Spearfish

Spearfish is a city in Lawrence County in western South Dakota, set in the foothills of the Black Hills at roughly 1100 meters elevation. Spearfish Creek flows through the center, framed by wooded hills and rock walls.

The city began in 1876 as a supply post for mining camps across the region during the Black Hills gold rush. Over the following decades, the focus shifted from mining logistics to education and agriculture.

Black Hills State University shapes life here for more than a century, bringing students from across the country together. The campus blends historic buildings with modern facilities that thousands of people use every day.

Spearfish Creek offers many entry points to hiking and biking trails that wind through the wooded canyon and along the banks. Most parks and outdoor areas remain accessible year-round, though snow may cover paths in winter.

On January 22, 1943, the temperature here rose from minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit to 45 degrees within two minutes, setting a world record for the fastest temperature increase. This sudden shift was caused by Chinook winds bringing warm air from the mountains into town.

Location: Lawrence County

Inception: 1876

Elevation above the sea: 1,112 m

Website: http://cityofspearfish.com

GPS coordinates: 44.48972,-103.85250

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:48