Tour 1: Begin the day with a one hour trip across the Wyoming border to Devils Tower National Monument – one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Enjoy the hiking and viewing of this marvel. Take Hwy. 85 north to Belle Fourche. Then take Hwy. 34/24 thru Aladdin and Hulett, the scenic route. While in Aladdin, stop for a visit in the General Store; it is sure to put you back in time.
Return to Spearfish to visit the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery and National Fish Culture Hall of Fame. Visit the underwater fish viewing or do some strolling along our bike & walking path. Spearfish offers an upbeat downtown shopping area, with great retail stores, antiques, an art gallery, and restaurants – just to name a few. The High Plains Western Heritage Center & Museum, within minutes of the campground, features Western & Indian arts exhibit and indoor and outdoor displays of yesteryear. It is sure to be true highlight of your time in Spearfish.
Tour 2: This day begins with a spectacular drive through Spearfish Canyon. Leave from Spearfish via 14-A. As you travel along, you will be able to view Bridal Veil Falls and the spectacular view of the surrounding canyon. At Savoy, (14 miles from Spearfish), stop in at Latchstring Restaurant and walk the path behind to view the natural beauty of Spearfish Falls, From there, take the gravel road for one mile past the Spearfish Canyon Lodge and visit the breathtaking Roughlock Falls State Recreation Area. Enjoy the streams and waterfalls for afternoon fun.
– Once in Lead, take the tours of the Black Hills Mining Museum and the Homestake Gold Mine. Gold Mining has been the #1 industry in Lead for more than a century. Homestake was the largest gold mine in North America and now is a lab for underground mining.
Deadwood or Bust! Visit the Historic gravesites of Wild Bill and Calamity Jane at Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Step back in time and travel the rooms and displays at the Adams House and Adams Museum. Historic Main Street is home to the original site where Wild Bill Hickok was shot (#10 Saloon). This is now home to casinos, restaurants and hotels. The entire family will find some type of fun – Old West style. Don‘t forget to take in the evening drama of the “Trial of Jack McCall” which is performed at 8 PM Monday-Saturday. Upon your arrival back in Spearfish, another evening option is to take a step back in time and visit the historic Matthew‘s Opera House. Evening plays are performed from comedies to dramas in downtown Spearfish.
Tour 3: Today you can dine with the Presidents. Take Hwy 85 South to Deadwood where you follow the signs to Hwy 385 south. This scenic highway will wind you through the pines that make up the Black Hills. Along the way you will encounter a chance to do some horseback riding, trout fishing and buffalo watching. Travelling towards Hill City, continue through town and head 9 miles for your first view of Crazy Horse. The entrance will be on your right. Then, return back north on Hwy 385 and venture onto Hwy 87 (Needles Hwy.), this scenic route will wind you through the spirals and towards the Needles “Eye”.
With every turn of the steering wheel, a spectacular view awaits. Continue following Hwy 87 to Alt 16-A thru Custer State Park. This is where you may be able to view wildlife such as deer, burros and buffalo. Follow the signs to “Iron Mtn. Road.” This road is where you will be able to view Mt. Rushmore through mountain tunnels. Iron Mtn. Road is known for switch backs. Watch for the first view of Mt. Rushmore, it’s just around the next turn. This route will bring you out to the base of Keystone and Mt. Rushmore. Viewing of this National Monument is great from all areas and easily accessible for all. Return to Spearfish either by Hwy 16 to Rapid City then 1-90 West to Exit #14, or return on Hwy 385 through Deadwood.