devils Tower type of golf courses, more of a modern design,” Campos said.

For mo re infor mation E : (605) 72 LKHORN RID 2-4653 • golfe GE SPEAR lkhorn.c FIS om COUN H CANYON TRY CL spearfi (605) 717-46 UB shcany oncoun 53 tryclub .com

Photo by BHP Staff

visitspearfish.com 29

Spearfish Area

HIKING

With the abundance of beautiful scenery in Spearfish — from the soaring limestone cliffs to meandering creeks and secluded valleys, it’s no surprise that hiking is one of the most popular outdoor recreation pastimes.

With miles of trails to choose from on thousands of acres of easily-accessible public lands, hikers in Spearfish have a great opportunity to view wildlife, quietly behold some of the most scenic vistas in the country and learn about the history of the Black Hills through great interpretive trails through areas of rich history. Here are a few of the favorite hiking trails in the Spearfish area. More information and trail maps are available at the Black Hills National Forest Service office located at 2014 N. Main St. in Spearfish. Remember, afternoon thunderstorms are common in the area and outdoor temperatures can change quickly, so dress in layers. Bring your own water, and do not drink from streams!

Gear up!

Stop at Rushmore Mountain Sports or Base Camp downtown for directions, water bottles, backpacks and other outdoor gear.

Rushmore Mountain Sports: 505 N. Main St. Spearfish (605) 642-2885 Base Camp: 615 N. Main St. Spearfish (605) 559-3131

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN

4 Miles of Trail - Easy to Moderate

The trailhead at Nevada Street is the start of a popular hiking loop that ascends Lookout Mountain, the closest hike to 1 town. From this trail, you can follow the ridgeline to connect up with an old road that spans much of the mountain. The old road is popular with hikers because it is kept mowed and maintained, and a short spur leads to the tower area on the highest point where hikers can behold breathtaking views of the town of Spearfish and the surrounding area.

None of the trails are marked or mapped, but most trails are very visible and easy to follow. Be cautious; rattlesnakes are common on Lookout Mountain.

Trail Length: About 4 miles of trail.

Rating: Easy to moderate with several difficult ascents. Directions: Head north on 10th Street and take a right on Nevada Street to the trailhead (road dead-ends and trail begins). Another trail begins at mile marker 12 off Interstate 90, but limited parking is available.

CROW PEAK

6.4 Miles (roundtrip) - Difficult

Crow Peak is a key landmark in the Northern Black Hills.

The name “Crow Peak” is an English translation of the 2 Sioux name for the peak, “Paha Karitukateyapi,” which means “the hill where the Crows were killed.” The name stems from a battle between Sioux and Crow Indians in which the Sioux were victorious. Crow Peak is a dominant landmark because of its geological makeup. Billions of years ago, underground molten rock, pushed upward forming hills. Crow Peak and other peaks you can see from the Crow Peak summit, such as Bear Butte, Spearfish Mountain and Terry Peak, were formed in this manner.

Trail Length: 3.2 miles to the summit.

Rating: Difficult. Directions: From Spearfish, head north on Main Street

Inset photos by: Letti Lister 1, 4, 6, 7; Heidi Watson 2, 5; Mark Watson 3

30 30 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

(turns into North Avenue) past Safeway.

Turn left on Hillsview until it abruptly turns 90 degrees to the right. At this juncture, turn left onto Forest Service Road 214.

Follow FSR 214 for approximately 7 miles to the trailhead.

LITTLE SPEARFISH CREEK

Upper Loop - 4.7 Miles, Lower Loop - 3.2 Miles Both Loops - 6.3 Miles Spur Trail to Old Baldy Trail - 0.9 Miles - Moderate to Difficult

This trail system meanders through stands of Ponderosa pine, quaking aspen and paper birch. Spectacular views of 3 limestone cliffs are complemented by the ambiance of Little Spearfish Creek. The foundation of an old ranger station and a root cellar can be seen between Timon Campground and the Rod and Gun Campground.

Trail Length: 4.7 miles (upper loop), 3.2 miles (lower loop), 6.3 miles (both loops), 0.9 miles (spur trail to the Old Baldy Trail). Rating: Easy to moderate.

Directions: From Spearfish, take 14A (Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway) to Savoy.

Travel west on FSR 222 for approximately 4.7 miles (past Roughlock Falls) to the trailhead.

SPEARFISH FALLS

1.5 Miles (roundtrip) - Easy

The trail starts 80 feet above the Canyon floor on the deck of the Latchstring Inn restaurant, eye level with 4 the Canyon’s spruce and aspen canopy, and meanders down to the Canyon floor where you’ll get a good view of some of the local flora on your way to the falls.

Trail length is about 1.5 miles roundtrip. Rating: Easy. Directions: From Spearfish, take 14A (Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway) to Savoy. Park at the Latchstring restaurant and walk around to the back deck, where you’ll find the trail marker.

IRON CREEK

4 Miles (roundtrip) - Easy to Moderate

This beautiful trail follows an old roadbed along Iron Creek in Spearfish Canyon.

Arguably one of the most beautiful trails 5 in the area, this easily accessible trail is just minutes from Spearfish and is not to be missed. Trail Length: about 2 miles (one way). Rating: Easy to Moderate. Directions: From Spearfish, take 14A (Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway) about 11 miles. Just before you cross Iron Creek (which empties into Spearfish Creek) there will be a large parking lot on the right. There is a sign on the roadside for Iron Creek.

‘76 TRAIL

1.6 Miles (roundtrip) - Difficult

This quick but difficult hike will take you to the rim of Spearfish Canyon.

Climbing 700 feet in less than a half-mile, this trail 6 is strenuous but is one of very few access points to the spectacular views from atop the rim of Spearfish Canyon. Trail Length: 0.8 miles (one way). Rating: Difficult. Directions: From Spearfish, take 14A (Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway) to Savoy. The trail begins near Spearfish Canyon Lodge and is accessible from the lodge parking lot.

ROUGHLOCK FALLS TRAIL 2 Miles (roundtrip) - Easy

This trail is handicapaccessible and winds its way slowly to Roughlock Falls, a breathtaking waterfall along Little Spearfish Creek. Trail Length: 1 mile. Difficulty: Easy. Directions: From Spearfish, take 14A (Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway) to Savoy. The trail begins near Spearfish Canyon Lodge and is signed and accessible from the lodge parking lot.

7

Photo courtesy SD Tourism

visitspearfish.com 31

Vore Buffalo Jump

About a 15-minute drive from Spearfish 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 wellpreserved 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.

FuN FAcT: 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

Photo courtesy University of Wyoming

32 32 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

CANYON CURVES: A biker’s paradise

BY WENDY PITLICK

When it comes to motorcycling, the curves of Spearfish just can’t be beat.

From the famous Spearfish Canyon, to the lessertraveled back roads that loop around through neighboring communities, it’s no wonder motorcycle enthusiasts around the world have gravitated to the Queen City for beautiful riding experiences.

One of the most popular rides in the Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon is U.S. Highway 14A. The ride starts in gorgeous Spearfish, which has been called the “Queen City” because it is surrounded by three peaks of its own — Crow Peak, Spearfish Mountain and Lookout Mountain. Riders can then travel down Highway 14A and take in some of the most beautiful sites of the Black Hills. The Canyon is filled with a forest of spruce, pine, aspen, birch and oak, with Spearfish Creek cutting through it all as it winds through native foliage. The Canyon is also home to a variety of wildlife that like to take up residence around the Canyon’s waterfalls — Bridal Veil, Spearfish and Roughlock Falls, which all offer excellent hiking opportunities for a peaceful, fulfilling Black Hills experience. At the very end of the Canyon stop for pie or lunch at Cheyenne Crossing Trading Post.

Another lesser-traveled route showcases the many different kinds of terrain in and around the Spearfish area. Starting at Exit 17 off Interstate 90, riders can take a short jog on Highway 85 to St. Onge Road, which leads to St. Onge. From there, riders can stay on U.S. Highway 34, a straight stretch of highway that leads through beautiful plains land, to Belle Fourche. From Belle Fourche, take the two-lane road Highway 14 to Beulah, Wyo. After stopping for gas or lunch in this tiny town that is rich in history, riders can turn south and head toward Sundance, Wyo., cutting back on Highway 585 to Four Corners in Wyoming. Follow Highway 85 back through Spearfish Canyon, take a left at Cheyenne Crossing, and head back to Spearfish. The ride is a total of about 100 miles, and features the Northern Hills’ signature curves, hills, plains and wildlife that makes the motorcycle experience one of the best in the world.

Photo by Mark Watson

visitspearfish.com 33

Spearfish a mecca for

HUNTING

BY MARK WATSON

There aren’t too many places in the country that allow hunters to enjoy more than a 50 percent success rate every year while pursuing their quarry.

But Black Hills deer hunters can do just that and have done so for the last decade.

Wildlife officials estimated the 2013 population, the most recent available, at 41,200 whitetails in the Black Hills and 8,700 mule deer. Both populations are up from 2012 despite an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, caused by biting midges, that killed many whitetails in the area. The disease cannot be transmitted to people.

In 2013 about 3,500 hunters pursued deer in the Black Hills with rifles. They bagged a little more than 60 mule deer and 2,000 whitetail deer. That total is down significantly from the 5,400 deer shot by rifle hunters in 2006, but years of declining population due to a number of contributing factors, led wildlife officials to lower the number of permits available.

Hunters boasted a 64 percent success rate, second only in the last 10 years to 2012’s season Perhaps the most sought after animals in the Black Hills are elk. The season is not open to nonresidents and residents have to wait at times up to 10 years or more to draw a coveted tag. But when that envelope comes in the mail, hunters can enjoy a quality hunt pursuing large bulls and good numbers of cows.

Mike Apland, a conservation officer with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks said although New Mexico,

population has turned the corner and Colorado and Montana are prime is beginning to recover from its big destinations for trophy bulls, South population decline.

Dakota produces large elk quickly.

The newest big game season in the He said he saw a number of large bulls Black Hills is for mountain lions. The taken from the Black Hills during the first season began in 2005 with 2,294 2013 hunting season. hunters receiving tags. Thirteen animals “In the Black Hills we can make a were harvested after the subquota of quality bull in about four years, when seven females was reached. The following most of the other states, it takes around year more than 3,000 tags were sold and seven or eight years. We grow big horns hunters took 15 lions. pretty quickly,” he said.

