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Welcome to Belle Fourche Center of the Nation Monument Documenting Rich Local History at the Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center Penny Pincher Souvenir Coins Downtown Belle Fourche Lasting Legacies: Rodeo Legends T.R. Chytka Bronze Statues Belle Bits River Walk Rocky Point Recreation Area Hunting & Fishing Warrior Trail Gateway to the Northern Hills: History of Belle Fourche Belle Fourche Railroad Economic Development Butte County Agriculture History of the Black Hills Roundup 2020 Community Events Calendar Arts & Entertainment Center of the Nation All Car Rally South Dakota’s Rodeo Home Butte-Lawrence County Fair Kids Corral Activity Page Demographics & Resource Directory Local Resources Year-Round Activities offered at the Belle Fourche Rec Center Belle Fourche School District 9-1 Lodging Directory Dining Directory City Map Church Directory
HILLS PIONEER 145 BLACK 315 Seaton Cir., Spearfish, SD 57783 YEARS Since 1876
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PHOTO CREDITS: 42. Black Hills Pioneer File; 06. TravelSouthDakota.com; 27. Black Hills Pioneer File; 37. Sona O’Connell, Black Hills Pioneer; 19. Norlin Marine; 34. TravelSouthDakota.com Cover photos by Jon Larsen and Black Hills Pioneer File Welcome to Belle Fourche is a special publication of the Black Hills Pioneer. © 2021 Black Hills Pioneer
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Welcome to Belle Fourche
cowboy town
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features
RICH HISTORY &HOMETOWN FEEL
When visitors arrive in Belle Fourche, they are welcomed with open arms and invited to immerse themselves in the cowboy lore and all of the Wild West history area residents have come to embrace. This gateway to the Northern Hills has so much to offer, while still providing a hometown atmosphere and an enriching way of life. Whether it’s taking in a rodeo, perusing a museum, shopping at all of the unique downtown shops, or enjoying a nice meal — there is truly something for everyone. Belle Fourche, which translates from French into “beautiful fork” is nestled between the Redwater and Belle Fourche rivers and surrounded by Hay Creek. One of its claims to fame is the Black Hills Roundup, one of the oldest
outdoor rodeos in the country, celebrating its 101st anniversary. Known as the greatest show on dirt, the rodeo started 1918 and decades later the event still draws thousands of visitors to the community every year surrounding the Fourth of July. The other is the fact that Belle Fourche is truly the geographical center of the nation, wand a beautiful monument was constructed at the TriState Museum and Visitor Center to highlight the fact and provide an experience for visitors. The breadth of history that Belle Fourche is known for, is something to experience. It all began when some of the area’s first settlers found the area to be profitable in the fur trade, and soon it became a rendezvous point. Then, during the Black Hills gold rush in 1876 treasure seekers quickly realized that the fertile valleys around Belle Fourche provided land for farmers and ranchers to prosper. When the cattle business picked up across the United States, a stage line was constructed between Medora, N.D., and Deadwood in 1884 and a weigh station was built on a ranch owned by Sol Star and Seth Bullock. A few years later, news of a possible freight stop in the area and in 1890 a railroad terminal was built where the Belle Fourche Livestock Auction sits today.
PHOTO BY TRAVELSOUTHDAKOTA.COM
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 5
CENTER NATION monument of the
South Dakota sits front and center in the United States, geographically, and Belle Fourche holds the distinction as being the center of the nation since it is the closest community to the geographic point. The geographical center of the landmass of the United States moved on Aug. 21, 1959, the day that Hawaii became the 50th state, and on Aug. 21, 2007, the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce and the Center of the Nation Planning Committee marked the spot by dedicating a new monument next to the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center. Made from South Dakota granite, the 21by-40 foot compass rose marks Belle Fourche as the geographic center of the nation, with a 12-inch bronze marker from the National Geodetic Survey verifying the location.
“We work hard to make sure all our visitors have an enjoyable and memorable experience while they are here,” Kristi Thielen, the director of the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center, said. “We maintain gardens and container plantings and have a newly refurbished fountain to make the exterior of the facility look attractive. Our visitor information is always kept up to date and we have a touchscreen with visitor info, as well. And we always have interesting discovery boxes and activity tables for children and families.” The monument was designed by local artist and musician Monte Amende and constructed by local contractors. The monument was unveiled and officially dedicated in the summer of 2009.
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Amende wrote the following in a brief article about the monument: Located at latitude 44 degrees 58’N, longitude 103 degrees 46’ W, which is approximately 20 miles north of Belle Fourche, the center of the nation is actually in the middle of private property. While visitors can visit the flagpole located there, the landowner does not want to develop the property, so the monument is located in Belle Fourche. The monument features an engraved courtyard, picnic area, and the trailhead for the Belle Fourche River Walk, which also sports an 18-hole disc golf course. An avenue of flags rims the monument, featuring all 50 state flags — arranged in the order the states TO DRIVE TO THE ACTUAL joined the union — as GEOGRAPHIC CENTER OF well as the national THE NATION (50 STATES): flags of the United • From the intersection of States and Canada. Hwy. 85 and 212, drive In 2020, 13 miles north on Hwy 85. approximately 8,477 • Turn left onto Old Hwy 5 and people visited the drive 7.8 miles, until you see monument and a barn on your left hand side. museum, which • On the right side of the represents less than road you will see a US flag half of the visitors flying freely in the pasture. in 2019 due to At this location you will see the COVID-19 the survey marker in the pandemic. ground highlighting the
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“Center of the Nation” 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 7
DOCUMENTING the
rich local
The Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center is certainly a must see for anyone visiting or relocating to Belle Fourche. Since 1955, the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center has collected historical materials from the early settlement of the tri-state area, including the corners of South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. The objective of the museum is to tell the stories of the early pioneers and those who followed them and to preserve that legacy for future generations. The museum houses a unique collection that attracts thousands of visitors every year seeking to learn more about the history of Belle Fourche and the tri-state region. The non-profit museum opened in 1955 after Mrs. Roy Williams, of Hammond, Mont., donated $1,000 and a western collection started by her late husband. To accommodate this collection, local businesses and interested parties grouped together to create the historical center. In 2004, the museum opened in its current location at 415 Fifth Ave., in Belle Fourche. The museum foundation is currently involved in a capital campaign
HISTORY TRI-STATE MUSEUM VISITOR CENTER
&
Admission is free
Memorial Day – Labor Day: Monday–Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday: 1–4 p.m. Labor Day–Memorial Day: Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed Sunday & Monday Group tours available. Check out our website for events, exhibits, and more! www.thetristatemuseum.com
8 | 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine
BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTO
to raise funds for an addition that would include an all-purpose gallery to be used for events including gallery showings, hands-on education for children, office space, and research center. As visitors enter the museum, the first display to greet them is the “Early Cattle Companies.” At one time Belle Fourche was the largest shipping point of range cattle in the world. Many of the cowboys of the area rode with Seth Bullock’s cowboys to the 1905 inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt. The Black Hills Roundup and Rodeo, now in its 101st year, plays a large part in the history of this area. The Roundup began in 1918 as a benefit for the Red Cross during World War I, bringing $20,000 for the war effort. During the Roundup rodeo, the challenge of riding Tipperary, the legendary bucking horse, set the momentum, and the rodeo became an annual Fourth of July celebration, which continues to this day, attracting overflow crowds from around the world. In the museum, visitors will find the story of the Great Butte County Bank Robbery featuring the Sundance Kid and the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. A military section with uniforms and memorabilia from the Civil War through the Vietnam War includes the story of Don Smith, a local hero who was part of the Doolittle Raiders during World War II. Guns, local
industry, a pioneer home complete with fashions and furnishings, a mercantile, and the history of the railroad round out the main collections of the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center. Located next to the museum is the “Buckskin” Johnny Spaulding Cabin. Spaulding was an avid hunter, scout, and guide. The two-story cabin, which originally stood at the lower Redwater River just south of Belle Fourche, was built from hand-hewn logs hauled from the surrounding hills. After building the cabin, Spaulding invited his sister, brother-in-law, and their six children to move to the area. For two years they lived together in his cabin, now equipped with furnishings and artifacts that reveal insights into the modest lifestyles of the era. In 1960, the W.A. Helmer family donated the cabin to the museum, and the Belle Fourche Lions Club provided renovations. In 2006, it was moved to its present location near the banks of the Belle Fourche River and steps away from the Center of the Nation Monument. Museum and Visitor Center Director Kristi Thielen said that visitors often say that the Johnny Spaulding Cabin is the highlight of their stop in Belle Fourche. “It has a charm that’s especially unique and the story of Buckskin Johnny and the girl he left behind is a touching one. Tourists — especially those from outside the western states — really respond to it,” Thielen said. All mini-exhibits, temporary exhibits, First Saturday Brunches, Family Fun Days, summer classes, and Tri-State Performer productions for the year have been planned and
information about them is available online at thetristatemuseum.com. The museum has also expanded its Discovery boxes for families to explore — adding boxes on sunflowers and the Native Americans of South Dakota. For children, the campus continues to offer a dress-up trunk, a western activity table, and have added a kids’ table to each of its temporary exhibits. Kristi Thielen, director of the visitor center and museum, said that changes have been made to the gift shop in response to requests and interests of both local visitors and tourists. “We have puzzles, games, smart toys, more books for kids, more interesting activities for young people,” she said, adding that with few to no hobby/toy shops in Belle Fourche, it seemed to fill a need within the community. Kim Reausaw, the gift shop manager, said the crew is aiming to put more emphasis on science and artistic projects and gifts. New offerings include interestingly shaped puzzles, science kits like grow your own crystals, volcanoes, brain teasers, and more. Reausaw said the new items are geared toward both children and adults. A few of the items are available online at the visitor center website, but the majority are available inside the complex. Reausaw said the shop has some clothing items but she’d like to bolster those offerings as well as bags, journals, socks, and more. For more information, visit the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center at 415 Fifth Ave., in Belle Fourche or call (605) 723-1200.
