I'm not sure how many people visit here, but it is well worth the time and effort. They have restored the home first used by D C Booth--to the way it looked when he and his family lived there--it is beautifully done and well maintained. The hatchery still operates on a limited basis, raising rainbow trout and then handing them over to the forestry service for release. I had only read about this site, but decided to make a side trip to Spearfish - and was not disappointed. The grounds are beautiful, the history of the hatchery facinating, including a rail car set up to show how they transported the fish to market and where the crew stayed while on the rails. I love finding new places to see, and am always amazed at what our country has to offer.
WOW! SO much history and so much fun and it's for FREE! But you really should give and I would encourage everyone to do so. We bought some fish food for a dollar and child had a ton of fun feeding both the big huge trout and the baby trout......many hikes surround this little gem. We also visited the museum, which was amazing! You have to enjoy reading and enjoy History to understand what an amazing find this is. We had a small child and it was still easy to keep our attention as he checked out all the different items throughout. A MUST on your visit to Spearfish!
Another must see in the Spearfish area. Employees were very friendly and informative and quick to answer all questions. Great place to take kids, even small ones. They can watch the fish from above the ponds or go down a few steps and watch them from an underwater viewing platform.
We found this small, free local historic site worth our two hour visit. The interpreters were well-versed and most informative and made our self-guided tour educational and interesting. The adjoining public park made a perfect place for a picnic beside the stream.
The fish hatchery is a neat place to visit. It is very family oriented and is a great place for anyone really. You get the chance to feed the huge fish and you only have to pay a quarter. There is a nice trail you can walk and learn about the history. It is a place you'll want to take pictures.
We revisited the hatchery for the first time in a fair number of years. It was disappointing in a way, because only the larger ponds were being used. All the runways were idle and empty. That aside, there are still things to see and do. They have the underwater gallery to see the large trout from a fishes eye view. There is a trail up the hill behind the hatchery where there was once a cistern. The view is typically beautiful Black Hills and Spearfish. There is the vintage railcar that was used to transport the fish which is interesting.By all means, visit and experience it. Just don't go specifically for the hatchery.
We had a fun time feeding the fish and a few ducks that were there too. The whole family enjoyed it. The underwater viewing area wasn't what I'd hoped as it wasn't very clear. Overall though, I certainly recommend.
Great place to take you kids! Also adults can enjoy the visit! Take your time to walk around & see all the different ponds full of fish. If you're inclined you can even hike up a few hills to see the park & facility from a higher perspective! Don't forget to visit the museum!
We stopped in sort of impromptu, we were very surprised at how nice and interactive the hatchery was, we are looking forward to coming back when it's nicer. We might even plan a trip around just visiting the hatchery.
None of the venues were open when I went there but the hatchery is very interesting nonetheless. Vending machines allow you to feed the fish, and there are some big ones in there. There is no entrance fee. It is quite a treat.