In 2013, 61 lions were killed after the As recent as the fall of 2014 stories of GF&P made a decision large bulls taken are to lower the lion told by hunters. One, population. Officials shot near Piedmont, set a 100-lion quota for scored in the 360 the season that began range, impressive to on Dec. 26, 2012. It all elk was the first time that Some hunters hunters did not reach believe that the Black the season-ending Hills has the genetics quota. For the 2015 to put its bulls into season, which began the record books. on Dec. 26, 2014, a 75In 2013 elk lion or 50-female lion hunters enjoyed a quota has been set.

60 percent success The GF&P also rate in the Hills offers two seasons for with hunters killing turkey – fall and spring. about 374 elk in the The nearby waters Black Hills despite offer waterfowl hunting a blizzard that cut opportunities for the access to many areas. Photo courtesy SD Tourism resident and migrating Just north of ducks and geese. Grouse and pheasants Spearfish is prime hunting for antelope. can also be hunted north of Spearfish.

The area enjoyed near record numbers of For hunters and recreational shooters antelope in 2008 hunters when bagged to hone their skills there are three 17,056 antelope, the highest number shooting ranges near Spearfish. An recorded. Archery hunters harvested archery range is located off Christianson another 1,000 animals. Those numbers Drive. A rifle and pistol range is located dipped to 1,935 animals killed in 2013 just before you enter the mouth of after hard winters prompted biologists Spearfish Canyon on Highway 14A. to continue to draw down the number A membership is required. And a trap of licenses available. Hunters, however, and sporting clay range is located along still enjoyed a 48 percent success rate.

Highway 85 heading north of Spearfish.

Biologists say that it appears as if the

For mo

re infor mation , visit www.sd gfp.info

Photo by Mark Watson

34 34 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

FISHERMAN’S DREAM Anglers near Spearfish have the chance to catch a variety of fish. Rainbow and brown trout are the only game fish found in Spearfsh Creek, but nearby lakes and reservoirs hold both cool and warm water species.

Anglers should read the Fishing Manual published by the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks before fishing and be aware of certain special catchand-release regulations, which exist in Spearfish Creek. Here are a few of the favorite fishing locations of Spearfish anglers:

SPEARFISH CREEK (through town):

The entire length of Spearfish Creek that flows through town is a great fishery. From the city’s hydroelectric plant near the Spearfish City Campground, there are about 5 miles of stream, and it’s very accessible to anglers. There are many city parks that follow the creek, so access is not a problem. Small spinners in the deeper holes will produce results year-round.

Fly fishers should have luck on caddis, parachute adams, pheasanttails, hoppers, hare’s ears, and San Juan worms.

SPEARFISH CREEK (through the Canyon):

Gear up!

The Iron Creek Lake store sells fishing tackle, licenses, and bait and also meals, snacks, and drinks.

There are many pullouts that make Spearfish Creek easily accessible to anglers in Spearfish Canyon.

The D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery has fly fishing supplies, licenses, and fly fishing reports.

IRON CREEK LAKE:

A one-day, non-resident fishing license is $18.

A beautiful spot for a day of fishing, swimming, or hiking on your Spearfish vacation. Fun and accessible to the whole family, Iron Creek Lake is stocked with rainbow trout by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks; but the lake also contains bass, crappie, and perch.

Directions: On Interstate 90, take Exit 8 and turn south on McGuigan Road (which soon turns into Tinton Road (FSR 134). Follow Tinton Road 13 miles and follow the signs to the lake. Iron Creek Lake can also be accessed from Spearfish Canyon by following the signs near Roughlock Falls.

Licenses can be purchased at Queen City Liquor, K-Mart, the D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery, the Iron Creek Lake store, and online at http://www.sdgfp.info

Blue Ribbon

trout stream

Photo courtesy SD Tourism

visitspearfish.com 35

OHV TRAIL SYSTEM continually expanding

The Black Hills is home to hundreds of miles of off-road trails that off-highway vehicle (OHV) users of all types can enjoy.

2011 was the first year of an official OHV trail system in the Black Hills. For the first time, off-road riders received an official motor vehicle use map delineating trail locations in the forest.

Previously riders could drive anywhere in the forest that wasn’t posted closed, but a federal directive required that an official system be established and maintained in order to protect the environmental resources of the forest.

Now organized and maintained by the Forest Service, the trail network stretches across 650 miles of the 1.2 million-acre forest.

Tom Willems, travel management planner with the Forest Service, reported that there Photos by Mark Watson are 3,650 miles of roads and trails in the Hills. Of those, 707 miles will eventually be marked specifically for off-highway vehicle use.

Many trails still require work.

36 36 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

Disconnected trails need to be connected across streams and around private and nonfederal land.

Willems said that the Forest Service continues to connect and improve the trails, install cattle guards, and post signage on the system so riders can easily recognize the official trails.

The Forest Service is getting a lot of help from local volunteers and off-road enthusiasts who are anxious to complete the trail system as quickly as possible.

Black Hills National Forest Recreation Group Leader Rick Hudson said volunteers put in nearly 5,000 hours of work that equated to roughly $100,000 in value for the Forest Service in 2012. He said that thanks in large part to that volunteer effort, the OHV trail system extended by 30 miles for the 2013 season.

The Forest Service plans to finish the system in stages throughout the next three to five years.

The final completion date will depend on available funds and volunteer effort, but the system will remain open to users throughout implementation of new trails.

“We’re not done yet. We still have a lot of work ahead of us,” Willems said.

Trails in the Northern Hills are located near Iron Creek Lake, Galena, Nemo and west of Cheyenne Crossing. Though

increased signage on the trails will help riders recognize their location, officials said it’s best to keep a motor vehicle use map handy as well.

“The map legend is important to inform visitors about where to go. Some people will wave a map in my face and say “where am I?” said Bonnie Jones, recreation specialist with the Forest Service. “Learn what those symbols mean on the legend, and what that means about where you can be driving.”

The maps are available from the Northern Hills District office in Spearfish, or online at www.fs.usda.gov. Maps of the Black Hills trail system can be printed off in color or downloaded directly to a global positioning system or electronic map.

To help fund maintenance of the trail system, the fees for users of the new trail system are $20 per week, or $25 per year, and they can be purchased at Forest Service district offices or online.

Under the federal directive, all OHV riders that intend to use the highways to reach trailheads also need to license their machines for highway use. In-state licenses and temporary out-of-state permits can be purchased at the Lawrence County Treasurer’s office in Deadwood. Multiple permit types are available, so for more information, contact the treasurer’s office at 578-1862 or visit www.lawrence.sd.us/ treasure.htm.

: mation re infor o ills m h k r c o F v/bla o .g a d .us www.fs ck on and cli n. n sectio io t a e r c Re

Devils Tower National Monument

Just over an hour from Spearfish 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

visitspearfish.com 37

Spearfish Canyon home to

WORLD CLASS CLIMBING

BY MARK WATSON

Year-Round climbing

Photo by Mark Watson

38 38 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

opportunity

For years climbers from throughout the world have traveled to the Black Hills to climb the Needles’ granite spires.

But it has been only in recent decades that Spearfish Canyon has becomes a world-class climbing destination. Climbers find high-quality limestone at multiple crags with approach distances of a few yards off the road to a grunt up the steep hills to the walls.

Climbing Magazine, a globally distributed magazine highlighting the best climbers and crags in the world, features the limestone cliffs of Spearfish Canyon in a seven-page spread written by Climbing’s Senior Editor Dan Dewell, a former Black Hills resident in the August 2007 edition.

The article, titled “Spearfish Canyon: The land of 5.12,” brings to light the crags that locals have known about and climbed for years. When people did think of climbing in the Hills other areas are what came to mind.

“When they hear South Dakota all they think is the Needles and (Devils) Tower, but our sport climbing in the Canyon on the limestone is world class,” said Mike Cronin, a Rapid City resident who is featured in the article. “It is just great to let people know that we have it so hopefully they will come and enjoy it.”

The article opens “Spearfish Canyon, the Black Hills’ current proving grounds, hosts more than 450 routes, with 50- to 60-foot, techy limestone gems … For the enthused climber it’s like dragging … to Grandma’s house for brunch, and then finding out she’s penned you in her will for a cool million; that’s the Spearfish Canyon cache.”

Climbing Magazine still has a soft spot for the Canyon. It recently ranked Spearfish as one of the top climbing towns in the country.

Photos by Mark Watson

As of 2014, there are now more than 560 routes in the Canyon in seven main climbing areas.

Cronin compares the Canyon to the well-known Shelf Road in Colorado, but really it stands out in the U.S. “There aren’t a lot of limestone areas in the United States that are this good.

It is comparable to Rifle in Colorado, some of the Utah areas, and the quality of rock we have here is as good as it is in Europe. And that is as good as it gets,” he said.

But the Canyon isn’t only filled with testosterone-pumping routes that only the area human spiders can climb. It also sports mellow beginner routes from 5.4 to 5.8 leading Black Hills State University to bring its climbing classes to the limestone cliffs for introductory climbing. And for inspiration they are located right next to a technical 5.12.

The Canyon is also home to some of the safest climbing in the area.

Unlike the Needles, which is notorious for runout from bolt to bolt or from gear locations on tiny crystals that can and do pop off at inopportune times, the Canyon is home to beefy bolts only a body length apart, and that comes with a different code of ethics.

This differs from the Needles with a ground up bolting ethic where a 160foot route may have only two bolts.

“Everything we’ve done is from the top down,” Cronin said. “We don’t want scary runouts and death falls. Climbing is dangerous enough as it is, let alone making it an ego sport.”

“The Canyon is fun because all you really need are two dozen quick draws and a rope and it is pretty low stress,” he added.

Climbing routes are located in seveb main areas of Spearfish Canyon, each

containing a different challenge.

“What I always loved about the Canyon is, although it is all the same rock, every area has a unique characteristic,” said Greg Parker a former Hills resident. “Blue Sky seems to be more technical with small edges and little pockets, so it is very intricate climbing. If you hike up on the other side of the Canyon and go to the Mohican Wall, it seems to be steeper with bigger holds and more pumpy climbing.”