PENNY COLLECTORS rejoice! Penny Pincher souvenir coins
Now you can get a collectible penny token during your visit to the western town of Belle Fourche — and they’re available exclusively at the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center, located at 415 5th Ave. For collectors of all ages, penny tokens are a fun and inexpensive way to commemorate your trip to Belle Fourche with three unique designs: the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo, the Tri-State Museum, and the Center of the Nation Monument. All you do is put in your penny plus two quarters, crank the rollers and watch as your token is made right before your very eyes! They also have passport books available to keep your tokens organized. Elongated tokens have been around since the 1892-93 World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago, Ill. There were four different designs made to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s landing in America. They have become quite a specialized collectible with some people focusing on anything from travel themed tokens, Christmas tokens, political tokens or even everything produced by one specific roller. No matter what your level of interest, you’re sure to have fun getting your one-of-a-kind penny token from the Center of the Nation! Belle Fourche, among other machine locations, can be found at www.pennycollector.com. 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 9
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friendly downtown
BELLE FOURCHE
The growing community of Belle Fourche has a diverse downtown scene. More than 50 businesses line the streets that comprise the downtown area. Whether you’re in the mood to shop for clothing, antiques, do your banking or just grab a bite to eat, the proprietors who do business downtown can assist in your needs. Several community events are scheduled throughout the year, including Riverside with Hometown Thursdays, an eight-week long festival including live music, kids activities, vendors and more. Many of the stores are in historic structures — a tribute to Belle Fourche when it was a fledgling community that was built off the back of the livestock industry. Some of those buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. But beyond the heart of the city, Belle Fourche hosts stores that offer agricultural supplies, automotive parts and repairs, laundry services, a 12-lane bowling alley, a nine-hole golf course, dining and more — everything residents and visitors need. No matter what you are shopping for and no matter where you go in Belle Fourche you are guaranteed to find great stores with friendly customer service.
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2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 11
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lasting
legacies Bronze sculptures exhibit rodeo legends Some of the best rodeo performers in the annals of Belle Fourche history have been immortalized in bronze by sculptor Tony Chytka, allowing visitors to downtown Belle Fourche a chance to see the town’s “Lasting Legacies” while simultaneously gazing into the region’s Old West past. Sculptor T.R. “Tony” Chytka is a rural South Dakota native, a rancher, and a former champion bull rider whose art reflects his own life experience. A Chytka bronze is an entirely hand-made piece — from the clay model, to the bronze final castings and patina work — Chytka molds and creates the entire package. Visitors coming from the south on Highway 85 will receive a welcoming site in Chytka’s tall figure of a cowboy “breakin’ his bronc,” located at the intersection of 5th Avenue and National Street. The sculpture is six-feet tall, composed of bronze, and has come to be known as one of the “Lasting Legacies” that embody the heritage of this
Western town. This salutary cowboy embodies the stamina of the original wrangler as he prepares his horse for adventures out on the prairie. The horse, known as Tipperary, is a legend himself. He’s credited with dumping more than 80 riders before famous rodeo rider, actor, and stuntman Yakima Canutt tackled the first successful ride on the bronc in 1920. Canutt rode the horse a second time at the Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche in 1921. Another figure stands on the corner of State Street and 5th Avenue, where Chytka has sculpted modern-day buffalo trainer and Belle Fourche native Jerry Wayne Olson sitting on his buffalo, Chief. Olson has performed for many years as an equine entertainer at rodeos and western events across the nation — but he’s also known for his time with that buffalo, Chief, and has even been known to ride on the back of the giant animal. He is the third
generation of a family of rodeo PHOTO BY entertainers, with TRAVELSOUTHDAKOTA.COM one of the most amazing trick roping and horse shows in the area. Walk several blocks down State Street and see a pair of famous brothers — the Garrett brothers are top professional rodeo contestants who hail from the Belle Fourche area. The likeness of Marvin Garrett is found on the northwest side of the corner of State Street and 6th Avenue, while Mark Garrett is on the southeast corner of the same intersection. Marvin was a four-time National Finals World Bareback champion and has been inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Mark was National Finals World Bareback Champion in 1996 and has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Numerous other statues can be found along the River Walk and at the Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center, including The Peace Memorial statue and the Overpeck Family Memorial statue. These sculptures of Belle Fourche’s own legends serve as a nod to the “Lasting Legacies” that comprise so much of this town’s storied past.
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2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 13
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“We’re Bu r n i n’ Dayl i g h t”
Pre s i de n t Woo d row W i l s on In July 1918, a telegram was sent to President Wilson offering a donation of a prize lamb which brought $5,425 at a Red Cross Auction during the first Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche. The president replied, “I appreciate your telegram and admire the work for the Red Cross…thanks for thinking of me, but I have no means to care for such a lamb.”
The 1972 Western Classic, “The Cowboys,” is a cowboy tale of a 400-mile cattle drive to Belle Fourche, led by John Wayne as “Wil Andersen.” Three of the film’s stars — Al Barker, Norman Howell, and Mike Pyeatt, who played “Fats,” “Weedy,” and “Homer,” respectively — visited Belle Fourche to check out the town of the movie’s plot. The actors said they were impressed with the community, the people, and the hospitality.
Wo m en’s Hats A local milliner — or, women’s hat maker — gave the girls at the brothels first choice of hats crafted. Once a hat was chosen, that model was taken off the market so “proper” women of the town would not be seen wearing the same hat as a brothel worker.
C a l a m i t y Ja n e
Rejected by military horse buyers during World War I for bucking off every rider, the colt was won in a poker game by a saloonkeeper, who then bet a local bronc rider $500 that the horse couldn’t be ridden. When the cowboy was indeed bucked off, he sat in the dust singing, “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary.” Tipperary began a career that lasted until 1928, dumping 80 riders before Yakima Canutt made the first qualifying ride in 1920. The following year, Canutt rode the horse for the second and last time, in Belle Fourche. Tipperary was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.
S p oi l i n g t he F u n
In 1903, Calamity Jane returned to the Black Hills, where she was employed by her friend Dora DuFran — one of the leading, most successful madams in the Old West. Jane earned her keep as the Belle Fourche brothel’s laundress and cook until her death on Aug. 2.
