GET THERE: Spearfish is about 415 miles northeast of Denver via Interstate 25, U.S. 85 and Interstate 90, through Wyoming. It usually takes about 6V hours to drive there. Spearfish is 48 miles west of Rapid City. Most major airlines fly from Denver International Airport to Rapid City Regional; nonstop flights start at $379.
GET AROUND: Spearfish’s downtown streets are mostly laid out on a grid, so getting around is easy. Most shops have street maps, as well as the handy tear-off Black Hills map that shows the major highways — U.S. 14A, Interstate 90 and U.S. 85 — that will take you to Lead, Deadwood, Sturgis and other popular Black Hills areas such as Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.
STAY: Spearfish Creek Cabins (21381 U.S. 85, Wickiup Village, 800-505-8268, ) are ideally located for a Black Hills trip, with easy access to Spearfish at the other end of the canyon, Lead and Deadwood. The simple, rustic cabins, situated on a historic stagecoach stop with Spearfish Creek running through the property, offer kitchens, one to three bedrooms and a gas fireplace. There’s a small playground, and the Stage Stop Cafe/convenience store sits next door.
SHOPPING: Nature’s Nook (1830 St. Joe St., Spearfish, 605-210-2718) is a tiny, friendly fly-fishing shop that stocks the right flies, bait and the other gear you need to make a fishing trip in the area happen. Owner Dave Baker is usually on-site to answer questions about what patterns are hitting and where to fish.
Rushmore Mountain Sports (505 Main St., 605-642-2885, ) is the stop for bike repair, parts and great tips on where to get out there from the helpful staff. And, if you happen to find yourself in town wanting to buy that sweet ride.
Two Wheeler Dealer Cycle & Fitness (215A E. Jackson Blvd., Spearfish, 605-642-7545, ) is the stop for a bike rental. Rates start at $29 per day ($18 for half), and their holdings include Specialized Rockhopper and Globe. Reserve ahead. They have locations in Rapid City and Sioux Falls, too.
DINE/DRINK: Stage Stop Cafe at Cheyenne Crossing (21415 U.S. 14A, Wickiup Village, 605-584-3510, ) serves three hearty-portioned meals daily during the summer and sits next to the Spearfish Creek Cabins, 20 miles south of Spearfish at the other end of the canyon. One side of the eatery is a convenience store with souvenirs and snacks.
Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant (83 U.S. 14, Spearfish, 605-642-4765) makes a strong margarita and brings a variety of salsas to the table with the chips (the hot is really hot, by the way). Well-marinated meats, a well-melded mole, and a good-quality cheese on everything put this place a notch above.
Crow Peak Brewing Co. (125 W. U.S. 14, 605-717-0006, ) makes some of the best beers (and in a staggering variety of styles) you’re going to find anywhere, served in a big barn of a building with a nice deck conveniently located next door to Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant (and since Crow Peak only offers pizzas brought in from somewhere else and a popcorn machine, this works out nicely). The daily brews are written on a giant chalkboard behind the bar, and hope that bartender Aric Bakeberg is working; the guy knows his stuff. Personal favorite: the cocoa-toasty Pile-O-Dirt Porter. Open only until 9 p.m weekdays, 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 p.m. Sunday, so get in here during happy hour (4-6 p.m.).
DO: D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery (423 Hatchery Circle, Spearfish, 605-642-7730, ) is a family-friendly outing, a free attraction started in 1896 to stock trout populations in the Black Hills. Ponds with fish of all sizes can be fed from the baggies of fish food for sale (it helps to have a few bucks handy) and the sprawling complex features a railcar, museum, underwater viewing windows and plenty of space for kids to breathe. You can borrow fishing rods for free, too — you just need to present a current South Dakota fishing license ( ). The city park sits right across the street, with its permanent exercise machines, picnic tables and lots of running-around room.
Spearfish Rec Aquatics Center ( ) is the best use of a former Walmart imaginable — 71,000 square feet of family-friendly fun. It has a water park, a full-service fitness center with classes, sand volleyball and batting cages. There are picnic tables outside and a grassy area where you can eat your own food. A rec center day pass costs $4 (adults), $3 (ages 4-17); the water park costs $7.50 (adults), $6 (under 48″).
Little Spearfish and Rimrock Trails are two easy-to-moderate trails near Spearfish Canyon. Little Spearfish is a 6-mile loop trail, while Rimrock is a slightly harder 6.3-mile trek with shorter loop options. Both wind through forests of ponderosa pine, aspen and birch and have views of the limestone cliffs, with Little Spearfish Creek running alongside. To get to the trailhead, take U.S. 14A to Savoy. Go west on Forest Service Road 222 for 4.7 miles to the trailhead.
Kyle Wagner
Spearfish insider’s guide
