Welcome to the City of Spearfish!

Surveyed and staked out in 1876 and officially incorporated in 1888, Spearfish is ideally situated in the scenic valley of Spearfish Creek and at the mouth of Spearfish Canyon.

Known as the Queen City, Spearfish is surrounded by three prominent mountain peaks – Lookout Mountain, Spearfish Mountain, and Crow Peak which form a “crown” circling the City. Spearfish derived its name from Native Americans and fur traders or trappers in the early 1800’s who considered the clear and tumbling stream through the canyon a good place to spear fish.

In 1877, the first store was opened along with a United States Post Office. The Spearfish Normal School, now known as Black Hills State University was established in 1883. In 1893, a railroad was built through Spearfish Canyon. This route soon became an outstanding scenic attraction of the Black Hills and a roadway replaced the railroad through Spearfish Canyon.

The Federal Fish Hatchery, established in 1898, is known as the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery. In 1906, Matthew’s Opera House opened as the center of entertainment in Spearfish. After extensive renovation, Matthew’s Opera House still provides an historic setting for the visual and dramatic arts.

Spearfish continues to grow and prosper. The community is a focal point for tourism, is rich in history, arts and entertainment and is a retail trade center. With Spearfish’s resort like natural setting, its business, educational, and cultural opportunities, it is a wonderful place to visit and to live.