Belle Fourche once had a traveling house of prostitution that floated up and down the Belle Fourche River. In 1919, the town “tried to spoil a man’s fun” — they voted out prostitution, and voted in prohibition.
The Great
C a p t. D on S m i t h Lt. Don Smith, Belle Fourche High School Class of ’36, USAA Corps, piloted a plane off the aircraft carrier Hornet as part of the Doolittle Raid in April 1942, and crash landed off the coast of China. He was awarded with the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Military Order of China by Madame Chiang Kaishek, and earned the rank of captain. He was also honored by his hometown of Belle Fourche at the 1942 Black Hills Roundup. Capt. Smith was inducted into the South Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame in 2012.
T i p p era r y
Bu t te Cou n t y B a n k Rob b e r y K eep in g the Cowboys in Town when they came to ship livestock
The cowboys wanted gambling, drink, dance, and girls. The merchants of Belle Fourche, like Madame Dora DuFran, saw to it that the cowboys’ wants were met, lest they take their money to Deadwood.
The Great Butte County Bank Robbery in 1897 was committed by the Hole-In-the Wall Gang including Kid Curry, the Sundance Kid, and Tom O’Day. Wells Fargo Bank currently sits on the site of the Butte County Bank.
Po ta to Cre e k Johnny On March 13, 1907, John C. Perrett, “Potato Creek Johnny,” who found the largest gold nugget in the Black Hills, married Mollie Hamilton at the Butte County Courthouse. They had no children and divorced after nearly 20 years. Mollie died in Belle Fourche in 1944, and is buried in Pine Slope Cemetery.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRI-STATE MUSEUM & VISITOR CENTER
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 15
BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTOS
RIVER WALK leads visitors on city park tour Visitors to Belle Fourche can get out, bask in the weather, and enjoy scenery along the River Walk, a five-mile paved path that highlights the outdoor beauty of the city and the forked rivers that Belle Fourche was named after. A project that began more than 20 years ago, the River Walk has been gradually constructed during the past decade. It features a pedestrian/bike path section and an adjoining sidewalk and urban street section that intersect, converge, and wind through the city. Sections of the River Walk wind along the banks of both the Redwater River and Hay Creek, and there are several resting points along the River Walk’s way, including benches, water fountains, and restroom facilities. The River Walk is fully signed with large maps posted along the route that point out the various parks and attractions. There is a picnic area near of the Center of the Nation Avenue of Flags, an 18-hole disc golf course just west of the Tri-State Museum, an
16 | 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine
ice skating rink at Highland Park, and a loop section around Herrmann Park. “We like to think we have some pretty nice parks here,” said Public Works Director Dirk Hoffmann. “We have an excellent parks supervisor. He and his staff do a great job maintaining all of our city parks.” Jones Park receives considerable walking traffic, and the basketball and tennis courts make it a common target for younger crowds in the community. And this summer, the city plan to open a splash pad at Jones Park. At Gay Park on the north end of town, the city retrofitted old tennis courts into pickleball courts. Herrmann Park is best for family gatherings and the like, with its picnic areas, band shelter and open, manicured lawns that sit underneath abundant giant Cottonwood trees. In 2015, the River Walk was extended about 750 feet under U.S. Highway 85 at Hay Creek and stretched to Pine Street. That extension provides a safe crossing of Highway 85 for users of the bike path.
There are TEN PARKS located throughout the City of Belle Fourche. • Arnold Park, State St. • Eagle Park, Elkhorn St. • Thomas C. Gay Memorial Park & Pickleball Court, North 8th Ave. • Herrmann Park, 8th Ave. • Highland Park & Ice Rink, National St.
• Jones Park & Splash Pad, 11th Ave. • Memorial Park, National St. • Rail Park, State St. • Weyler Park, 7th Ave. • Robb Park, State St.
18 HOLE FRISBEE GOLF AREA
CENTER OF THE NATION MONUMENT
MUSEUM
CITY HALL
RAIL PARK
ARNOLD PARK
ROBB PARK
HERRMANN PARK
PARKS BF REC CENTER SOCCER FIELDS RODEO GROUNDS BASE BALL FIELDS FRISBEE GOLF AREA CENTER OF THE NATION MONUMENT RIVERWALK/BIKE PATH
HIGHLAND PARK BELLE FOURCHE & ICE RINK REC CENTER MEMORIAL PARK
WEYLER PARK
JONES PARK & SPLASH PAD
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 17
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ROCKY POINT
RECREATION AREA
at Belle Fourche Reservoir
BELLE FOURCHE RESERVOIR LOC ATION
8 miles east of Belle Fourche off Hwy 212 GP S COORDINATES
Lat: 44.709235 Long: -103.71254 AVAIL ABILIT Y
Open year round. Primitive camping available. Campsites available up to 90 days prior to arrival. 62 camp sites. 3 ADA accessible. HISTORY
The 8,000-acre Belle Fourche Reservoir was created in 1911, when Orman Dam was constructed to store water for agricultural use. At the time of its completion, Orman Dam was the largest earthen dam in the world. In 1989, Orman Dam was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
FISHING
The Belle Fourche Reservoir has an average depth of 25 feet with areas as deep as 60 feet when full. The reservoir is a high density walleye fishery with several other species, such as channel catfish, yellow perch, black crappie, smallmouth bass, white bass, and tigermuskie.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORLIN MARINE
PARK ENTRANCE LICENSE REQUIRED YEAR ROUND Daily License: $8 per vehicle Annual: $36 first vehicle, $18 for second $80 transferable license CAMPING & FEES $22 non-electrical site per night $26 electrical site per night Camping cabins $55 per night 62 camp sites. 3 ADA accessible
Anglers fishing for walleye often report high catch rates all year long with a good launching spot at Rocky Point Recreation Area. Fishing license required.
