Why not go on a vacation somewhere exciting and new? Somewhere captivating with lots of activities to keep you pumped and hyped.
One of the best travel adventures always involves nature and culture; that’s why Spearfish, South Dakota, is the perfect destination for the ultimate adventure.
So what are the best things about Spearfish SD?
This small town in Lawrence County, South Dakota, boasts some of the most beautiful natural, cultural and natural attractions in the northern United States.
Specifically, Spearfish is located in the famous Black Hills.
It was founded in 1876 during the “gold rush” period when people from all over the country’s northern part flocked to mine for gold.
Spearfish is the place to go if you’re looking for a taste of history and heritage; the city offers several attractions that will satisfy the history buff in you.
They eventually settled there and turned Spearfish into a thriving community.
With a population of 11,547, it is considered one of the safest communities and cities to live in.
But there’s more to Spearfish than meets the eye, and that’s the city’s natural beauty and vibrant historical art and cultural background.
This thriving community continues to grow as one of the country’s new hot destinations.
It is a place for art and culture and unbridled natural beauty.
Fun Things to Do in Spearfish (SD)
1. Go for a Swim at the Devil Bathtub, South Dakota
We highly recommend visiting Devil Bathtub, South Dakota, especially on a hot sunny day.
When visiting Devil Bathtub, South Dakota, prepare your shoes and remember that you will get wet.
Devil Bathtub, South Dakota, has excellent hiking trails open to kids and adults who want to hike; it’s all about walking and getting wet.
Devil Bathtub South Dakota is open every day of the week from 6 am to 10 pm; be sure to visit and make sure you have a fantastic time.
2. Visit Termespheres Gallery
If you are an art lover, Termespheres Gallery is a gallery that you will definitely fall in love with after your first visit.
The Termespheres Gallery displays outstanding works of art created by an internationally renowned artist named Dick Thermes.
This gallery has been listed as one of the world’s art galleries showcasing the strangest yet most exciting works of art.
In the Termespheres Gallery, you will see unique and stunning works of art that you have probably never seen before.
Once you walk through the doors, you can’t help but be amazed and charmed by the incredible paintings and other collections on display.
3. Check Out the Clubhouse of Spearfish
The Spearfish Clubhouse has something for everyone and features four excellent golf simulators for a spectacular virtual game at various golf courses in the USA.
The clubhouse also offers other games for family and friends to enjoy and have great fun with, such as outdoor simulators, mini golf, shooters, Alien & zombies, etc.
An extensive menu includes basket-style dishes and scrumptious appetizers with a twist.
This clubhouse is the place for several occasions, such as birthday parties, dinners, family outings or reunions, team-building parties, corporate meetings, etc.
It offers outdoor and indoor seating, whichever you prefer, to enjoy moments of relaxation and comfort.
The clubhouse is open from Monday to Thursday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Friday and also on Saturday from 12 pm to 12 am, and Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm.
Things to Do in Spearfish (SD) at Night
1. Grab a Drink at Flanagan’s Irish Pub
Flanagan’s Irish Pub is a small pub with a fantastic large drinks menu consisting of local craft beers, spirits, cocktails, and more.
You can also enjoy great music that helps motivate your party spirit and dance moves and your friends and family.
It provides just the right environment where you can enjoy and interact with other residents without fear.
The Pub is open every day of the week from 4 pm to 2 am.
2. Don’t Miss a Night Out at Stadium Sports Grill
Are you ready for premium entertainment? Then a visit to Stadium Sports Grill is your best bet.
It was built in 1993 and is popularly known as the “Home of the World Famous Stadium Beef Tops.”
They offer a comprehensive drink menu with a large selection of liqueurs, beers, wines, and other delicious drinks.
Stadium Sports Grill also offers delicious food perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, such as pasta, salad, tacos, and much more.
This place serves as a gathering place for sports fans to come to experience great entertainment and express themselves.
Stadium Sports Grill is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 am, and Sunday from 10 am to 2 am.
3. Taste Some Good Wines at Level Wine Bar
It is the best place to enjoy a fantastic chilled bottle of delicious beer, and it is better when you are with your friends or family.
Level Wine Bar is located in downtown Spearfish on Main Street; they offer an extensive drinks menu of more than forty fantastic wines and more than eighteen types of beers.
The current owners have recently renovated the bar into a more beautiful and charming setting for more convenience.
They serve light appetizers and take food orders and deliver them from one of their local restaurants.