“A lot of climbing areas have one specific style. In the Canyon you pick a route or area that suits you,” he said.

Rock climbing ranges in difficulty from 5.0, easy climbing, to 5.15a, which only a very small handful of the most elite climbers can ascend. Here in the Canyon, routes range from 5.4 to 5.13c, with the largest majority, 284 between 5.11 and 5.12, according to the article.

“5.11 is the most abundant, but 5.12 not too far off behind it in numbers,” Parker said. “5.12 has gotten a lot of people’s attention because the 5.12 grade is hard. It is an expert route, but it is not unattainable. Not everybody can climb 5.13 or 5.14. That takes dedication and training, but I think that someone who is really motivated and tries hard can get to 5.12 without dedicating their lives to it.”

Another draw the Canyon has to the locals is the chance to climb all year long.

“Up at Sunshine wall you can climb all year long,” Cronin said. “You might have walked through a foot of snow to get there, but when you get to the wall there is no snow.

The sun radiates off that and melts the snow.”

“It is just nice to share this with other people,” Cronin said. “We have such a small climbing community here, that there are routes that haven’t been climbed in four or five years. It is nice to share the work we have done here and have people come and enjoy it.”

Additionally, if ice climbing is more your style, Spearfish Canyon is home to three climbable flows.

The most popular and accessible – Bridal Veil Falls – offers about a 100 foot climb rated at WI3. It’s close proximity and high visibility to the road offer a quick climbing opportunity.

Farther up the Canyon climbers can find a narrow gully offering a 60-foot climb rated from WI3 to WI4.

Near the base of the Canyon is the Terminator Pillar. It previously stood as one narrow column of ice rising from the floor to the roof above, but within the last year or two, the flow spans a wider section and is rated WI4.

Gear up!

Base Camp Adventure Sports: 505 N. Main St., Spearfish (605) 559-3131 Rushmore Mountain Sports: 615 N. Main St., Spearfish (605) 642-2885 Guide services are available through Sylvan Rocks (605) 484-7585 and Devils Tower Climbing (307) 467-5267.

visitspearfish.com 39

WINTER SPORTING ACTIVITIES

BY JACI CONRAD PEARSON

With access to two ski mountains located less than 20 miles from Spearfish and plenty of cross country and snowshoeing trails throughout the Northern Hills, those looking to play in this winter wonderland won’t be disappointed.

SNOWSHOEING:

If barreling down a mountain on a pair of skis or a snowboard isn’t your sort of thing, there’s always the sport of snow shoeing — and innumerable places to do it.

The Mickelson Trail is one popular site for snowshoers, but pretty much anywhere that would normally be open to walking or hiking during the summer months is open for snowshoeing.

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks makes the prospect of snowshoeing hard to turn down, as snowshoes can be checked

out for free from their Lead office, located at 11361 Nevada Gulch Rd., Monday through Friday.

The only cost associated with snow shoeing on the vast array of area trails is a $3 per person per day, $15 per person per year Mickelson Trail pass available at self-service stations along the trail.

Trails are not groomed, so, either way, be prepared to break your own trail.

For more information and a trail map, visit gfp.sd.gov Snowshoe trails also exist at two locations in the Black Hills National Forest.

At Eagle Cliff trails, located seven miles southwest of Cheyenne Crossing on Highway 85, there are two snowshoe routes – one mile and one and one-half miles long.

At Big Hill trails, located nine miles south of Spearfish on Tinton Road, there are also two snowshoe routes – one and one-half

s: ks Trail h & Par is F , e SD Gam 05) 584-3896 (6 ov fp.sd.g www.g -2165 05) 584 (6 : k a e 1169 Terry P 5) 5800 (6 : ic t s Ski My

mile and three and one-half miles in length.

There is no fee to traverse these trails, although they are un-groomed.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING:

There are a few sets of cross-country ski trails in the Northern Hills district of the Black Hills National Forest.

EAGLE CLIFF

There are 27.1 miles of largely ungroomed cross-country ski trails in the Eagle Cliff trail network in Black Hills National Forest, with one groomed loop and the rest classified as backcountry.

The 21 inter-connected trails are specifically designed for skiing and consist of 10 miles of trails that are rated easy, 9 miles

Get into it! w w w. v i s i t s p e a r f i s h . c o m

40 40 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

moderate and 8 miles difficult.

Trails range from short, rugged and remote to longer, looping trails with a range of difficulty. The opportunity to combine trails and create a unique experience is a highlight of this system.

The Forest Service asks snowshoers to stay off the groomed trail and those bringing pets to use the snowshoe trails or Sunny Meadow.

There are three accesses to the Eagle Cliff Trails at 7.4 to 9.4 miles southwest of Cheyenne Crossing on Highway 85.

BIG HILL

There are 13.6 miles of largely ungroomed cross-country ski trails in the Big Hill trail system, located nine miles southwest of Spearfish, with three loops groomed by volunteers. The Big Hill trailhead is about 7 miles southwest of Spearfish on Route 134.

There is no fee to traverse the trails located in the Black Hills National Forest trail system.

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING:

Downhill and cross country skiing as well as snowboarding opportunities are rife in the

Photo by Mark Watson

Black Hills at two different ski parks.

Located within just a few miles of each other, just outside of Lead, Terry Peak Ski Area and Ski Mystic are typically open from Thanksgiving through March and feature rental equipment and full-service lodges.

With elevations of 5,900 feet to more than 7,000 feet more snow falls on Terry Peak and Ski Mystic than anywhere else in the region. Terrain parks, a snow skate park, half pipes, 10 miles of groomed cross-country trails, and a tube hill can all be found in the vicinity of the two ski mountains, as well as lodging.

Terry Peak is the third highest point and

highest lift-served area east of the Rockies.

With 30-plus trails, 12 black diamond runs and high-tech snowmaking equipment covering 60 percent of the mountain, the family-friendly atmosphere and diverse terrain are designed to entertain the entire family.

The new and improved Ski Mystic at Deer Mountain offers a 6,850-foot summit, 44 trails and recently upgraded chair lifts.

With a range of terrain options for every skill level, including a tubing park, the whole family can ride or ski to their heart’s content.

For more information on Terry Peak, call (605) 584-2165. For more information on Ski Mystic call (605) 584-0926.

Tasty, Affordable Lunches & Dinners Steaks • Seafood • Native Game • Pasta • Vegetarian Great Selection of Wines & Beers Private Room for Your Business Meeting or Party!

SUMMER OPEN DAILY Monday - Saturday 11am-8pm LABOR DAY - MEMORIAL DAY Monday - Saturday OPENING at 11am Call for closing hours.

5th St.

Wi-Fi available.

I-90, Exit 12, turn Left at Main, then turn Right on Hudson.

126 West Hudson, Spearfish, SD 57783 Reservations: 1-605-642-5462 info@bayleafcafe.net • www.bayleafcafe.net visitspearfish.com 41

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- Clarks - Born - Merrell - Keen/Keen Utility - Sofft - Redwing - Rockport - Dansko - New Balance - Birkenstock - Naturalizer - Vibram Five Fingers - Chaco - Minnetonka Moccasins - Cobb Hill

The same year General Custer made his last stand at Little Big Horn, 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.

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

42 42 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

Photo courtesy SD Tourism

Get into it! w w w. v i s i t s p e a r f i s h . c o m

Winter snow gives snowmobilers

350 MILES OF FUN

BY JODI MATHIS

Snowmobiling season means sled-heads have 350 miles of groomed trails to navigate in the Black Hills.

Early season storms usually allow much of the Black Hills to have “adequate snow” for the trails, but the further south you go, the less snow is on the ground, said Shannon Percy, Black Hills Trails District supervisor.

There are spots on the trails that have a foot of snow and others with only a couple inches, Percy said.

The Northern Hills trails, around Big Hill and Trailshead, tend to have the most snow in the Hills.

Each year trails are updated and moved due to logging contracts with the Forest Service, which has contractors hauling out trees, infested with mountain pine beetles.

“Sometimes we have to move trails to accommodate their use,” Percy said.

The reroutes this year, are on Trail 3

by Cement Ridge and Trail 5A behind Recreational Springs.

Trail 3 was relocated because of logging contracts, but Trail 5A for other reasons.

“It’s a small reroute, (Trail 5A) only a mile long, I rerouted that one because the trail was a south facing slope that never held any snow,” Percy said.

“There are places on the trail system right now that are plowed off because of timber activity, so if you are out snowmobiling, be aware of those areas,” Percy said.

Percy said there were not many changes to the trails this year, but snowmobilers still need to recognize those changes.

“Snowmobilers need to be aware that we change our maps every year because of these reroutes, so they need to make sure they have a new, updated map.”

Maps can be picked up at the Game Fish and Parks Recreation office in Lead, at any Forest Service office, at any snowmobiling business and online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills and http://gfp.sd.gov/to-do/snowmobile/ map.aspx.

The state is offers permits for motorcycles that convert to tracked vehicles with a ski. If titled as a motorcycle but meets the GF&P’s definition as a snowmobile they can purchase a $20 permit valid for the snowmobile season.

It is not just on designated trails that snowmobilers can ride. The forest is open unless posted close, but Percy cautioned riders to be aware of public land.

In South Dakota, all snowmobiles must be properly licensed to operate on public or private lands, except those private lands owned by the snowmobile’s operator. A resident snowmobile license cost $10 annually and can be purchased at the county treasurer’s office in Deadwood. Resident and non-resident snowmobilers with unlicensed sleds may purchase a five-day, temporary snowmobile permit at many trailside vendors or online at http://gfp.sd.gov/to-do/snowmobile/license.aspx. The temporary permit is $40.

According to state law, snowmobilers who operate in road rights-of-way and/ or public snowmobile trails must show proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance).

The Black Hills Trail system is open from Dec. 15 to March 31.

nload To dow map, e trail il b o m snow go to /bhnf .fed.us ection. www.fs ation s e r c e R on nd click

a

visitspearfish.com 43

Brilliant

Fall colors in Spearfish Canyon

SPEARFISH WALKING TOURS: Two walking tours take you through Spearfish’s historic residential and commercial district, giving you a piece of its history on foot.

Historic Residential Tour (These homes are still in use.)