ROCKY POINT RECREATION AREA FACILITIES
57 Electrical Campsites; 3 Camping Cabins; 5 Group Camping Sites; Comfort Station (Showers and Flush Toilets); Dump Station; 2 Boat Ramps; Fish Cleaning Station; Paved Roads; Picnic Shelters; Playground; Archery Range; Horseshoe Pits; Drinking Water; Game Checkout; Beach Area; Volleyball Area
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORLIN MARINE
CONTACT INFORMATION Rocky Point Recreation Area 18513 Fisherman’s Road Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-641-0023 RockyPoint@state.sd.us RESERVATIONS (800) 710-CAMP (2267) or www.CampSD.com Up to 90 days prior to arrival Source: South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks gfp.sd.gov, 605-892-4968 BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTO
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 19
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Belle Fourche : home to
PRIME
&
HUNTING
FISHING
The thousands of acres of ranchland around Belle Fourche are not only home to ranchers’ cattle and sheep, but they are also home to a diverse crop of wildlife and prime hunting area. From whitetails and mule deer to upland game and antelope, hunters have plenty of animals to pursue. Rebounding numbers of antelope are offering hunters more opportunities. Each year, when the West River deer season opens — traditionally in mid-November — hunters head to the nearby ranches and walk-in areas in hopes of taking one of the large mulies or whitetails that feed in the alfalfa fields or sagebrush draws. In 2008, the No. 8 ranked mule deer was killed just north of Butte County, and in late 2015, one of the largest deer bagged with a muzzleloader in the state
was killed in Harding County. While the majority of hunters chasing deer around Butte County are seeking a large mule deer, the whitetail population is still high and large bucks can be frequently found. While South Dakota’s central and eastern counties are home to massive pheasant populations, a hearty population of pheasants call Butte County home. The birds can be found in the same type of areas as they would in prime pheasant habitat — near corn, in cattails, in tree rows, and in alfalfa fields. Sharptail grouse can also be hunted. Large turkey populations also give hunters a chance at providing the bird for a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. At many of the area lakes and stock ponds waterfowl can be abundant. The numbers of
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORLIN MARINE
birds are not nearly what hunters can find along the Missouri River or in the eastern part of the state, but success can be found especially in creeks that remain open long after the flat water freezes over. Belle Fourche is home to one of the largest bodies of water in the state — the Belle Fourche Reservoir. Fishermen use the shores, their boats, and the ice to bring home their daily catch of walleye and other fish. When the walleye spawn, the dam becomes alive with fishermen trying to catch the big one. Catfish and bass can also be found in the large body of water that has filled to near capacity in recent years after nearly a decade of drought. Other nearby lakes and ponds, in addition to the Redwater River, are home to prime fishing as well. 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 21
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U.S. Highway 212 from Crow Agency, Mont., to Belle Fourche is the shortest distance between the Little Bighorn Battlefield and Mount Rushmore. Between 1865 and 1877, as American Indian tribes desperately tried to retain their lands and culture, and the soldiers of the U.S. Army strove to enforce an edict from Washington, D.C., many battles of great historical significance marked this corridor. This stretch of highway has been officially designated as the Warrior Trail. BILLINGS
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2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 23
G AT E WAY t o
t h e
NORTHERN
BLACK HILLS The area now known as Belle Fourche was inhabited long before a name or township was ever established. The name Belle Fourche (pronounced Bell Foosh) came when France held the claim on the area, and French explorers found the meeting point between the Redwater River and Hay Creek — Belle Fourche translates to “beautiful fork.” Many beaver trappers found the area to be profitable in the fur trade, making Belle Fourche a rendezvous point during the 1800s for trappers and traders. After the Black Hills gold rush in 1876 brought treasure seekers of all sorts to the area, the fertile valleys around Belle Fourche provided land for farmers and ranchers to prosper, as they had ample customers at the mines in need of food and work animals. The plains throughout the United States, and even those beyond its borders, were
24 | 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine
filling with cattle, and service areas and towns began to appear to meet the needs of the cattle business. The stage line between Medora, N.D., and Deadwood was established in 1884, and a way station, known as De Mores, which included a stage barn and a saloon, was built on the SB Ranch owned by Sol Star and Seth Bullock. After only a few stage runs, however, the stop proved unprofitable, and the stagecoach no longer took the route that included De Mores. While the saloon remained open, it wasn’t until the railroad came along that Belle Fourche really made a mark on the map. Everyone in the area knew that the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroads, under pressure from the cattle barons, would soon need a freight stop in the area for herds before shipment to packing plants in the Midwest. Though
Sol Star and Seth Bullock at the Belle Fourche River
the town of Minnesela, near Belle Fourche and more developed at the time, was the favored choice of location by the railroad, a spectator purchased Minnesela’s right-ofway and demanded a high price for the land the railroad wanted. Seth Bullock, having acquired land along the Belle Fourche River since his arrival in Deadwood in 1876, appraised the situation and decided to offer the railroad free right-of-way across his land, in addition to offering to build a terminal if the railroad would locate it on his land. His business partner, Sol Star, sent word to the railroad that he would not approve any deal Bullock promised unless the railroad also built into Deadwood. The railroad officials recognized a deal when they saw one and agreed to the terms. Following the agreement, the railroad terminal was built in 1890, where the present Belle Fourche Livestock Exchange sits. Seth Bullock supposedly requested the town name after the last rail was hammered into place.
The town was born, lots were sold, and the first train-load of cattle departed from Belle Fourche in 1890. Free lots in town were offered to businesses moving from Minnesela, and while there was some bad feeling in the past between the two, many businesses did move to the thriving town. The early days of Belle Fourche revolved around the cattle business, and known as a “cow town,” Belle Fourche catered to cowboys and cattlemen. The town’s original main street, nicknamed Saloon Street — now Fifth Avenue quickly filled with businesses which included several saloons, restaurants, clothing and grocery stores, a hotel, and Star and Bullock’s hardware and furniture store. After losing the railroad depot, the community of Minnesela also lost the Butte County seat to Belle Fourche. In 1894, an election was held and, supposedly, hundreds of voters were “imported” to ensure the outcome in Belle Fourche’s favor. Seth Bullock once again intervened on behalf of Belle Fourche, raising $2,000 to build a two-story building for a courthouse once the county seat transferred. In elated jubilation once the vote passed, a few overzealous citizens of Belle Fourche rode into Minnesela and stole the county books — though the transfer would not take place until the first of the new year. Growing from a rendezvous point for trappers to the county seat, Belle Fourche was on its way to establishing itself as an important community in the area. Just five years after the first trainload of cattle left its depot, Belle Fourche shipped 2,500 carloads per month in 1895s peak
season, becoming the world’s largest livestock shipping point. Belle Fourche was no longer a simple stage stop; it was, and still is, an agricultural center for the region. When a fire in 1895 destroyed most of the business district, it was almost completely rebuilt within three months. Many structures were moved from Minnesela; unfortunately, without a railroad, the town slowly diminished and is now considered a ghost town. However, many of the buildings in Belle Fourche’s present downtown business district remain from the rebuilding after the fire in 1895. Belle Fourche made headlines again in 1897, when a member of the Hole-in-the-Wall gang — the Sundance Kid — attempted to rob the Butte County Bank. Belle Fourche is also home to one of the oldest outdoor rodeos — the Black Hills Roundup, which started in 1918. Originally
raising funds for the Red Cross during World War I and named the “Tri-State Roundup,” the Black Hills Roundup drew 15,000 spectators to Belle Fourche its first year, even though the population of the town at that time was under 1,500 and there were no roads, and few cars to speak of in the area. The Roundup started on the Fourth of July and raised nearly $20,000 for the war effort. Though the war ended the year after, the popularity of the rodeo made it an annual event that continues each July. Belle Fourche continues to serve as a large trade area for wool, cattle, and bentonite industries which have been instrumental in the growth of the town. Serving as the “Gateway to the Northern Black Hills,” Belle Fourche describes the intersection of waterways, the intersection of history, of commerce, and of community — which makes it a mark on the area, and on the state.
PHOTOS COURTESY TRI-STATE MUSEUM & VISITOR CENTER
MARK WATSON/BLACK HILLS PIONEER
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 25
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Belle Fourche owes its start to the
railroad
In 1890, the railroad had been built west to a point that is now Belle Fourche. On Sept. 16 of that year, the first load of cattle was shipped by railcar to eastern states. Over the next two months nearly 1,300 railcars of cattle were transported to markets. The first rail station in the cowtown was completed in December 1890. The success of the railroad then brought about the platting of Belle Fourche in the spring of 1891 and land parcels were sold starting in June of that year. The railroad made it possible for the region’s agricultural industry to have easy access to a highly efficient means of delivery for its products to market. In 1892, nearly 4,000 railcars of cattle were being shipped from Belle Fourche. By 1895, that number had soared to 2,500 railcars of cattle per month, making Belle Fourche the largest shipper of cattle in the world. Over the decades the railroad has shipped numerous agricultural commodities from
Belle Fourche including wool, grain, flour and numerous other items for the industry. The rails now reach to Colony, Wyo., where the railcars carry bentonite, a mined substance used in a wide variety of products from kitty litter to cosmetics. Today, the railroad in Belle Fourche is seeing a modern boom thanks to the oil fields in North Dakota. A new industrial rail park opened in the city in 2013 and has been steadily expanding since. High-density polyethylene pipe manufacturer Permian Tank and Manufacturing Inc. opened a facility in the industrial rail park in 2013 and expanded in 2015 to
BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTOS
accommodate increased demand. In 2016, the addition of a half-mile-long siding track at the industrial rail park is making it easier for businesses to load and unload products including a new switch which will allow for additional track construction in the future, should additional businesses come in with rail access needs.
