The author Edward Raventon coined the phrase Island in the Plains. Others have referred to our Black Hills as an "island of trees in a sea of grass". The Black Hills encompass the Black Hills National Forest and are home to the tallest peaks of continental North America east of the Rockies.

The mountains and forests of the Black Hills include a treasury of six national parks, over one hundred miles of National Scenic Byways, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. For outdoor enthusiasts our area offers acclaimed recreational trails, spectacular trout fishing, great winter sports and of course Old West landmarks like Deadwood.

High in the Black Hills, perched precariously on its steep inclines, Lead is one of South Dakota's most unique and memorable communities.

Located just minutes from Presidents Park, Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Spearfish Canyon, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Custer State Park and Devils Tower, Lead, SD is the ideal vacation headquarters. A half-dozen hotels, bed and breakfasts, unique restaurants, private attractions, parks and museums allow visitors to relax and savor the beauty of the Northern Black Hills.

Spearfish is the "All Four Seasons" capital of South Dakota for recreation. Located at the mouth of idyllic Spearfish Canyon, a National Scenic Byway, the community is headquarters for vacationers, hunters, fishermen and snowmobilers. I-90 Exits 10, 12 and 14.

Spearfish is ideally situated in the scenic valley of Spearfish Creek and at the mouth of Spearfish Canyon in the northern Black Hills. Spearfish derived its name from Native Americans and fur traders or trappers in the early 1800s who considered the clear and tumbling stream through the canyon a good place to spear fish.