BY MARK WATSON

When the fall colors in Spearfish Canyon reach their peak near the end of September and early October, you can bet there will be visitors clambering to see the beauty of the deciduous trees.

Rusts and oranges are found in the oaks. Gold aspen and birch leaves quiver in the breeze. The cottonwoods and willows show off their bright yellow. Ruby reds show up near the ground on smatterings of sumac. The dark green backdrops from the pines combine with all of these to make an exquisite palette of colors.

“Spearfish Canyon is our number one attraction,” said Mistie Caldwell, the executive director of Visit Spearfish. “It is all year long, but the fall is a totally different experience than in the summer.”

She said people, mainly adult couples and retirees, start calling her office as early as April asking when they should come out to see the colors of Spearfish Canyon in their prime.

“Adult couples plan their vacations after school starts again and before winter,” Caldwell said. “As we get closer to the day, it’s people from the five-state region asking ‘when’s the peak?’”

Fall colors in Spearfish Canyon reach their peak near the end of September or the first part of October.

Caldwell said. “It’s interesting. Most people who call think the colors change a lot earlier than they do. A lot of people plan their vacations around Labor Day. They get a little bit spooked when you tell them the last week of September.”

But when September does roll around, the visitor numbers can increase even over summer month totals.

“Our September is far better than our June,” Caldwell said. “Linda Ahlers, from Spearfish Canyon Lodge is one of our board members. She always says that ‘Sturgis has their Motorcycle Rally. We have a leaf rally.’ That’s true. It’s our signature event, the changing of the leaves.”

People travel from as far away as Canada, Wisconson, Nebraska, Illinois, and Colorado to take in the fall colors of the canyon.

Photo by Letti Lister

44 44 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

• Mary Whitney House (1882), 704 8th St. • Henry Keets House (1883), 344 E. Illinois St. • William Driskill House (1884), 335 Canyon St. • James A. Corbin House (1887), 345 Main St. • Almira Riley House (1892), 938 Ames • Oliver N. Ainsworth House (1894), 340 Kansas St. • Webb S. Knight House (1895), 514 7th St. • Henry Court House (1898), 329 Main • Fayette Cook House (1900), 840 8th St. • John Wolzmuth House (1900), 814 8th St. • Eleazer C. Dickey House (1900), 735 8th St. • Arthur Hewes House (1905), 811 St. Joe • Halloran-Matthews-Brady House (1906), 214 Jackson Blvd.

• The William B. Lown House, Jackson & 5th St.

Historic Commercial Tour • The William B. Lown Mercantile, 701 5th St. • Mail Building, 731 Main St. • Odd Fellows Hall, 122 W. Illinois St. • American National Bank, northwest corner of Main & Illinois • Spearfish City Hall (old), 722 Main St. • Spearfish Filling Station, northeast corner of Main & Illinois • Queen City Hotel, 126 W. Hudson St. • Billiard Hall, 605 Main St. • Bank of Spearfish, 603 Main St. • Seth Bullock Building, 648 Main St. • Plank/Ashley Building, 638 Main St. • Matthews Block, northeast corner of Hudson & Main • Stockade, southeast corner of Hudson & Fifth St. • Spearfish Hotel, 535 Main St. • Wolzmuth Hardware, 544 Main St. • Spearfish Post Office (old), 526 Main St.

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 underground, making it the 5th largest in the world - Open daily except holidays www.travelsd.com

Photos courtesy SD Tourism

SIP-N-PAINT at West River Studio PRIVATE PARTIES TOO!

SIP-N-PAINT offered several times weekly

A Wide Selection of Beads

Tripp’s Custom Designed Jewelry

Art Classes & Unique Workshops

Professional Artisans bringing a variety of fun & exciting opportunities for the Spearfish community to enjoy some creative expression!

Visit the website for our full calendar of upcoming classes & events.

541 Jackson Blvd., Spearfish • 605-559-ARTS (2787) • www.sipnpaint.net visitspearfish.com 45

Mount Rushmore National Monument About 80 minutes from Spearfish

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

46 46 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

Photo courtesy SD Tourism

SPEARFISH CANYON: National Scenic Byway

A self-guided tour starting from the intersection of Hwy. 14A and Colorado Boulevard in Spearfish MILE 1.2

Six hundred million or so years ago, long before man walked this area, it was covered by a huge sea. As waters subsided and land masses 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.

The Canyon’s high walls are the three dominant rock types. Deadwood shale – at the bottom – which can be identified by its brown color, is multi-layered in appearance and ranges from 10 to 400 feet thick.

Englewood limestone – in the middle – is pink to red colored and is 30 to 60 feet thick. Paha Sapa limestone – the top layer

and thickest layer (300 to 600 feet) – is buff colored and weathered grey and is noted for its caves and fossils.

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.

Trees and plants from Rocky Mountains, Eastern Deciduous, and Northern Forests, and Great Plains areas can be found here. Canyon vegetation is extremely diverse – of the 1,585 plant species found in South Dakota, 1,260 species are in the Black Hills and Spearfish Canyon is representative of that extreme variety.

From this point on you may see turkeys, Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, and Cliff Swallows.

MILE 4.1

Steep, high Paha Sapa Limestone walls surround the Canyon and are a constant, dominant feature.

An early road construction attempt resulted in but a few miles built. It was the train that provided most Canyon transportation. In 1893, with completion of the Deadwood to Spearfish railroad line, picnickers, sightseers, and berry pickers used the train to access Canyon opportunities and return home on an evening schedule.

In 1897, the Canyon was included as

part of the Black Hills National Forest. In this area, creek bank plants of a shrubby willow variety, primarily Bebb Willow, and Oak and Elm trees mark Eastern Deciduous Forest influence more commonly found 400 miles east.

From the Canyon’s mouth to Interpretive Stop 5.5, grasses, a variety of broadleafed flowering plants, trees, and shrubs, occurring mainly on north slopes or in draws, mark Northern Great Plains vegetative influence.

A great number of bird species may be found south of this stop, where the water flows in Spearfish Creek.

MILE 5.5

Temperatures vary in this area and the thermometer can hit minus 30 (F) in the winter as easily as 100 degrees (F) in summer months. Landslides can occur within the Canyon in spring and early summer, due to winter freezing and thawing which loosens and fractures rock.

Looking down the Canyon (toward Spearfish), glance to the Canyon rim – at the skyline – and you can see effects of one such slide. Areas such as this – and there are more within the Canyon – can be easily identified by lighter colored rock and absence of vegetation.

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Also at this interpretive stop – looking directly across the road – the Deadwood Formation (layer) is very dominant and Northern Great Plains vegetation is prominent with such shrubs as Buck brush and Oak brush.

Towering Ponderosa Pine, from Rocky Mountain Forest regions, become common at this stop, continue throughout the canyon and are a dominant feature of the Hills. Without this influence the area would probably not be called the Black Hills. From afar, the huge amount of Ponderosa Pine – though dark green in color - appear almost black. The American Indians call the Black Hills – Paha Sapa – meaning black hills.

Ponderosa Pine is the most common vegetation in the Hills and provides Spearfish Canyon a year-round canopy of green. If, throughout the Canyon, it appears a Ponderosa Pine is growing from solid rock, you are not being deceived – it

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can do exactly that. A crack in a rock, a bit of washed-down soil and water and a Ponderosa Pine will make a home.

MILE 5.8

In areas of Spearfish Canyon you can see evidence of dark grey rocks called igneous intrusions. They were formed when pressure and heat were applied to molten rock which was being pushed through the less resistant sedimentary layers. The best example of this is the Bridal Veil Falls area. As you can see, rock upon which Bridal Veil is formed is vertically jointed and shows no horizontal layering – same with Spearfish Creek, which is classified as a permanent cold water fishery with headwaters located approximately seven miles south of Cheyenne Crossing (Interpretive Stop 18.3). Stream flow fluctuates but levels above Interpretive Stop 4.1 are sufficient to support a valuable trout fishery.

Trout in Spearfish Creek are not native

but were brought from Colorado to a US Bureau of Fisheries hatchery (now the historic DC Booth) at Spearfish in 1899.

Spearfish Creek averages 29 feet wide and, at this particular interpretive stop, there are abundant numbers of rainbow, brown and brook trout.

Eastern deciduous forest influence, such as birch and aspen, can be seen throughout this area, as can Rocky Mountain forest vegetation.

MILE 8.1

Between stops 8.1 and 8.6 is the Maurice Homestake hydro-electric plant.

Homestake Mining Company completed the project, which uses a system of flumes and tunnels to make a 12-mile diversion of Spearfish Creek, in 1917. The plant served as a power source for the company’s massive underground mine in Lead, S.D. Igneous rock is much more resistant to erosion and, at one time, Spearfish

Photo courtesy Les Heiserman

Creek which flows below the falls was about the same height as the top of the falls. Bridal Veil was originally named for the filmy flow of water over the 40-foot face of the cliff.

Spearfish Creek bears a name of disputed origin. One version has two early pioneers standing on its banks remarking, “This would be a great place to spear fish,� while a second version attributes the name to local Indians who actually speared fish in the cold waters. In the past this creek was known as Spearfish River because of the strength of the flow. The rail line was built, initially, for hauling ore from numerous mines, located near the canyon, to an ore processing plant in Spearfish.

But, by the time track laying was complete, many mines were closing and the train was used mainly by berry pickers and visitors to the area. In 1933, a devastating flood damaged portions of the track and

many of the 13 bridges. The branch line was abandoned and the Canyon highway was built, much of it on the abandoned rail line.

MILE 8.6

The cause for the diverse vegetative mixture found in the Canyon is not certain. It is theorized it may be due to the centralized location of the Black Hills and various climatic changes in North America over thousands of years.

The diversity in plant life allows approximately 130 species of birds to call the canyon home at least part of each year. The most common year-round stream related residents are dippers and belted king-fishers. Dippers are sooty grey in color and characteristically run along underwater collecting insects. Kingfishers are bluish-grey and white with large heads and long, thick bill. They tend to hover above the water before plunging in after fish. The kingfisher

can usually be found near canyon ponds.

From Interpretive Stop 8.1 to 12.8, habitat is dominated by the evergreen (coniferous) trees but also contains many trees that lose their leaves (deciduous) in the fall and winter. This mix provides the most diverse habitat and contains the greatest number of bird species.