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 27
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BEL L E FOU RC H E:
& together
building community Community development, building relationships, and nurturing partnerships with new businesses and those who wish to expand are the driving forces behind what the Belle Fourche Development Corporation (BFDC) is accomplishing in 2021. The Belle Fourche Industrial and Rail Park was completed in September 2013. The addition of over 2,600 feet of track siding for offloading in 2016 expanded the park’s capabilities. A base of rail business has been established and is growing, thus the rail expansion scheduled for 2021. The $2.4 million expansion will allow for up to 90 rail cars at the siding with more offloading space the better serve the customers. “Working with our current rail customers and our prospects to further develop rail business and industry for Belle Fourche and the region is a top priority,” said Hollie Stalder, executive director of Belle Fourche Development Corporation (BFDC). “Local and out of area customers utilizing the rail siding will see improved access and further development in 2021.” The economic impact is significant given that this is the only rail siding site of its kind in western South Dakota with a site ready industrial park at its side. With on- and offloading opportunities available to key customers, transportation savings can be realized immediately. The development of rail facilities of its
economic development
kind also helps take some of the burden off of the highway and interstate system as one rail car can transfer goods equivalent to three to five semi truckloads. “Belle Fourche is a community with strong leadership and alliances to help make the development process seamless,” Stalder said. “BFDC, the city, the county, the school, and business leaders within, help lead the way and tie it all together. An important component of what economic development is focused on is aligning with companies to build community.“ Over the past five years, more than 70 businesses either relocated to Belle Fourche or completed an expansion of their existing business. “We are so pleased with the positive growth,” said Stalder. “Here in Belle, we work closely with the school for work force development,” Stalder said. “Now that the Career and Technical Education Center is built, we are amping up ways we can help the students to partner with employers in the region and take up those opportunities.” The Belle Fourche School District built a 21,000-square-foot property at the corner of Lawrence Street and 13th Avenue to the north of the Belle Fourche High School in the fall in September of 2018. The 100-by-100-foot building serves the local needs for educating high school students in numerous industries including welding, family and consumer science, accounting, hospitality, and agriculture, and includes an area for an expanded science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum. The new building, offers high school students who elect to take CTE courses better opportunities to do so, in a more modern facility. Businesses looking at
Belle Fourche for relocation will be able to capitalize on a number of items. “We are the center of the nation, and the crossroads that are part of that,” Stalder said. “Highway 85 experiences over 16,000 vehicles a day through the main corridor of town between Highway 34 on the south end and 212 on the north end — making connections in any direction very accessible. Our close proximity to Interstate 90 adds to the appeal.” Stalder said the development corporation’s emphasis on housing initiatives is producing steady results. BFDC formed a partnership with NeighborWorks Dakota Homes Resources in the fall of 2014. This partnership is focused on assisting those working in Belle Fourche to be able to consider home ownership. In the past 5 years, the partnered organizations helped more than 100 community members either move toward home ownership or to reinvest in their current homes. The Leadership Belle Fourche class, inducted fall 2017, is designed to help develop and empower leaders for community. The fruits of those labors produced four classes to date who are really on fire for the community. A strong percentage of those classes are serving in key leadership roles in our community, from city council to economic development and chamber boards as well as other organizations in the community. Several have joined teams who have identified key areas for community development and are working to accomplish them. Stalder said that during the nine-month class, leaders would enhance leadership skills, broaden community awareness, develop an understanding of servant leadership, learn more about diversity, become part of a team, and determine ways they might give back to the community of Belle Fourche. “They just have great energy and good drive for the community,” Stalder said. “Community development is pretty broad,” Stalder said. “And it does encompass a lot so the things that we’re working on, we see as being an important part of how Belle Fourche either goes forward or doesn’t. And I think we’re on the right path.”
LACEY PETERSON/BLACK HILLS PIONEER
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 29
AGRICULTURE BUTTE COUNTY
of
Agriculture is South Dakota’s number one industry and in Butte County, it’s a way of life. “It’s handed down from generation to generation around here,” said TJ Swan, formerly with the Butte County Cooperative Extension Service. “If you’ve got the land to do it and the gumption to fight the markets, it’s just what you do.” “South Dakota has always been and will continue to be an agricultural state,” said Bill Evan, with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. He noted that the economic impact of agriculture in South Dakota exceeds $20.9 billion and employs more than 173,000 people, directly and indirectly. According to an agricultural census, there are a total of 659 farms in Butte County, making up a total of approximately 1.2 million acres. Of that, a total amount of 163,375 acres is used for cropland. The largest agriculture operations are mostly cattle production and farming. An average of 60,000 head of cattle are roaming throughout the county in a given year. And, he said, because of the open prairie land, it makes for excellent crop production, which in turn, provides feed for cattle producers. “When the rains are heavy in the spring around here, it can make for a healthy amount of forage for cattle,” Swan said. “Western wheatgrass is one of the best forage for cattle and we certainly have a lot of that around here.” Corn is among the most
produced crop in Butte County; alfalfa and soybean production come in right after. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Butte County ranks number one in sheep production, with at least 42,000 head. Statewide, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports there are approximately 305,000 head of sheep and approximately 3.7 million head nationwide. And when it comes time for ranchers to earn their payday for the year, they ship their livestock to auctions. Both the Belle Fourche Livestock Auction and St. Onge Livestock Auction are major players for selling cattle. The Belle Fourche Livestock Auction was originally built in 1935, with a rich history and a staple for economic development in Butte County. The stockyards exist because one man had a vision of building a town around a railroad. Though the train system is no longer utilized to transport the cattle, the location of the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad was the reason it exists. According to history records, the Belle Fourche area was first settled in 1876 after gold was discovered in the Black Hills. Shortly thereafter, Seth Bullock came to the Black Hills and settled around the Belle Fourche River. Bullock, a frontier marshal and rancher, offered a free right of way and offered to build the terminal to the proposed railroad company looking to build a new
rail system through the Black Hills. That location at the Old Middle Creek shipping yards is where the present day Belle Fourche Livestock Auction sits. By 1895, Belle Fourche was shipping 2,500 carloads of cattle east every month during the busy seasons, making it the world’s largest livestock shipping point at that time. Most of the cattle were shipped to markets in Chicago and Omaha, Neb. To the south is St. Onge Livestock. Since 1981, the facility has been home to the beef, sheep, and goat auction market. Just to the northeast, in Newell, thousands of sheep are sold at the St. Onge Livestock’s sheep yards. Just like cattle, sheep has long been raised on the grassland around Belle Fourche. While the sheep yards serve as the sale point for the live animals, their shorn wool is run through another Belle Fourche company. Center of the Nation Wool, Inc., markets between 4.5-5 million pounds of wool per year. Considering the ideal sheep rearing conditions the region provides, the future looks bright for the wool-marketing corporation. Larry Prager, CEO and general manager since 1993, said that South Dakota was settled and homesteaded with sheep, and the producer-owned wool corporation has been an integral part of that history since the development of the area. The corporation serves a diverse group of 1,500 producers from South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Nebraska and runs the gamut from people with a few sheep in their backyard to the large production sheep ranches. “We handle some of the highest quality wool in the United States,” he said. “We have better color, higher yielding, and really a tradition of quality wool in Belle Fourche.”