The staff offers excellent customer service and makes sure customers are happy.
Things to Do in Spearfish (SD) For Couples
1. Check Out D.C. Booth Historic National. Fish Hatchery & Archives
D.C. Booth Historic National. The Fish Hatchery & Archives is a place you will surely fall in love with when you visit.
D.C. Booth Historic National. The Fish Hatchery & Archives was built in 1896, making it the oldest fish hatchery in the States and the second oldest in the American West.
This fish hatchery raises up to thirty thousand (30,000) rainbow trout annually and releases them into lakes, including Black Hills rivers.
The Fish Hatchery & Archives also features historical artifacts, ancient records, and fishing archives relevant to today.
The museum is very educational; it shows visitors the entire process of fish growth, starting from eggs, transportation, breeding, etc.
They also teach different ways to keep predators away from fish using cannons, noise weapons, etc.
Learn more about the fish hatchery and get a chance to feed some fish when you visit D.C. Booth Historic National. Fish hatchery and archive.
2. Shop at Artifacts Antiques and Art
Artifacts Antiques and Art is a place you will love to visit if you are an art enthusiast.
It is a family-owned art center that houses a diverse collection of unique antiques.
This antique shop opened to the public in May 2019; and has become a popular hub for books, vintage, vinyl, military, Dixie bike paint, and many unique antiques.
Artifacts Antiques and Art features original artwork, items made by local artisans, and many incredible collectibles.
Stop by for a one-of-a-kind artifact that you won’t find anywhere else.
3. Don’t Miss a Good Dinner at Killian’s Food and Drink
You’re missing out if you haven’t tried Killian’s Food and Drink in Spearfish.
Killian’s Food and Drink serves exceptional American cuisine with a twist and use the perfect local organic ingredients to prepare their meals.
Killian’s Food and Drink serves dishes ideal for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free. There is always something for everyone at this restaurant.
Some of their famous dishes are buffalo chicken sandwiches, mushrooms, roasted red pepper hummus, soups, salad, burgers, and much more.
Killian’s Food and Drink has an extensive drink menu, including beers, spirits, wines, and cocktails.
Eating at Killian’s Food and Drink is one of the best things to do in Spearfish (SD).
Things to Do in Spearfish (SD) For Kids
1. Take Them to Spearfish Recreation and Aquatics Center
If you want to have fun with family and friends, Spearfish Recreation and Aquatics Center is a center you will definitely enjoy visiting.
The Spearfish Recreation and Aquatics Center offer 71 square feet of state-of-the-art aquatics facilities, making it an excellent family center.
The center includes a cardio room, gym, fitness center, group fitness classes, and much more.
The Spearfish Recreation and Aquatics Center also have a well-equipped water playground with multiple pools, water slides, and several others.
This recreation center hosts various occasions such as sporting events, community activities, family events, school or church gatherings, and more.
The Spearfish Recreation and Aquatics Center are open to everyone 24/7, all year round.
2. Give Them the Time of Their Lives at Spearfish City Park
Visiting Spearfish City Park is one of the best things to do in Spearfish for an unforgettable experience.
This Park is located in a canyon, filled with many exciting facilities, and is open to all to come and have fun.
The park offers a fully equipped playground for children to explore and have great fun and trails ideal for hiking and biking for all ages.
Spearfish City Park has designated picnic areas with picnic tables and shelters for those who want to go on a nice family picnic.
This is the venue for various events ranging from music, festivals, athletic events, weddings, birthday parties, and many more.
Pavilions are available for hire for indoor events. It also has a volleyball court, a pickleball or basketball court, and a band.
Spearfish City Park is dog-friendly, has clean restrooms, a large parking lot, and benches along the trails where you can sit and relax.
Once at the park, you may as well decide to go for a walk while enjoying the picturesque view of the surroundings. Your bucket list isn’t complete without Spearfish City Park.
3. Visit the Frawley Ranch
Frawley Ranch is located in the heart of the beautiful Centennial Valley, where six historic homesteads are preserved and displayed.
It was owned by prominent lawyer and businessman Henry Frawley, who bought several failed homestead lots and later turned them into one of the most successful cattle ranches.
You can take guided tours of the ranch and visit various historic buildings, including the Centennial Valley School House, Courtyard Barns, and Draper Road House.
Visitors can enjoy various activities at the Elkhorn Ridge Resort, including golfing, swimming, hiking, and biking.
