South Dakota is well-known for its scenery and natural history and Spearfish is the perfect place to visit to get a taste of both. Whether you're visiting for a while or just passing through on a longer road trip, Spearfish is a fantastic place to sit, relax, and enjoy some of the most beautiful sites the U.S. has to offer.
When should you visit Spearfish, SD?
Just across the border from Wyoming and north of Black Hills National Forest, Spearfish, SD is a bustling city surrounded by national parks and gorgeous scenery. It's the perfect spot for visiting many of the highlights of western South Dakota and has things to do and places to see all year around.
The natural landscapes surrounding the city make visiting in the summer and fall perfect for hiking and birding. The area is known for its fall foliage that rivals New England's famed leaves. Being in a somewhat remote location, it's perfect for seeing undisturbed landscape for miles around.
Of course, its central location for many of the famous sites in South Dakota means it's a hotspot during the summer for vacationing families, so a fall or springtime trip may be better suited to your needs. If you do visit during the summer, you can catch a local baseball game and cheer on the Spearfish Sasquatches, a collegiate wood-bat baseball team.
That isn't to say that winter isn't a fantastic time to visit the area either. With the consistent snow it gets, Spearfish, SD is a hotspot for winter sports. Visitors can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and more.
Regardless of when you visit the area, finding accommodations is the first thing to do — and thankfully, you have a wide range of options available to you.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Spearfish, SD:
Spearfish, SD: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Spearfish, SD. Browse these line graphs to determine the cheapest time to stay in Spearfish for your upcoming travels.
Where are the luxury hotels around Spearfish, SD?
Sometimes you just have to pull out all the stops and enjoy everything the area has to offer. Spearfish has hotels that do just that for you, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Wanting to stay in Spearfish proper? Not a problem — Hampton Inn Spearfish has you covered. Buffet breakfast is available daily, along with a waterslide, and concierge service to help you secure tickets to your destination. In a hurry? They also have grab and go breakfast bags to ensure you don't waste a minute of your day when you'd rather be seeing the sights.
However, if you're willing to wander just a little outside of the city limits and into Deadwood, you can book a stay in a truly luxurious hotel and resort — The Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort. A small oasis surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest, this hotel has an indoor pool, shuttle service to downtown Deadwood, and an attached casino. It's the ultimate luxury for your Spearfish vacation.
What are the most affordable hotels in Spearfish, South Dakota?
3 Star Average Prices: $132.88
If you're traveling on a budget, it can be hard to find affordable hotels in tourist hotspots like Spearfish. Thankfully, there are still several in the area that can help you visit the area and still go home with souvenirs.
Travelodge by Wyndham in Spearfish, SD has on-site parking and comes with complimentary breakfast. It's only about a mile away from the Deadwood Scenic Byway and is centrally located in the city of Spearfish, making it ideal for getting around to all parts of the city and nearby areas.
Super 8 Spearfish is a great no-frills location for when you just need a place to sleep in between all the fun you're having. With RV parking and complimentary breakfast, it's the perfect affordable hotel for all your travel needs.
2 Star Average Prices: $129.61
What hotels in Spearfish, SD offer the best discounts?
On the other hand, if you're looking to save a little money while in Spearfish, you don't have to give up any of the amenities you love. Many of the hotels in town offer some sort of discount, however there are two hotels that stand out by having some of the most extensive discounts available for travelers.
Holiday Inn Spearfish Convention Center offers AAA, military, and group discounts, as well as AARP/senior rates. With 145 rooms, they're a great place for your next big event — and getting around is easy with their complimentary shuttle to nearby attractions.
Quality Inn Spearfish is in a stunning location and has discounts for AAA members, seniors, and military. With complimentary breakfast and RV and bus parking, it's a fantastic choice for families. Kids 18 and under even stay free with their parents.
Both hotels are centrally located in downtown Spearfish, offering easy access to the highway and to downtown sites, making them ideal for being able to see everything during your stay.
What are the best value options in the Spearfish area?
If you're looking for something middle of the road, there are several options in the heart of Spearfish, just off the highway, ensuring you can find value and comfort within your price range.
Days Inn by Wyndham Spearfish is the perfect mix of luxury and affordability. Infant beds and cribs are available at no charge, making it a great choice for families. Add in the barbecue grills available on-site, it's the perfect choice for a summer getaway.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Spearfish is just 10 minutes away from both the scenic byway and the Black Hills National Forest, making it easy to get to wherever you want to go. They offer complimentary continental breakfast and WiFi and have an indoor pool.
What are the can't-miss sights in Spearfish, SD?
There are so many places to go and visit regardless of the time of year. If you go during the milder months, there are hiking trails and scenic routes all around the city, giving you a beautiful view of the landscape South Dakota is known for.
The most famous landmark, Mount Rushmore, is about an hour drive south, deep within the Black Hills National Forest. The drive takes you through the forest, allowing you to see both the monument and the forest in one trip.
If you're willing to hop over the border to Wyoming, the Devils Tower National Monument is another must-see site. About an hour's drive west of Spearfish, the roads will lead you through some of the most stunning scenery in the area, taking you through the Bear Lodge Mountains. If you're a climber, the formation itself is considered one of the best climbs in North America.
Crazy Horse Memorial is a bit further of a drive, about an hour and a half outside of Spearfish, but it's well worth the visit. In the same area, you can also visit the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Educational and Cultural Center and the Mountain Carving Room. These sites make it a great day trip for anyone interested in the natural and Native American history of the area.
If you're not wanting to go quite so far, Crow Peak is right next to Spearfish, SD. The trail will take you straight up to the summit, but it's a 6.4-mile hike round trip. If you're not up for the hike, you can always go horseback riding up the same trail.
There are plenty of other trails in and around the area too, with Black Hills National Forest being a prime location for backpackers and hikers of all skill levels.
Heading east, Bear Butte State Park features a religious and historical landmark for many of the Native American tribes indigenous to the area, and is only about a half-hour drive.
If you're wanting to stay within the city limits, Spearfish is home to the Matthews Opera House and Arts Center, which hosts a variety of local theater performances throughout the year.
The city park has a variety of features, including a rec path and the Spearfish creek. The D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery is one of the oldest hatcheries in the U.S. and it offers a chance to learn more about the trout and even feed them. You can even rent fishing gear and try your hand at fishing in the lakes and rivers around the area — just be sure to get a permit first.
During the winter, it's worth braving the snow for all the winter activities they have available. Fatbiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and even ice climbing — Spearfish has a great variety of activities throughout the year. Either enjoy some of your favorite winter sports in a scenic location or try out something new and rent all the equipment you need right there in town.
Whether it's your first time to Spearfish or you've been going there for years, there's always something new to see. No matter your hotel needs, Spearfish has you covered with a wide variety of hotels all ready to accommodate you and make your trip unforgettable.
FAQs about hotels in Spearfish
How much does a cheap hotel in Spearfish cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Spearfish can be as cheap as $129.61 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Spearfish cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Spearfish has been $132.88 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)