A rare ruby-crowned kinglet may be sighted. Bohemian waxwings, evening and pine grosbeaks are occasional and rare winter residents.

MILE 12.8

You are now at a site where two massive canyons come together. This is perhaps the most spectacular view of the entire drive.

Huge cloud formations can be found hovering overhead at various times of the year.

In the fall months you can view from here the tree leaves beginning to turn colors.

Looking right (toward Savoy) Spearfish Canyon continues to the left and Little CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

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Spearfish heads off to the right. On your left and down the canyon, directly over the top of the highway, notice the pink-colored rock midway on the slope.

This is Englewood limestone.

Another good example of stratigraphic layering is at Savoy. Left, across the Canyon, three layers of sedimentary rock can be easily seen. The creek and the highway, between this stop and the last one at Cheyenne Crossing, are right on top of the Deadwood formation. Savoy lies 15 miles south of Spearfish. In early days visitors could come to Savoy on the train from Elmore (further up the canyon). Savoy was home to the Lepke-McLaughlin sawmill in 1892. A small cabin was used as an office and later became the first room of the original Latchstring Inn, removed in 1989 and now the site of the Natural History and Cultural Center.

Spearfish Falls can be viewed from a trail that runs right behind the Latchstring restaurant. The short trail leads visitors through the canyon’s spruce and aspen canopy, and meanders down to the canyon floor where you’ll get a good view of some of the local flora on your way to the falls.

Photo courtesy Heidi Watson/Watson Photography

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Roughlock Falls lies west of Savoy, up Little Spearfish Canyon, and is a popular picnicking site. Until the current roadway was built, there was a steep grade in the road to the falls area. It was tough going for horse-drawn vehicles, wagons and sleds (often with loads of logs).

Drivers “rough-locked” the wheels, using rope and chain, so they would drag instead of turn. If drivers forgot, their vehicles stood a good chance of having an accident.

The red stemmed red osier dogwood, in the area, marks more of eastern deciduous forest influence.

MILE 18.3

In addition to Savoy there are other old mining and railroad town sites in Spearfish Canyon. One of these is Elmore and, though the community of privately-owned residences can still be seen, it is a remnant of what the vibrant lumber camp and trading station on the rail line was in the first part of this century.

The canyon’s contribution to mining was timber, water and transportation.

Cheyenne Crossing (originally Spear-

fish Crossing) was so named because it was the point where the old Cheyenne Trail crossed Spearfish Creek. This was the Cheyenne, Wyoming to Deadwood stage route, an important commercial route during the gold rush days.

Northern forest vegetation is the least common in the canyon and is dominated by white spruce, with branches frequently laced with silvery green lichen called “old man’s beard.” Plant life is a variety of mosses, lichens, grasses and broadleafed plants.

In more open and grassy areas between Savoy and Cheyenne Crossing is a broad variety of bird life including, for the very lucky guest, an occasional golden or bald eagle.

The canyon supports a cross-section of four-footed animal life. White-tail and mule deer can be found throughout the drive. Porcupines, raccoons, squirrels, and chipmunks might be spotted as well as a bobcat or a yellow-bellied marmot.

A REAL LIFE TREASURE HUNT Geocache in and around Spearfish Do you like to explore the outdoors, discover hiking trails off the beaten path, and enjoy an activity perfect for all ages at no cost? If so, try geocaching where you can embark on a real world treasure hunt.

Geocaching started gaining in popularity in 2000. Today about five million people seek out at least 2.6 million caches throughout the world.

And, it’s grown in popularity throughout the Northern Black Hills, where 430 caches have been hidden. Of those, Courtesy photo 160 are hidden within 10 miles, 85 within five miles of Spearfish, and 25 within one mile of Spearfish.

To get started, you need a GPS-enabled device, and register as a member of www.geocaching.com, an online reference for hidden caches.

Once registered, visit the “Hide and Seek a Cache” page and enter zip code “57783” and coordinates will be displayed. Log that information into the GPS and validate the distance to the cache, and it’s time to “seek” out some fun.

So what are you looking for?

Caches vary greatly in size and appearance. In the field geocachers will see everything from large, clear plastic containers to film canisters to a fake rock with a secret compartment.

DISC GOLF

boasts a regular length of 6,874 feet and an alternate length of 9,095 feet. It hosted the South Dakota state tournament in 2013 and 2014.

A very hilly and moderately wooded landscape greets visitors to the Spearfish Canyon course. Players are advised to bring plenty of water and good cardiovascular fitness.

The 27th hole bears the Crow’s Nest name and could be regarded as the course’s signature hole. Players tee off a 100-foot canyon cliff to the basket.

Visitors going west on Colorado Boulevard turn left by Spearfish Canyon Country Club to go into Spearfish Canyon. They turn right on Winterville Drive and stop at a parking lot that comes before South Canyon Street. Then, they walk 200 yards on the bike path to the course’s signs and maps.

Spearfish’s other disc golf course is located on the Black Hills State University

Spearfish features two disc golf courses

Disc golf players in and around the Spearfish area have two options for testing their skills.

This type of golf is similar to traditional golf, but players use a Frisbee-like flying disc instead of balls and clubs. The object of disc golf is to complete each hole in as few throws as possible.

The disc golf hole may be one of several targets, with the most common being an elevated metal basket. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she makes each consecutive throw from the spot where the previous throw lands.

A hole is completed when the disc is thrown into the basket.

Spearfish’s more popular course is located at the mouth of Spearfish Canyon. This 27hole course opened in 2011 and has gravel tee boxes.

The Spearfish Canyon Disc Golf course

m hing.co geocac de: h zip co s fi r a e Sp 57783

Once the cache is located, open it up and you’ll discover a variety of items and trinkets depending on the size of the cache.

These items turn the adventure into a true treasure hunt. You never know what the cache owner or visitors to the cache may have left for you to enjoy. Remember, if you take something; leave something of equal or greater value in return.

But, unless you have an item yourself to trade, leave them in the cache. Lastly, don’t forget to sign the log to share your experience. The most important thing to remember is to return the geocache to its original location, so others may enjoy their experience as well and if you enjoy photography, snap a few shots and those can be uploaded to www.geocaching.com as well.

Another resource available is the Black Hills Area Geocachers online site at www. blackhillsareageocachers.com.

campus. This 18-hole course was established in 1995 and has a regular length of 4,662 feet and an alternate length of 5,243 feet.

The Black Hills State course winds its way around the campus and has a slight slope elevation with sparse foliage. Winds, a creek, and tall pines are among the challenges.

Construction of the Crow Peak dormitory has resulted in temporary course changes. Holes six through 12 have been removed, but 11 holes (one through five, 13 through 18) are still playable. Each hole starts at a concrete tee box.

Plans call for new baskets and tee signs to be installed in 2015.

Visitors go west on Jackson Boulevard Photo by Jason Goss through town one mile to a right turn on University Avenue. They circle left around the parking lot at the BHSU campus entrance, come to a four-way stop sign, and proceed behind the dorms to the message board next to a practice basket.

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SPEARFISH CONVENTION CENTER: A welcoming host

The Spearfish Convention Center, attached to the Holiday Inn, will launch your leisure or corporate event to its full potential! Located in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota conveniently off Interstate 90, the Spearfish Convention Center provides easy access to Spearfish Canyon as well as local restaurants, unique shopping and historic sites. Nestled among the natural beauty of the Black Hills, the facility allows guests to advertise not only their conventions, but the tourist destination of Spearfish.

For more than a decade, this facility has been the gathering place for several events in Spearfish. People travel from throughout the state and region, knowing they will be welcomed by friendly staff. With 14 meeting rooms and the largest room capacity set at 12,000 square feet, the accommodations are among the best in the area. All rooms feature individual controls for climate, sound and lighting. A separate area designed for on-site registration and event headquarters is available.

Conventions, trade shows, meetings and leisure events are effortlessly hosted in the versatile meeting spaces. These various events can host 20 to 1,500 people depending on the event. It’s the place where wedding dances and banquets burn the midnight oil, where car enthusiasts come to boast their wheels and organizations flock to hold their fundraisers.

Since the doors opened in 1998 the establishment has drawn hundreds of thousands of people to the area. The 26,000-squarefoot convention center has played host to regional, national and international conventions as well as some very grand events, including the Hamsters Induction Banquet and the Hospice Ball. When thousands of Corvette enthusiasts beat the summer heat for the annual Corvette Rally, they park in the convention center’s large lot where vendors set up a variety of activities both inside and outside.

In more recent years, the Spearfish Convention Center has proven to be a big plus to the community. What lies ahead for the Go Spearfish Convention Center? Positive growth, increasing electron to VisitSpearfish ic copy o .c f the Eve om for your fre business and the continued desire for excellence. e nt Plann ing Guid e.

Photo by BHP Staff

52 52 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

38th Annual

FESTIVAL IN THE PARK Over 175 art, craft and food booths fill Spearfish City Park July 17-19, 2015 Join thousands of locals and visitors for a festive stroll through Spearfish City Park, enjoying the sights and sounds of one of the largest and most popular artistic events in the Black Hills. The annual Festival in the Park attracts over 175 regional vendors offering items from art and jewelry, to food and furniture. Enjoy live music at The Watering Hole, demonstrations next to the rushing creek, and browse for unique art items and gifts.

Friday: 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Matthews Opera House & Arts Center Fundraiser Night

Photo by Mark Watson

$5 wristband required for entrance.

They are available in advance or at entrances to the park.

Live music from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. in The Watering Hole

Saturday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

(Free to the public)

Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

(Free to the public)

ion, format in e r o 73 For m -642-79 call 605 or visit ra.com wsope e h t t a m

Courtesy photo

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MOVIES IN THE PARK

BY KAIJA SWISHER

What better backdrop for a movie than a gorgeous night sky in one of Spearfish’s many scenic parks.

People are invited to bring their blankets and lawn chairs to spend the evening in front of a large outdoor screen, where classic and recent family movies are projected. Last summer, family favorites like the “Goonies” and “Despicable Me 2” Courtesy photo kept audiences of all ages entertained at parks around town.