ALEX PORTAL/BLACK HILLS PIONEER
30 | 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine
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history of the
BLACK HILLS
ROUNDUP
rodeo
The Black Hills Roundup carries a storied history now more than a century long. BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTO
32 | 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine
PHOTO BY TRAVELSOUTHDAKOTA.COM
Started in 1918 as the “Tri-State Roundup” to raise funds for the Red Cross during World War I, the Black Hills Roundup drew 15,000 spectators to Belle Fourche its first year — an incredible number, as the population of the town was under 1,500, with no roads and few cars to speak of in the area. The Roundup started on the Fourth of July and raised nearly $20,000 for the war effort. Though the war ended the year after, the popularity of the rodeo made it an annual event. The benefit raised money through an auction, and everything from livestock, to a pet antelope, to doughnuts were sold. Another fundraiser was the “German Kaiser Bill Coffin Scene,” where a person paid 25 cents to hammer a nail into the coffin, and received a war Thrift Stamp for the effort of hammering the Kaiser’s coffin shut. The first Roundup consisted of saddle bronc riding, wagon, horse and relay races, bulldogging, steer and calf roping, cow pony races, and a ladies’ bucking contest. Simple in setup in its humble beginning, the rodeo had no chutes or stands, and the arena was barely fenced in enough to keep the horses from getting out. This made for more risk, as the contestant would have to catch the bronc before a ride. The rules were simple: choose a bronc, “ear” it, climb on, nod, and start. To “ear” a horse, two or three cowboys would catch its head and bite its ear to control it, distracting it long enough to saddle up and hop on. In the ladies’ bucking contest, women were required to “shackle” their horse — tying the stirrups together underneath the horse — as it was believed to be safer and easier for the women to participate. The feature of the first Roundup was the appearance of Tipperary, the famous Harding County bucking horse. Thirteen years old and over 1,000 pounds, Tipperary drew a huge crowd, and though the crowd saw Sam Brownell of Cheyenne, Wyo., finish his ride, a technical error disqualified him. He switched hands in the middle of his ride, and though the judges did not see it, he admitted his mistake and Tipperary remained a “one man” bronc. Roundups through the 1920s consisted
of whatever the organizing group at the time decided to do, as there was no standard for a rodeo. Many events at the early Roundups were organized by the Bit and Spur Saddle Club, which added to the entertainment and fun of the rodeo atmosphere. The Hide Race consisted of a rider racing across the arena pulling a cowhide behind his horse to where his partner waited to jump onto the hide for the ride back across the arena. The rodeo events were canceled in 1929 because of the mud in the arena, and an early newspaper clipping tells of what replaced the events: “a burlesque show was put on for two or three hours …” Outdoor rodeos today are rarely, if ever, stopped due to weather, and there is plenty of evidence of mud on many horses and competitors throughout the Roundup. The 1930s brought the chance for the younger generation to participate in the events of the rodeo. A rancher would agree to bring a dozen calves, and children could earn $1 to ride a calf in the arena. Many youngsters also practiced their trick riding during the Roundup. Since the 1940s, buffalo have been present throughout Roundup events. In the ‘40s, a buffalo hunt would be staged — actors dressed in Native American garb to chase the buffalo through the arena. In more recent years there have been trick acts, with buffalo performing a variety of feats. Chariot racing became a favorite in the 1950s and ‘60s, where a two-wheeled cart pulled by one horse
held a racer, and many contestants readied their horses for this event as they traveled. The horse would pull the family and rodeo supplies to Belle Fourche in true practical training, and later race against one another with much lighter loads. The formation of the PRCA (Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association) standardized seven events for the Roundup: bareback riding, tiedown roping, team roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bull riding. Additionally, steer roping will be held. In 2019, the Roundup celebrated its centennial. “Very few PRCA rodeos can say that,” said then-Black Hills Roundup Committee Chairman, Clay Crago. “To carry on the rodeo and the cowboy tradition for 100 years is just phenomenal.” The Roundup has garnered top honors from the PRCA in recent years. It received the Medium Outdoor Rodeo of the Year award in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Its committee earned induction into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2018. The facility was named WPRA Badlands Circuit Ground of the Year in 2018.
BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTO
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 33
MARCH 6............. First Saturday Brunch, “Crook City, Its History and Artifacts” 10 am, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
11........... BF Chamber Annual Meeting 5:30 pm, Besler’s Cadillac Ranch
12–13..... Belle Fourche Middle School Play 7 pm, Belle Fourche Rec Center Theatre
12–13..... “Blarney!” Tri State Performers Production 7 pm March 12 & 3 pm March 13 Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
15........... Belle Fourche High School Band &Choir Concert 7 pm, Belle Fourche Rec Center
21........... Family Fun Day, “Everything Robotics” 2 pm, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
27........... “Apron Strings” Mini-Exibit Opens Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
27........... Community Easter Egg Hunt 10 am, Baseball Fields
27............Belle Fourche High School Prom
APRIL 17........... Center of the Nation Sportsman’s Banquet 5 pm, Community Hall
18........... Family Fun Day, “The Magic of Puppets” 2 pm, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
23–24.... BFHS Spring Musical 7pm Belle Fourche Rec Center Theatre
25........... BFHS Spring Musical 2 pm Belle Fourche Rec Center Theatre
TBD........ 8th Annual Belle Fourche Rec Center Wellness Fair Belle Fourche Rec Center
MAY 1–2..........44th Annual Center of the Nation Walleye Tournament Rocky Point Recreation Area Call 605-645-8949 for information
6................Belle Fourche Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Band Concert 6:30 pm, Belle Fourche Rec Center
8............. “The History of the CCC” Temporary Exibit Opens 10........... Belle Fourche High School Band & Choir Concert 7 pm, Belle Fourche Rec Center
Schedule subject to change. Check out www.bellefourchechamber.org for additional events, revisions, and more information. More events dates on pages 11, 37, 38, 39, & 43
BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTO
PHOTO BY TRAVELSOUTHDAKOTA.COM
Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
11............Belle Fourche Middle School 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Choir Concert 6 pm, Belle Fourche Rec Center
16............Family Fun Day, “All About Pandas” 2 pm, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
22............Belle Fourche High School Graduation 10 am, Belle Fourche High School
22........... Kite Festival & Duck Races Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
TBD........ Belle Fourche Rec Center Track & Field Meet Belle Fourche Rec Center
JUNE Thursday, June 10, 17, & 24 Riverside with Hometown Thursdays 6-9:30 pm, Center of the Nation Park Area
5............. First Saturday Brunch, 10 am, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
12........... “By the Sea” Mini-Exibit Opens Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
18–20..... Community Theatre Play Belle Fourche Rec Center Theatre
19............All Car Rally Cruise 20............Family Fun Day, “My Dinosaur” 2 pm, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
26............ Chutes for Charity Golf Tournament 9 am Tee Time, Belle Fourche Country Club
30........... Miss BH Roundup Queen Contest 9:30 am, Christian Life Center
30........... BH Roundup Community BBQ with Purchased Rodeo Ticket 5:30 pm, Roundup Grounds
30........... Miss BH Roundup Queen Coronation 6 pm, Roundup Grounds
30........... BH Roundup 12th Annual Ranch Rodeo 7 pm, Roundup Grounds Concert following the rodeo
30........... Cattle Drive 3 pm, State Street TBD........ River Run on the River Walk Belle Fourche Rec Center
TBD........ River Festival Watch for family fun events! 34 | 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine
AUGUST 7............. First Saturday Brunch, 10 am, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
6–15.........81st Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally™ 15........... Family Fun Day, “Erupting Volcanoes” 2 pm, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
20-21..... Sweet Corn Festival Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
21........... “An Ear of Corn” Tri-State Performers Production 1 & 3 pm at the Sweet Corn Festival
27–29..... Community Theatre Play Belle Fourche Rec Center Theatre
SEPTEMBER 4............. First Saturday Brunch 10 am, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
11........... “Dinosaur World” Temporary Exibit Opens Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center 18........... 2nd Annual Golf Tournament Belle Fourche Country Club
19........... Family Fun Day, “Wonderful Walt Disney” 2 pm, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTOS
JULY
25........... Annual Autumn Tea TBD, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
OCTOBER
Thursday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 Riverside with Hometown Thursdays 6-9:30 pm, Center of the Nation Park Area
6/29 102nd Annual Black Hills – 7/4........ Roundup & PRCA Rodeo Full schedule & concert announcements at blackhillsroundup.com
6/30 NorthStar – 7/4....... Amusement Carnival Downtown Belle Fourche
1–3......... PRCA Rodeo 7 pm, Roundup Grounds,
2–3......... Fireworks Dusk
4............. Fourth of July Parade 10:30 am, Through Belle Fourche
4............. PRCA Rodeo 3 pm, Roundup Grounds
4............. Street Dance 6 pm – 1 am, Downtown
18........... Family Fun Day, “Olympic Games” 2 pm, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
