D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives
About This Museum
Believe it or not, this place is home to a massive archive of over 1.5 million fish tags, a library of piscine history tucked away in the Black Hills. You can wander the gorgeous grounds and feed the massive rainbow trout that still swim in the original ponds, just as they did over a century ago. The heart of it all is the beautifully preserved 1909 Superintendent's House, a charming yellow structure that feels frozen in time. It’s a wonderfully unexpected blend of natural history, conservation science, and living legacy.
Collection Highlights
The historic fish car 'Pioneer' is a star attraction—a railcar that once transported live fish across the country. Inside the house, you'll find antique tagging equipment and those millions of tiny fish tags that tell the story of American fisheries management.
Visitor Information
It's completely free to explore, which feels like a steal. Don't forget to buy a handful of fish food from the dispenser; feeding the trout in those historic ponds is an absolute must-do.
Architecture & Building
The main building is a lovely Queen Anne-style house with a welcoming porch, crisp yellow siding, and dark green trim, looking every bit the part of a turn-of-the-century federal residence.
Contact & Location
Address: Collection Management Facility, 423, Hatchery Circle, Ward 1, Spearfish, Lawrence County, South Dakota, 57783, United States
Phone: +1 605-642-7730
Website: Visit Website