“My favorite part is the people who start showing up at the park well before show time with their families and their picnic suppers,” Chris Harwood, community

54 54 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

activities coordinator, said. “The kids run around and play on the equipment and then settle in for the movie. I am surprised, more each time, about how many families, couples and teens are coming for the park movies. There are a few people who have been at every movie in the last two years, and many, many new faces each night!”

She added that last season, there was on average more than 100 people at each event, with the largest being close to 175 in the audience.

“Thank you to the moviegoers,” Harwood said. “They make it a fun and family-friendly atmosphere.”

The summer of 2015 should be great series, and Harwood said that there are many supportive sponsors that keep the event free for the public, and she hopes to add some new events to the series this year.

Check SpearfishRecCenter.com for updates, and Harwood said she welcomed movie suggestions or potential sponsors.

Movies begin at sunset, weather permitting, and a tentative schedule of dates has been set. Movie titles will be determined at a later date.

2015 Movies in the Park Schedule - Movie titles TBA June 11................Brady Park - 8:45 p.m.

June 25.................... Mountain Shadows

Park - 8:45 p.m.

July 9.................. Lions Park - 8:45 p.m.

July 23.......... Jorgensen Park - 8:30 p.m.

August 14................ Salem Park - 8 p.m.

August 27.......... Evans Park - 7:45 p.m.

Photo by Dennis Knuckles

celebrating

THE AMERICAN Year after year, sports car enthusiasts flock to Spearfish for the annual Black Hills Corvette Classic.

The 44th event, organized by the Sioux Falls Corvette Club, will be held July 16 through July 18, 2015.

With the 43rd year already in the history books, organizers for the Black Hills Corvette Classic are gearing up to make this year even better.

“We look forward to another year,” said Black Hills Corvette Classic organizer Denise Berg. “It’s already an amazing event, but we’re always looking to improve it.”

The festivities will kick off in Sioux Falls, 400 miles east of the Black Hills.

More than 30,000 people are expected to attend “Hot Summer Nites,” and the Corvettes line up along downtown Phillips Avenue for a show and shine, concert and peruse the vendors.

“It is so much fun … the entire area is just jammed packed with people and Corvettes,” said Jim McGrann, president of the Sioux Falls Corvette Club. “It’s just a great start to a great week!”

From there, everyone fills their prized Corvettes with gas, and caravans into Spearfish. They plan to arrive throughout the day on July 16 for three days of festivities and gatherings, which include guided tours, a poker run that lasts throughout the weekend and much more.

SPORTS CAR

Because tourism is one of the top attractions in the Black Hills McGrann said the guided tours that allow people to visit a variety of the sites throughout the area have really gained popularity.

“We like to stop at a variety of sites in the area, including a loop through Spearfish Canyon,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see the reaction from people who may not be too familiar with the area … and people who aren’t familiar with the area.”

This jam-packed week culminates with “Vette Street USA,” and the people’s choice car show to be held on Friday, July 17. Berg said this is where more than 400 Corvettes line up on Spearfish’s historic downtown Main Street, and thousands of area residents and visitors alike come to see what’s on display.

“We want to thank the town of Spearfish for their generous hospitality,” Berg said. “They are a great host city and we appreciate everything they allow us to do in their city.”

She added that this event wouldn’t be possible without the support of Spearfish businesses and tourism entities, which include the Holiday Inn and Convention Center, White’s Queen City Motors, the Business Improvement District (BID) Board, the Spearfish Downtown Business Association, Visit Spearfish, and Black Hills State University.

The Sioux Falls Corvette Club organizes the Black Hills Corvette Classic in Spearfish as its primary fundraising event.

“We always look forward to coming to Spearfish because we are certain to have a good time,” said McGrann. “But, it’s also a great way for us to raise money for a great cause.”

Because of the success of this event, the club is able to raise money for the Children’s Inn, a non-profit organization in Sioux Falls that helps neglected and abused women and children throughout South Dakota.

“When we looked at all the organizations we could help and in the end we all really had a soft spot in our heart for women and children who are in an abusive situation and need the help,” he said.

For more information on the Children’s Inn, or the Children’s Home Society in South Dakota, visit www.chssd.org/ChildrensInn. A complete schedule of events for the Black Hills Corvette Classic is available online at www.blackhillscorvetteclassic. com.

44th Black Hills Corvette Classic July 16-18, 2015

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Badlands National Park

One hour, thirty minute drive from Spearfish

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

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 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

Photo courtesy SD Tourism

605.642.4607

123 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 3 Spearfish, South Dakota

ear 5Y

605-642-2350 Photos courtesy South Dakota Tourism

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LEADING LADIES MARATHON

BY JASON GROSS

Spearfish’s Leading Ladies Marathon will leave the starting line for the 11th year on Aug. 16, 2015.

This all-woman marathon follows a gentle downhill journey through Spearfish Canyon from Lead to Spearfish. It is scenic, serene, and spectacular.

Almost 600 runners left the starting line for the 10th annual race in August 2014. The 26.2-mile full marathon started at Lead Country Club. Runners in the 13.1-mile half marathon started just north of Savoy.

The Leading Ladies Marathon course is USATF-certified and is a qualifier for

the world-famous Boston Marathon.

Marathon and half marathon races end a weekend that includes a writer’s workshop, guest speakers, and shorter road races for other runners.

“It has not really changed from my original dream,” race creator and organizer Elaine Doll-Dunn said when reflecting on the event’s progress over the past several years.

Doll-Dunn trained in Spearfish Canyon 36 years ago. She and fellow marathon runner, Fred Romkema, determined the distance from Lead Country Club to Black Hills State University was 26.2 miles.

On Doll-Dunn’s 65th birthday, she ran the course. “It was downhill and so glorious that I had to share it,” she said. “The spirituality and beauty of the canyon are unparalleled.”

The Canyon features moss-draped spruce, marsh grass areas, and cabins in the hills. Runners may also see deer in the meadows, fish in the ponds, or an early-morning angler.

Personal touches include chocolate at the aid stations, men wearing tuxedos, and Spearfish’s welcoming atmosphere.

ion, format in e r o For m gister, or to re visit m hon.co smarat ie d la g leadin

Leading Ladies Marathon August 16, 2015 Photo by Jason Gross visitspearfish.com 57

Photo by Mark Watson

A MOUNTAIN BIKE MECCA

National Forest trail system provides best single track riding in the Black Hills.

BY MARK WATSON

Spearfish and the miles of single-track trails surrounding it was one of the bestkept secrets in the mountain biking world.

But the secret is out and those trails draw thousands of mountain bikers to the Queen City every year.

The ranks of mountain biking enthusiasts have swelled and the trails around Spearfish are among the favorites of many, including top industry riders. Even Salsa Cycles, a Minnesota-based bicycle company, named its revamped ultra endurance suspension mountain bike the “Spearfish.”

DAKOTA FIVE-O

In recent years more and more races have come to fruition, but in the Black Hills, one reigns as king - The Dakota Five-O. Fifteen years ago members of Ridge Riders of the Black Hills organized a 50-mile mountain bike race starting and

58 58 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

ending in Spearfish and taking in prime single-track trails and vistas in the Northern Hills. That year the race drew only a handful of participants. Ride forward 14 years and the race has been capped at 700 riders. Registration fills within hours of opening and riders compete over Labor Day weekend for more than $25,000 in cash and prizes.

The Dakota Five-O is called a “race, ride, tour” because top competitors will race each other while other riders will take a few moments to stop and take in the beauty of the woods.

In 2013 route was in reverse of its typical course. It will return to the reverse course this year. The top rider, Kelly Magelky, from Denver Colo., finished the course in 2014 in 3 hours and 41 seconds.

Registration for the 2015 Dakota Five-O opens at 7 a.m. on April 1. The race will be held Saturday, September 6.

Perry Jewett, a member of Ridge Riders of the Black Hills and the race di-

rector, describes the trail online at www. dakotafiveo.com.

Running the course in reverse means riders cross Tinton Road sooner in the morning and will then climb Dakota Ridge – a notorious downhill in even years, it is a grueling climb in odd years of about 800 feet in less than two miles of riding.

“There are some really beautiful vistas when you run the course in reverse, especially above the rim of Spearfish Canyon,” Jewett said.

After completing the loop it’s back to the Tinton Trail and into the Spearfish City Park, where music, food, and a cold brew is waiting with your name on it!”

A WINTER FAT TIRE FEST “28 BELOW”

Who says you can’t ride in the winter.

An up and coming trend gaining momentum among mountain bikers throughout the country is fat tire riding. And, Spearfish isn’t immune.

In 2014 the “28 Below” was held for the first time. The race, on snowmobile trails, is a 28-mile loop that climbs to a high point of Cement Ridge and the fire lookout. The race starts and ends at Savoy.

It is part of the Savoy Winter Challenge; the other part is a snowshoe race. In 2014, 33 riders toed the line and pro rider Travis Brown, from Durango Colo., took the men’s win with a time of 2:48:10.

This year’s race will be held on Saturday, March 21. For more information, visit www.savoywinterchallenge.com.

GRAVEL GRINDER

The Gold Rush Gravel Grinder is a race, ride, tour of gravel roads of the Black Hills.

In its previous two races, riders rode

the Gravel Grinder, a 110-mile course or the tamer Gold Dust, a 70-mile loop.

This year Jewett introduces the Mother Load, a 210-mile ride that will take riders on a tour through both the Northern and Southern Black Hills. The race will have a 4 a.m. start at the Spearfish City Park. Riders must carry their own food and water, but there will be four checkpoints, each restaurant stores so riders can purchase food. Jewett said the first checkpoint will be at mile 70 at Trailshead Lodge, the second checkpoint is at mile 125 at Mountain Meadows, the third Checkpoint is at mile 150 at Moonshine Gulch Saloon, and the last checkpoint is back at mile 172 at Trailshead Lodge.

There is a time limit to the race, so it is not for the faint of heart or first time racers. All riders will have from 4 a.m. to

midnight to complete the ride. After midnight riders will not be given a finishing time, and there won’t be anyone or anything at the finish line. It is a challenging course with about 12,000 feet of climbing.

The trio of races will be held on June 6.

The courses consist of mostly gravel, but will also include a bit of pavement while riders roll over open prairies.