27-31....... 100th Annual Butte-Lawrence County Fair Nisland Fairgrounds
2............. First Saturday Brunch 10 am, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
16........... 5th Annual Pumpkinfest 10 am, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
16........... “Mystery of the Crystal” Tri-State Performers Production 12 & 2 pm at the Pumpkinfest
17........... Family Fun Day, “History of Halloween” 2 pm, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
22........... Moonlight Madness & Chili Contest Throughout Belle Fourche
23........... Pumpkin Festival Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
31........... CONBA Halloween Parade Downtown Belle Fourche
31........... 21st Annual Halloween Spooktacular Belle Fourche Rec Center
TBD........ Belle Fourche High School Band &Choir Concert 7 pm, Belle Fourche Rec Center
TBD........ 9th Annual Fearless 5k TBD........ Purple Pride Haunted House TBD
NOVEMBER 6............. First Saturday Brunch 10 am, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
13........... “I Spy a Spider” Mini-Exibit Opens Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
21........... Family Fun Day, “Macy’s Fascinating Ballons” 2 pm, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
26........... Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce Parade of Lights Downtown Belle Fourche
26........... CONBA Light Up the Night & Fireworks Downtown Belle Fourche
26........... Light up the Night Parade State Street
26–27.... Belle Fourche Chamber Shop Small Downtown Belle Fourche TBD........ Belle Fourche High School Fall Play TBD........ Veterans Day Program Belle Fourche Middle School
DECEMBER 4............. Gingerbread Village Opens Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
16–18.....Polar Express Bus Rides Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce
17-18...... “Gingerbread Kids” Tri-State Performers Production 7 pm Dec. 17 & 2 pm Dec. 18, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
19........... Family Fun Day, “All Things Ribbon” 2 pm, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
TBD........ Belle Fourche High School & Middle School Band & Choir Concert TBD........ K-4th Grade Concert TBD........ Festival of Trees First Interstate Bank
JANUARY 2022 1..............First Saturday Brunch 10 am, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
TBD.........9th Annual Resolution Run Belle Fourche Rec Center
FEBRUARY 2022 5..............First Saturday Brunch 10 am, Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center
TBD.........9th Annual Wellness Fair
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 35
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BLACK HILLS ROUNDUP
June 30th-July 4th, 2021 - Belle Fourche, South Dakota June 26th P CHUTES FOR CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT June 29th P MISS BLACK HILLS ROUNDUP QUEEN CONTEST June 30th P RANCH RODEO — CATTLE DRIVE July 1st P PRCA RODEO — FAMILY NIGHT July 2nd P PRCA RODEO — FIREWORKS — CHUTES FOR CHARITY NIGHT July 3rd P PRCA RODEO — FIREWORKS — TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK NIGHT July 4th P PARADE — PRCA RODEO — MILITARY & FIRST RESPONDERS DAY — STREET DANCE June 30th - July 4th P CARNIVAL
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&
MUSIC thursdays hometown 8 WEEKS
THURSDAYS, JUNE 10 – JULY 29 Riverside with Hometown Thursdays is fun for the whole family with a hometown feel. The event finds itself in a new location this year, so make sure to head to the Center of the Nation Park Area next to the Tri-State Museum and Visitors Center at 6 p.m. every Thursday beginning June 10. This exciting community gathering includes food, vendors, children’s activities, and much more. Riverside with Hometown Thursdays also offers a new band every week. Many of the live musical acts are comprised of local talent, and span multiple genres — anywhere from rock to country music. All musical entertainment is family friendly.
BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTOS
ART
MORE
Visitors and residents alike will find that the arts abound in the picturesque community of Belle Fourche. Whether it’s spending a July evening in the park listening to area musicians, touring the local art galleries, or attending a community theatre production, there is plenty of artsrelated entertainment throughout the year in Belle Fourche. C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 8
EVENT DATES: JUNE 10 | JUNE 17 | JUNE 24 | JULY 1 JULY 8 | JULY 15 | JULY 22 | JULY 29 Schedule of Bands TBD
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 37
tri-state performers
Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center theatre troupe
In 2017, the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center introduced the Tri-State Performers — a theater troupe for area students interested in museum theater. The group is slated to perform several productions each year at the Tri-State complex off of Highway 85 in Belle Fourche. Museum theater consists of productions that take place within a museum and specifically relates to the museum’s collections or mission, or to the history, science, and culture of the surrounding area. Productions are not reliant upon lavish costumes, props, or set pieces, and are best performed in intimate settings where actors and audiences are close together. “Museum theater is a concept that
2021
sprang up only in the last decade or so,” Kristi Thielen, the museum’s director who will lead the troupe, said. “The name is something of a misnomer as it is performed not just in museums, but in science centers, planetariums, aquariums, zoos, and botanical gardens around the country.” In 2021, the troupe is slated to perform “Blarney” on March 12-13; “An Ear of Corn” on Aug. 21 during the Sweet Corn Festival; “Mystery of the Crystal Mask” on Oct. 16 during Pumpkinfest; and “Gingerbread Kids” Dec. 17-18. For more information about the Tri-State Performers, call the TriState Museum and Visitor Center at (605) 723-1200, or check out the troupe’s Facebook page.
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CENTER OF THE NATION CONCERT ASSOCIATION In the early 1990s a group of citizens saw an opportunity to expand the culture and bring entertainment to Belle Fourche. Together, they formed the Center of the Nation Concert Association. Audiences for the series come from all across the Tri-State region. The performances, which are appropriate for all ages, are all held at the Belle Fourche Rec Center Theater, which is located at 1111 National St. For more details on the organization and concert schedule, visit www.centerofthenationconcerts.org.
BELLE FOURCHE COMMUNITY THEATRE 2021 SEASON The overall mission of the community theatre organization is to entertain and inspire the audience and participants alike. A group of hardworking volunteers, all with a diverse range of expertise and creative backgrounds, have been setting the stage for this program since May 2010. After several successful events, the program has developed into a vibrant and productive community organization. The community theatre will have two shows this year. Their first show will be on June 18-19 at 7pm and June 20 at 3pm, and their second show will be on Aug. 27-28 at 7pm and Aug. 29 at 3pm. For information on upcoming shows and events, visit bellefourcheact.com, or the Belle Fourche Community Theater Facebook page. “BLARNEY” – MARCH 12 | 7 P.M. & MARCH 18 | 2 P.M. “AN EAR OF CORN” – AUGUST 21 | 1 & 3 P.M. “MYSTERY OF THE CRYSTAL MASK” – OCTOBER 16 | 12 & 2 P.M. “GINGERBREAD KIDS” – DECEMBER 17 | 7 P.M. & DECEMBER 18 | 2 P.M.
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Belle Fourche Arts Couuncil
summer
concert series in the park THE BELLE FOURCHE COWBOY BAND The Belle Fourche Cowboy Band is the oldest, most established local band in the area. It was officially organized in 1931, but its rich history stretches all the way back to the turn of the century. Today, the Belle Fourche Cowboy Band can be seen performing at nearly every single community event throughout the year and is a staple in all of the parades in Belle Fourche. One of their most well known performances occurs during the Black Hills Roundup and Rodeo, held every Fourth of July. They are also a common sight at the Butte-
Lawrence County Fair held July 27-31, and remain a presence at other local events. Dressed in bright red shirts and white cowboy hats, the band’s familiar tunes are the backdrop of presentations all over town that families have enjoyed coming to for decades. The band is made up of a variety of different musicians who come from a variety of backgrounds, and added a brass quintet this past year. For more information on the band, all of their upcoming events, their history and their photo album, visit www.bfcowboyband.com.
We don’t to be the best,
During the summer there are free concerts at the band shell in Herrmann Park. All of the concerts begin at 7 p.m., weather permitting. The performance schedule varies year to year — from rock to classical to bluegrass — and all shows are appropriate for children. Bring a lawn chair, your family, and something to drink because this is the best place to be when the sun starts to set after a hot summer day in Belle Fourche. Sponsored by the Belle Fourche Arts Council, this is just one of several activities held during the summertime. For information and upcoming performances, visit the Belle Fourche Arts Council Facebook page.
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Ceofnthet e r Na t i on
ALL CAR
RALLY
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the 33rd annual Center of the Nation All Car was canceled, and the organization instead held a cruise and drive in movie. And this year, the format will mirror last. The All Car Rally typically features cars from more than a dozen different categories and over 60 years of auto history held at Belle Fourche’s Herrmann Park. Sam Silacci, the president of the All Car Rally, has been attending the event since he first moved to the Hills from Sonoma County, Calif., 20some years ago. “As a car enthusiast myself I want to keep this tradition going and hopefully bring the younger generation out and get them involved as well,” Silacci said. Due to concerns about having a venue for the annual event amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Silacci said that the board decided to mirror last year’s format and hold a cruise.
