Located in the quiet hills on the northwest edge of the Black Hills, just south of Belle Fourche, is the idyllic town of Spearfish (population 8,851), which was founded in 1876. Spearfish makes a short and pleasant stop on the way in or out of the Black Hills.

Visitors can take the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (US-14A) and wind through 18 miles of forest featuring views of the Black Hills, picnic places, and waterfalls. The marked site where the movie \”Dances With Wolves\” was filmed is very attractive.

Spearfish got its name onto the map because of gold, which was discovered in the Black Hills by a band of men who were all—except one—killed by Native Americans. Ezra Kind escaped and lived to tell his tale, which he etched onto a piece of rock, later to be called the Thoen Stone. The Adam’s Memorial Museum has a display on the stone.

Spearfish has always been considered one of the most civilized of the Black Hills communities. The Matthews Opera House opened in 1906 and for 55 years, performances of the Passion Play have been held in a 6,000-seat amphitheater.

The Spearfish Ranger Station provides hiking advice and maps.

The Chamber of Commerce also sets up tours and has visitor information. Spearfish is serviced by buses.

Rapid City is the nearest airport.