The course takes riders through canyons, flowing creeks, and trails provide a perfect opportunity to explore the deep forests, all while climbing toward views of the Black Hills.

The third annual event will use the same course as 2014. It will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015. To register, or find out more information, visit www. goldrushgravelgrinder.com.

Spearfish Mountain Bike Races: 28 Below - March 21, 2015 Gravel Grinder - June 6, 2015 Dakota Five-O - Sept. 6, 2015

For mo

re infor mation dakota fiveo.co visit: m or goldru shgrav elgrind er.com Photo by Mark Watson

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All Star Travelers Inn 605-642-5753 • 800-201-5753 • Exit 12, Jackson Blvd, Spearfish

44

All Vacations Homes Connection 605-642-2989 • Locations vary throughout the Hills.

•

Apple Blossom Bed & Breakfast 605-717-1457 • 214 E. Jackson Blvd., Spearfish

5

Bell’s Motor Lodge 605-642-3812 • 800-880-2095 • Exit 12, Main St, Spearfish

30

Best Western Black Hills Lodge 605-642-7795 • Exit 12, Jackson Blvd, Spearfish

50

•

4

•

Crow Peak Lodge 605-559-3333 • 800-843-6358 • Exit 12, Main St to Kansas, Spearfish

36

Days Inn 605-642-7101 • 800-225-3297 • Exit 10 to Ryan Rd., Spearfish

50

Diamond M Ranch Bed & Breakfast 605-642-2399 • 20041 Crow Peak Bench Rd., Spearfish

3

• • •

Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Golf Club 605-722-1800 • 877-722-1800 • I-90, Exit 17, S on Hwy 85 1/2 mi., Spearfish

46

BlackHillsGetaways.com 605-717-5555 • Locations vary throughout the Hills. Call for details.

BlackHillsVacationCabins.com 605-578-2369 • Locations throughout the Northern Hills.

Canyonside Bed & Breakfast 605-642-2576 • 800-277-5988 • 570 McGuigan Rd., Spearfish Chris’ Camp 605-642-2239 • 800-350-2239 • Exit 14, Colorado to Christensen Dr., Spearfish

Executive Lodging of the Black Hills 605-578-3555 • 866-370-3555 • Locations vary throughout the Hills Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 605-642-3500 • 800-228-2800 • Exit 14, Spearfish

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Fillmore Lodge & Cabins 605-642-7087 • 17 mi. SW of Spearfish on USFS 222, Beaver Creek Rd, Spearfish

5/3

Hampton Inn 605-642-3003 • 800-228-5150 • Exit 14, Spearfish

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Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center 605-642-4683 • 800-999-3541 • Exit 14, Spearfish

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Iron Creek Lake Campground 605-642-5851 • 12 mi. SW of Spearfish on USFS 134, Spearfish KOA Campground, Spearfish 605-642-4633 • 800-562-0805 • Exit 10, West on Hwy 14, Spearfish

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Orchard Creek Cottages 605-642-4234 • 877-642-2400 • Exit 12, Jackson Blvd to Ames to Mason, Spearfish

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Quality Inn 605-642-2337 • 800-228-5150 • Exit 14, Spearfish

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Rim Rock Lodge 605-642-3192 • Exit 14, 5 miles up Spearfish Canyon, Spearfish - Seasonal May-October Rodeway Inn & Suites 605-642-2350 • 800-606-2350 • Exit 14, Spearfish

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Secret Garden Bed & Breakfast 605-642-4859 • 800-321-1466 • Exit 12, Jackson Blvd to Ames to Mason, Spearfish

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Sherwood Lodge 605-642-4688 • 800-234-2032 • Exit 12, Jackson Blvd, Spearfish Spearfish Bed & Breakfast 605-642-2485 • Exit 14, 4220 Airport Rd., Spearfish Spearfish Canyon Lodge 605-584-3435 • 877-975-6343 • Exit 14, 19 miles up Spearfish Canyon, Spearfish

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Spearfish City Campground 605-642-1340 • 605-642-1333 • Exit 12, Jackson, then left on Canyon, Spearfish Spearfish Creek Inn, LLC 605-642-9941 • Exit 12, Jackson to 3rd St., turn right, Spearfish

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Spearfish Super 8 Motel 605-642-4721 • 800-800-8000 • Exit 14, Spearfish

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SturgisRallyRentals.com 605-578-1184 or 605-645-9684 • Locations and amenities vary throughout the Hills.

Wickiup 605-584-3382 • 21381 US Hwy 85, Lead

60 60 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

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Large Group Sp.

Internet Access

Guest Laundry

Exercise Room

Pets Allowed

Kitchenette

Handicap Acc.

Hot Tub

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SPEARFISH LODGING

Rooms/Cabins

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Mingle SPEARFISH NIGHTLIFE

BY ADAM HURLBURT

Spearfish is home to a diverse, active nightlife scene – from wine bars and brewpubs to sports bars and rustic biker bars, there’s something for everyone in town.

Whether you’re in the mood to sample some locally brewed beers, to sip wine in a chic lounge, to have a drink while watching the big game, to chat with locals at a cozy

dive, or to shake it into the wee hours at a nightclub, Spearfish has you covered. With more than a dozen locally owned bars and lounges in town, whatever you’re up for, it’s here. So pull up a stool, grab a cold one and ask the locals about their favorite outdoor hangouts – oh, and be prepared to make some new friends.

Back Porch B&B Bar

Killian’s Tavern

Scoreboard Lounge

Crow Peak Brewing Company

Level Wine Bar

Spearfish Creek Wine Bar

Lookout Lounge

Stadium Sports Bar

Lucky’s 13 Pub

Sunshine Saloon

703 N. Main St. • 605-642-2134 125 W. Hwy 14 • 605-717-0006 crowpeakbrewing.com

Dog House Sports Bar & Casino

539 W. Jackson Blvd. • 717-1255 604 N. Main St. • 605-722-9013 540 E. Jackson Blvd. • 605-642-7995

333 Heritage Dr. • 605-642-2973

Flanagan’s Irish Pub

729 N. 7th St. • 605-722-3526 flanagansirishpub.us

False Bottom Bar

645 N. Main St. • 605-559-0700

Happy Jacks Casino

520 Jackson Blvd. • 605-642-8236

305 N. 27th St. • 605-642-1582 luckys13spearfish.com

Lucky Strike Lanes

1740 Ryan Rd.. • 605-642-7367

Northern Hills Cinema

1607 Ryan Rd. • 605-642-9509 127 Grant St. • 605-722-7027 744 Main St. • 605-642-9521 3226 W. Fairground Lp. • 605-641-9095

Triple 7 Casino

9239 Colorado Blvd. • 605-717-0777

Zbar & Nightclub

529 N. Main St. • 605-642-3600

1830 North Main St. • 605-642-4212 nhcinema.com

Broker Associate Whether you are buying or selling, put Deb’s experience to work for you.

Full Bar & Menu

Open Daily 11:00 am - 7 Days a Week • • • • •

Carry Out Available Nightly Drink Specials (Mon-Fri) Happy Hour (5pm-6pm Mon-Fri) Families Welcome! • Video Lottery 13 TV’s • Pool • Games • Satellite Jukebox

Where Sports Fans Meet!

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

Stewart Property Management

SturgisRally Rentals.com

With over 25 years success, when it comes to managing your rental or investment property we share your goals.

Quality homes for rent during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Our vast experience and attention to detail gives our clients the edge!

DEBRA STEWART 605-645-9684 debstewart@rushmore.com

Broker Associate, Remax in the Hills Property Manager Stewart Property Management Sturgis Rally Associate SturgisRallyRentals.com

206 N. Egan Ave., Madison, SD 605-427-9521

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Spearfish offers

DIVERSE DINING This growing community prides itself on the diverse dining scene it offers both area residents and visitors alike.

More than 40 restaurants, cafés and coffee shops line the streets of Spearfish, so finding a place to enjoy a quality meal isn’t too hard in this town.

But, making a decision on where to eat might be – because they are all good.

Whether you are in the mood to devour a gourmet breakfast buffet, eat a juicy buffalo rib-eye, dig into a bowl of pasta or simply partake in a cup of coffee and homemade pie, there is something for everyone. From bistros to bakeries, there are also several quaint, locally owned and friendly places to sit, relax have an iced coffee and a scone.

Spearfish also features an assortment of family restaurants and hometown cafés that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all day long. There are also several ethnic restaurants featuring authentic Mexican, Italian and Chinese food, along with many steakhouses and niche restaurants. In addition to the restaurants in town, there are two restaurants in Spearfish Canyon, and a steakhouse right on the other side of the border, in Beulah, Wyo. The “Queen City” also embraces the chain industry and there are several fast food restaurants that serve everything from submarine sandwiches, wraps, pizza, tacos, cheeseburgers and ice cream.

After a long day playing in the Black Hills, visitors might just want to go back to their hotel and relax – and in that case, there are many restaurants that deliver.

No matter what you are hungry for and no matter where you go in Spearfish, you are guaranteed to enjoy quality food and friendly customer service. It’s a small town with a little bit of flair when it comes to its dining preferences – so enjoy your meal!

Photo by Mark Watson

62 62 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

Arby’s 605-642-0109, Exit 12, Jackson Blvd., Spearfish

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Barbacoa’s Burritos & Wraps 605-722-1774, Exit 12, Jackson Blvd., Spearfish

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Bay Leaf Café 605-642-5462, Exit 12, Downtown, Hudson St., Spearfish Blackbird Espresso 605-717-0022 • Exit 12, Downtown Spearfish, 503 Main St., Spearfish

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Buffalo Jump Saloon & Steakhouse 307-643-7173, Exit 205 (WY), Main St., Beulah Burger King 605-642-4332, Exit 12, right on Main St., Spearfish

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Applebees 605-642-9480, Exit 14, Spearfish

Dinner

Breakfast

SPEARFISH DINING

Wine/Beer Only

Indulge

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Cherry Berry 605-559-5300, 1420 North Ave., Spearfish Cheyenne Crossing Store & Stage Stop Cafe 605-584-3510, Highway 14A & 85

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Common Grounds 605-642-9066, Downtown, Hudson St., Spearfish

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Culvers of Spearfish 605-722-4868, Exit 14, Spearfish

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Dairy Queen 605-642-7455, Colorado Blvd., Spearfish

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Domino’s Pizza 605-642-0288, 1410 North Ave. #7, Spearfish

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Dough Trader Pizza Company 605-642-2175, 543 W. Jackson Blvd., Spearfish

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Guadalajara Family Mexican Restaurant 605-642-4765, Exit 10, right on Hwy. 14, Spearfish

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Jade Palace 605-642-2588, Exit 12, Downtown Spearfish, 715 N. Main St.