Indoor Activities to Do in Spearfish (SD) For Adults
1. Watch a Movie at Matthews Opera House and Arts Center
For art lovers, the Matthews Opera House and Arts Center is an excellent place for you; get ready for premium entertainment.
The Matthews Opera House and Arts Center was built in 1906 and served as the center of the arts in Spearfish, located in the Downtown District of Spearfish on Main Street.
Known to be a famous art and history center, this art center is an essential part of the city’s culture, history, and entertainment.
The Matthews Opera House and Arts Center provides educational programs that help promote the arts and humanities while preserving the ancient building.
The center has a shooting range and a cinema that offers live performances and concerts throughout the year.
2. Appreciate Local Arts at Ruddell Gallery
A very innovative gallery and a popular spot for residents and tourists, it is located at Black Hills State University in Spearfish.
The Ruddell Gallery uses the displayed exhibits to educate the public and hosts educational tours and programs open to everyone.
Apart from educating people, the exhibition also helps promote contemporary art.
The Ruddell Gallery significantly impacts society by engaging its artists and audiences in innovative programs that are of great importance to the art of Spearfish.
3. Enjoy a Warm Massage at Zero Gravity
Zero Gravity is a place where you can just take a break from all the fun activities and relax.
Zero Gravity is all about feeling incredible; it offers two private cabin suites that provide a fantastic weightless experience.
The human body and minds tend to relax when the pressure of Gravity and external stimulation is removed.
Zero Gravity offers fantastic massages to help you relax and bring excellent relief from any form of body pain.
It also offers services such as Thai massages, infrared saunas, deep tissue, sports, and more and consists of about fifteen flavors to relieve headaches and an oxygen bar.
They have professional therapists who ensure that they offer the best services and that their guests are satisfied.
Zero Gravity is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
If you want a calm, relaxing, and unusual experience, definitely visit Zero Gravity.
Romantic Things to Do in Spearfish (SD)
1. Go Fishing at the Iron Creek Lake
The lake is located in the western part of Spearfish Canyon; has been labeled as the unspoiled beauty of the Black Hills.
It is a 24-acre recreation site established in the mid-1930s to serve as a recreation site in Lawrence County.
Iron Creek Lake offers many exciting outdoor activities, such as swimming, fishing, and more.
The lake also offers trails ideal for hiking, and there is a local shop where boats and kayaks can be rented. They also serve delicious meals and snacks in case you start feeling hungry.
This center is ideal for camping, whether in a tent or RV.
2. Experience Comfort at Black Hills Salt Cave & Spa
The Black Hills Salt Cave & Spa offers two infrared saunas, five treatment rooms, a salt cave, and a relaxation room,
It offers a variety of spa treatments such as wraps and peels, massage therapy, spa packages and parties, and an infrared sauna with plans to provide skin care and facials in the future.
The area around the Black Hills Salt Cave & Spa is very beneficial for improving mental and brain health, respiratory issues, seasonal affective disorder, and many other health issues.
The staff has extensive experience and knowledge of the processes of offering massages to guests.
It is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays). Stop by and enjoy a wonderful spa experience.
3. Check Out the Clubhouse of Spearfish
The clubhouse of Starfish is a unique golf resort that offers excellent food and family golf simulators.
The clubhouse is suitable for any occasion, from birthday parties and team-building experiences to family outings or dates; the clubhouse just has something to offer everyone.
It has four excellent golf simulators where you can enjoy a virtual game on some of the most famous golf courses in the USA.
At the clubhouse, there are various other games for families, including mini golf, an outdoor simulator, alien and zombie shooters, and many more.
Also, their menu offers a selection of popular appetizers and entrees that can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors.
Free Things to Do in Spearfish (SD)
1. Enjoy the Beautiful View of the Spearfish Canyon
Visiting Spearfish Canyon is one of the best things to do in Spearfish, and it’s even better if you visit with your friends and family.
This canyon is located at the southern end of the Black Hills National Forest.
This is the best place for wildlife viewing; it serves as home to various wildlife such as chipmunks, raccoons, yellow-bellied marmots, porcupines, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and mule deer.
You will also see other animals, such as blue jays, barn swallows, woodpeckers, turkeys, chickadees, bald and golden eagles, and several others.
Spearfish Canyon features plants and trees from the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, Northern Forests, and Eastern Woodlands.
The canyon offers fantastic hiking trails and is open to everyone for free. Spearfish Canyon is an excellent and perfect place to commune with nature.
