Even with the occasional rain storms, the weather has been beautiful lately. I’ve been finding myself tempted to try to take my work outside just so I can enjoy the sunshine and that beautiful breeze that always has a scent of the pine trees from the Black Hills National Forest. Well, if you have the chance, you should probably take a stroll through the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery.

The D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery was originally created in 1896 in  Spearfish to stock and propagate trout populations in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. The hatchery is now more geared to preserving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s heritage and educating the public.

When you think of the phrase ‘fish hatchery,’ you might not think of a prime tourist destination, but you probably should. The fish hatchery is located adjacent to Spearfish City Park and the City Campgrounds. In case you’ve never been there, Spearfish is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do.

While you’re at the hatchery, you can catch a guided tour from staff and volunteers. There are also nearby hiking and nature trails, a museum, a picnic area and an underwater fish viewing area. The fish hatchery grounds are a great place for bird watching and photography. And I can tell you from personal experience, you could probably spend all day feeding the fish and ducks.

Anyway, if you plan on being in the Spearfish area, you should consider being one of the over 145,000 people visit the fish hatchery each year. Take a look at what some of the Black Hills fans have to say about the hatchery on the Facebook Fan Page.  www.facebook.com/blackhills