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KFC/Long John Silvers 605-642-4044, Exit 14, Spearfish

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Killian’s Tavern & Steakhouse 605-717-1255, Exit 12, Jackson Blvd., Spearfish

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Lucky’s 13 Pub 605-642-1582, I-90, Exit 14, Spearfish

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McDonald’s 605-642-2053, Exit 12, Main St. to Ryan Rd., Spearfish

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Millstone Family Restaurant 605-642-4200, Exit 12, Jackson Blvd., Spearfish

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Perkins 605-642-8535, 2301 E. Colorado Blvd., Spearfish

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Philly Teds 605-599-0344, 134 Ryan Rd., Ste. B, Spearfish

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Pizza Hut 605-642-7717, Exit 12, 435 Jackson Blvd., Spearfish

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Pizza Ranch, Inc. 605-642-4422, Exit 14, Spearfish

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Fairway Junction 605-717-4655, 120 Spearfish Canyon Rd., Spearfish (seasonal)

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Golden Dragon 605-642-2641, Exit 12, right on Main St., Spearfish The Green Bean Coffeehouse 605-717-3636, 304 Main St., Spearfish

Latchstring Restaurant 605-584-3333, Exit 14, Spearfish Canyon, 19 miles

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Leones’ Creamery (ice cream) 605-644-6461, 722 1/2 Main St., Spearfish Little Caesars 605-642-3355, 1420 North Ave., Spearfish

Queen City Coffee 605-559-1025, Exit 12, 231 W. Jackson Blvd., Spearfish

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ROMA’s Ristorante 605-722-0715, Exit 14, Spearfish, In the K-mart shopping center

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Safeway Deli 605-642-5728, Exit 12, Main St. to North Ave., Spearfish

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Sanford’s Grub & Pub 605-642-3204, 545 W. Jackson Blvd., Spearfish

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Soul Food Bistro & Espresso Bar 605-717-0693, 2728 1st Ave., Spearfish

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Stadium Sports Grill 605-642-9521, Exit 12, Jackson Blvd. & Main St., Spearfish

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Starbucks 605-642-5728, Exit 12, Main St., to North Ave., Spearfish, Inside Safeway

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Subway (2 Locations) 605-642-5205, Exit 12, Main St. to North Ave., Spearfish 605-722-4500, Exit 14, Across from Wal-Mart Super Center, Spearfish

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Taco Bell 605-644-8805, Exit 12, right on Main St., Spearfish Taco John’s 605-642-4620, Exit 12, Jackson Blvd., Spearfish

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Worship SPEARFISH CHURCHES All Angels Episcopal Church 1044 N. 5th St., Spearfish 605-642-4349

Calvary Temple Assembly of God 240 W. Hwy 14 605-642-3844

Christian Science Society Church 710 N. 7th St., Spearfish 605-642-1869

Connections Church

New Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA)

1140 Ames St., Spearfish • 605-642-1122

Northern Hills Church of Christ

4 miles N. of Spearfish on Hwy. 85 • 605-642-7167

North Point Christian Church

Spearfish High School Auditorium • 605-717-6770

Old Apostolic Lutheran Church

2040 Vista Hills Pl., Spearfish • 605-642-7535

Meeting at Holiday Inn & Convention Center Office located at 738 N. 5th St., Spearfish 605-559-1020

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (ELCA)

Countryside Church

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

First Baptist Church

St. Joseph’s Catholic Newman Center (BHSU)

625 Woodland Dr., Spearfish • 605-642-0585 1120 North 5th St., Spearfish • 605-644-7337

Grace Fellowship

1020 State St., Spearfish • 605-642-3715 oslcspearfish.com 844 N. 5th St., Spearfish • 605-642-2306

115 W. Lincoln St., Spearfish • 605-717-2582

524 W. Jackson Blvd., Spearfish • 605-717-1155 The River (Geared toward young adults.)

605-717-1155

St. Paul Lutheran Church MO Synod

Hillsview Church of the Nazarene

Salvation Army

Hope Lutheran Church

Seventh Day Adventist Church

1200 N. 10th St., Spearfish • 605-642-3436 913 S. 34th St., Spearfish • 605-722-3857

Jehovah’s Witnesses

1900 Windmill Dr., Spearfish • 605-642-7552

Mountain View Baptist Church

Corner of Jackson & 12th St., Spearfish • 605-642-4036

Photo by Letti Lister

64 64 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

846 North 7th St., Spearfish • 605-642-2929 320 Ryan Rd., Spearfish • 605-722-4321 290 W. Hwy 14, Spearfish • 605-642-0874

Solid Rock Church

3025 10th Ave., Spearfish • 605-642-0955

Spearfish United Church of Christ 920 Main St., Spearfish • 605-642-8253

Spearfish United Methodist Church 845 N. 5th St., Spearfish • 605-642-3457

The Summit

535 N. 7th St., Spearfish • 605-642-7222

Bear Butte State Park Approximately 25 minutes from Spearfish

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 Photo courtesy SD Tourism

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Enjoy SPEARFISH 2015 EVENTS

May 10

August 16

Big Buck Contest Spearfish Holiday Inn & Convention Center

Mother’s Day Quilt Show High Plain Western Heritage Center 605-642-9378 www.westernheritagecenter.com

February 14

May 22-24

SEPTEMBER:

FEBRUARY: February TBD

Cupid’s Arrow 5k www.spearfishreccenter.com

February 22

Black Hills Music Festival Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort www.bhmusicfest.com

Polar Plunge www.spearfishreccenter.com

JUNE:

February 13-15, 20-22

June 6

Last Roundup of the Guacamole Queens Matthews Opera House www.matthewsopera.com

February 26

The Barefoot Movement Matthews Opera House www.matthewsopera.com

MARCH: March 14

Leprechaun Leap 5K www.spearfishreccenter.com

Gold Rush Gravel Grinder Spearfish City Park www.goldrushgravelgrinder.com

10th Annual Leading Ladies Marathon and Half Marathon www.leadingladiesmarathon.com

September 4-6

Flavor Days Elkhorn Ridge and RV Resort www.flavordays.com

September 6

15th Annual Dakota Five-O Bicycle Race www.dakotafiveo.com

September 18-19

JULY:

Taste of Autumn BBQ Championship Spearfish City Campground www.spearfishreccenter.com

July 3-4

September 20

Great Western Trails event plus Day of the American Cowboy High Plain Western Heritage Center 605-642-9378 www.westernheritagecenter.com

Black Hills Beer Run D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery www.dcboothfishhatchery.org

September 26

July 4

Harvest Festival Downtown Spearfish www.downtownspearfish.com

July 11

OCTOBER:

12th Annual Black Hills Nationals Wrestling Tournament BHSU-Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center

July 16-18

October 5-10 Black Hills State University Swarm Days www.bhsu.edu

March 21

Spearfish Festival in the Park Spearfish City Park www.matthewsopera.com

December 2-5

July 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29

December 5

March 19

Dana Leong Trio Matthews Opera House www.matthewsopera.com

March 20-21

28 Below FatBike Race & Buzzards Roost Snowshoe Race Spearfish Canyon Lodge

APRIL: April 17-19

32nd Annual Lakota Omniciye Wacipi (powwow) BHSU-Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center, Field House www.bhsu.edu

April 18

Bunny Run 5k www.spearfishreccenter.com

MAY: May 2 Annual Friendraiser Live Feed of Churchill Downs’ Kentucky Derby in Theatre High Plain Western Heritage Center 605-642-9378 www.westernheritagecenter.com

May 2

NHTC Run & Ride Northern Hills Training Center 605-642-2785 ext. 232

66 66 visitspearfish.com www.visitspearfish.com

Independence Day Parade www.downtownspearfish.com Spearfish Canyon Half Marathon and 5K www.nhcasa.com 44th Annual Black Hills Corvette Classic www.blackhillscorvetteclassic.com

July 17-19

The Phantom of the Matthews Opera House Matthews Opera House www.matthewsopera.com

DECEMBER: Zonta Festival of Trees Spearfish Park Pavilion Holidazzle Light Parade, Christmas Stroll, and Community Chili Feed Downtown Spearfish www.downtownspearfish.com

AUGUST: August TBD

Concert Series D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery www.dcboothfishhatchery.org

August 3-9

75th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com August 3-9 Display of Great Western Cattle Trail Project High Plain Western Heritage Center 605-642-9378 www.westernheritagecenter.com

DOWNTOWN FRIDAY NIGHTS: June 12 - September 4

www.downtownspearfish.com

FLICK AND FLOAT POOL PARTIES: June 17, July 8, 29, August 19 Spearfish Rec and Aquatic Center www.spearfishreccenter.com

MOVIES IN THE PARK:

June 11, June 25, July 9, 23, August 13, 27 www.spearfishreccenter.com

August 4

3rd Annual Jacket Ride BHSU-Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center www.bhsu.edu

For a complete list of Events, visit our online calendar at www.VisitSpearfish.com Dates and times subject to change without notice.

Photo courtesy Les Heiserman

Photo by Letti Lister

Visit Spearfish Information Center 1

Spearfish Chamber of Commerce

Information Centers

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US Forest Service Office

Local Attractions

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Matthews Opera House

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D.C. Booth HIstoric Fish Hatchery

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City of Spearfish Parks

High Plains Western Heritage Center

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Spearfish Convention Center

Recreation Path

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Spearfish City Park & Playland

Creek

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Spearfish Aquatics Rec Center

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Spearfish Skatepark

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Disk Golf Course (two courses)

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Termesphere Gallery

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Black HIlls State University

13

To Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

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To Iron Creek Lake

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To Crow Peak

Campgrounds

Streets Downtown Spearfish

Spearfish Elevation

3,640 ft.

69 visitspearfish.com

Get into it! w w w. v i s i t s p e a r f i s h . c o m