2. Check Out the Community Caves
Community Caves, popularly known as Wildcat Caverns, is located below Spearfish Canyon, about half a mile from the main road.
There are hiking trails, but they are more challenging and require a lot of experience and effort. You will also find loose stones along the trails.
Visit the Community Caves for a challenge; it is worth it because you will enjoy the beautiful scenery.
3. Go For a Bath at Roughlock Falls Nature Area
Roughlock Falls Natural Area is a place that many tourists never forget to visit whenever they visit Spearfish.
This area is located in the Spearfish Canyon State Natural Area; Roughlock Falls receives its water from the small Spearfish Creek in Spearfish Canyon.
The Roughlock Falls Nature Area offers thought-provoking trails and hiking trails ideal for long leisurely walks around the area.
There are significant areas for picnics where you can chat with family and friends and have a meal together.
Roughlock Falls Natural Area is ideal for fishing and swimming; you can opt for wildlife viewing or bird watching and keep an eye out for grey birds, American bears, ptarmigan, and more.
Cheap Things to Do in Spearfish (SD)
1. Grab a Meal at the Millstone Family Restaurant
The Millstone Family Restaurant is a family-run restaurant that started in 1981 and served fantastic food to the public 24/7.
The restaurant offers soup, an extensive breakfast menu, a salad bar, homemade favorites, and more.
Millstone Family Restaurant offers roast beef dinner, barbecue pork ribs, oven-roasted swiss steak, fish fry, Indian tacos, Philly chicken sandwiches, salmon filet, and more.
The restaurant is spacious and quite comfortable with private booths, and the staff help to create a friendly atmosphere to relax the visitor.
2. Check Out Crow Peak Brewing Company
This is one of the best breweries in Spearfish; the perfect place for you and your friends to have a good time.
Crow Peak Brewing Company was built in 2007 as a modest 5-barrel brewery that sold its products directly from the production plant.
The company has grown and now ships over two thousand (2,000) barrels of beer to satisfy its customers in South Dakota and around the world.
Crow Peak Brewing Company has a taproom in Spearfish where you can try some of their best beers.
3. Take a Walk Along the Commercial District
The commercial district is significant to the city’s arts and culture, reflecting its classic turn-of-the-century appeal.
The site also preserves the original and original building designs that were built before 1911.
16 of the 24 buildings in the business district built before 1911 are still standing today.
The commercial district alone can provide tourists with the best things to do in Spearfish (SD).
The business district also boasts many restaurants, shops, and other local specialties.
From a small settlement in 1876, Spearhead transformed into a thriving town within a few years due to the gold rush that attracted settlers, prospectors, and adventurers.
Spearfish continues to grow and prosper over the years, while its arts and culture bring more color to the city.
One of the best witnesses to Spearfish’s growth and history is its business district.
The business district serves as the people’s center for social and business needs.
The business district, which has an L-shaped area, includes Spearfish Main Street, which covers four blocks.
Cool Places to Visit in Spearfish (SD)
1. High Plains Western Heritage Center
The High Plains Western Heritage Center is an educational and fascinating museum, especially for cowboy fans and western history buffs.
This museum was built in 1989 as a 5-state regional museum, including Nebraska, Montana, American Indians of North Dakota, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
The High Plains Western Heritage Center displays historical artifacts honoring the five states’ early inhabitants.
This museum displays extensive collections of chucks, stagecoaches, homesteads, log cabins, and several other historical artifacts.
2. Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is located south of the north entrance of Spearfish Canyon with a drop of approximately 60 feet.
This location is ideal if you want to go on a short hike and is easily accessible to the public, making it the perfect place for family outdoor activities.
Bridal Veil Falls features an observation deck that provides scenic views of the surrounding area.
3. The Millstone Family Restaurant
Established in 1981, Millstone Family Restaurants is a locally owned and operated casual American restaurant with three locations in the Black Hills.
They offer homemade favorites, soup, a salad bar, and an extensive breakfast menu. The daily special with homemade delicacies such as meatloaf and ribs is worth a look.
Their Spearfish location is a spacious, inviting restaurant with cozy private booths and large windows bringing in lots of light.
It’s equally popular with the breakfast crowd, with families coming for dinner. Millstone does not serve alcohol.
Conclusion
Spearfish is just the right place to take a vacation with family or friends because the fun just never ends here.
You can start planning that trip now with this guide to amazing things to do in Spearfish (SD).