“It worked out great (last year),” he said, adding that the 2020 cruise included approximately 100 cars. The plan for those interested in participating is to meet at Hersrud’s of Belle Fourche and select a designated route to enjoy an approximately two-hour cruise through the Hills area, finishing up back at Hersrud’s. Then, at nightfall, a drive-in movie will be shown at Hersrud’s. Silacci invited car enthusiasts and community members to come and enjoy a laid-back summer event. “It’s just kind of a good time to chill out and talk to some of the people that you met over the years at the car show,” he said. “It’s just … a more relaxed environment. You can show up with anything you drive, whether it’s your daily driver or a custom car.” The cruise will be held June 19. People wishing to participate can follow the event and details at the Center of the Nation All Car Rally Facebook page.
BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTOS
40 | 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine
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Belle Fourche:
S O U T H D A K O TA’ S
RODEO
HOME earned its third straight PRCA Belle Fourche has made a Medium Outdoor Rodeo of the name for itself as a rodeo town. Year honor in 2020. Much of that is due to the “It means the world,” Anpopularity of the historic Black derson said in describing the Hills Roundup, an annual award. “It’s pretty cool, pretty Professional Rodeo Cowboys humbling to be Association rodeo Annual PRCA recognized on this that’s been held event among level with so many here since 1918. The Roundup many on rodeo great rodeos out there.” will observe its calendar. Anderson said 102nd anniversary the award demonstrates how starting Wednesday, June 30 fortunate the Roundup is and ending on Sunday, July 4. to enjoy great support from “It’s the biggest thing that volunteers, fans, sponsors, state happens in Belle Fourche,” officials, and city officials. Black Hills Roundup CommitHe added it is very exciting tee Chairman Keith Anderson and fulfilling for the committee said. “It draws people not only and board to know that they from surrounding areas, but have done a great job and conother countries.” tinue to do so. Traditional events dominate Powder River Rodeo, in this year’s schedule. They 2019, received the Remuda include four PRCA Rodeo Award that honors the best performances, the parade, and pens of horses throughout the a “Chutes for Charity” golf year. This stock contractor has tournament. worked with the Roundup for Anderson said the Roundup about 35 years. offers a lot of family fun with Events for this year will the carnival, rodeo, fireworks, include mutton bustin’, ranch and other activities. rodeo, concerts, steer roping, a The Black Hills Roundup
BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTOS BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTOS
42 | 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine
downtown carnival, two nights of fireworks, and four PRCA rodeo performances. Black Hills Roundup Committee Chairman Keith Anderson said preparation plans for this year are going well. A street dance is set for July 4. “We try to make it bigger and better every year,” Anderson said now that the Roundup’s second century is well underway. “If you don’t do that, then it kind of grows stagnant and becomes the same thing every year.” He added people lose interest if that happens. The “Chutes for Charity” rodeo performance will take place on Friday, July 2. “Military and First Responders Appreciation Day” is set for Sunday, July 4. While the rodeo itself is certainly the big draw, there’s enough going on at the Black Hills Roundup to please almost anyone. There are carnival rides, art shows, concerts and much more. The Black Hills Roundup’s fireworks display is among the best in South Dakota, and the Independence Day parade is one of the largest in the state. This year’s fireworks show will take place on two nights, following the PRCA rodeo performances of Friday, July 2 and Saturday, July 3. A Miss Black Hills Roundup Queen pageant is set for Tuesday, June 29. Coronation will take place Wednesday, June 30, prior to the Ranch Rodeo. While the Black Hills Roundup is the biggest rodeo in Belle Fourche, it does not stand alone. Belle Fourche is also home to many other rodeos. The Belle Jackpot Association rodeos take place this year on several days in June through August. Scheduled dates are June 2 and 8, July 14 and 28, and Aug. 4. Rain dates are Aug. 11 and 18. This rodeo features roping, goat tying, barrel racing, and pole bending events for contestants of all ages. Check Facebook.com/Belle Jackpot for more information. The Get the Green Slot and 4D Barrel Races offer two days of barrel racing. Dates are Saturday, Aug. 28 and Sunday, Aug. 29. Action takes place at the Black Hills Roundup Grounds. Call Lorita Crofford at 645-7592 for more details. The Butte County 4-H Rodeo also calls Belle Fourche home. This rodeo is open to South Dakota 4-H members aged 8 to 18 and features barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, break-
DON’T
away roping, tie-down roping, team roping, ribbon roping, calf riding, senior and junior bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and a pageant called “The Ambassador Contest.” This 4-H rodeo begins with the Ambassador Contest, which then gives way to the main rodeo events. The Butte County 4-H Rodeo is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, July 18. For more information on the Butte County 4-H Rodeo, contact the Butte County Extension Office at (605) 892-3371.
MISS IT!
rodeo action
in Belle Fourche GOLLIHER ARENA SPRING SERIES MARCH 26-28, APRIL 1-3, MAY 14-16 19516 US Hwy. 85, Belle Fourche For more information and the upcoming fall schedule, go to www.zproductions.biz or Golliher Arena on Facebook
BELLE JACKPOT ASSOCIATION RODEO JUNE 2 & 8, JULY 14 & 28, AUG. 4 Rain Dates: Aug. 11 & 18
For more information, visit their Facebook page @BelleJackpot
102ND ANNUAL BLACK HILLS ROUNDUP PRCA RODEO JUNE 30 – JULY 4
PHOTO BY TRAVELSOUTHDAKOTA.COM
For more information and tickets, contact the Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center at 605-723-2010 or www.blackhillsroundup.com
BUTTE COUNTY 4-H RODEO JULY 18 For more information, contact Butte County Extension at 605-892-3371
GET THE GREEN SLOT & 4D BARREL RACE AUGUST 28, 29 For more information, contact Lorita Crofford at 605-645-7592 All rodeos are at the Roundup Grounds unless otherwise noted. Schedules are subject to change.
BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTO
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 43
Butte-Lawrence County Fair CELEBRATES 100 YEARS The sounds of “mews,” “baas,” and “moos” can be heard each year in Nisland as the annual Butte-Lawrence County Fair commences at the historic fairgrounds. And as the 2020 event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, excitement is mounting as the mid-summer centennial event nears. The fair dates back to the early 1920s. At a meeting held in Nisland on April 5, 1920, a county agriculture fair was proposed. In September 1920, Butte County purchased 40 acres of land on the Belle Fourche River from Albert M. Willard and Roy F. McNeil, to use as the Butte County Fairgrounds. County commissioners appropriated $7,500 for improvements of the fairgrounds in preparation to hold the fair in 1921. In August of 1921, Earl Wilson was given a contract for constructing buildings, moved onto the fairgrounds, and started pouring concrete foundations. Thus, the Butte County Fair was born. The first official fair was held in Nisland Sept. 27-29, 1921. The 50th Butte County Fair was held in 1977, but the Golden Jubilee was not celebrated until 1978. Lawrence County joined forces with Butte County in 1979. The first annual Butte-Lawrence County Fair was held in 1980. Today, 40 years later, the agricultural fair is still a major draw for thousands of local residents and visitors alike. Youth members of 4-H spend the whole year preparing their agricultural exhibits and livestock. Numerous animals file in including beef, sheep, swine, rabbits, goats, bunnies, and chickens for competitive judging. Several buildings on the grounds house 4-H exhibits, as well as the livestock. The Nisland Fairgrounds lie along the Belle Fourche River and include the historic grandstand — which is no longer in use — and the groundskeeper’s house. The Pavilion, built in 1921, is the site of Open Class Exhibits including flowers, quilts, canned goods, and photography.
44 | 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine
There’s something for everyone at the fair, held this year July 26-31. Visitors can watch contestants pit their manpower against a machine in the tractor pull, or they can catch the Youth Rodeo with family-friendly events like barrel racing, goat tail untying, dummy roping, pole bending, and breakaway roping. Live musical guests and the Belle Fourche BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTOS Cowboy Band provide entertainment throughincluding new signs for each building on the out the fair, and a community barbecue is grounds hand made by our local 4H Clubs held every year. and youth.” Other events at the fair include the Beef And this year, there could be some new Showmanship, small animal and pet judging, additions on the schedule that would bring sheep dog trials, livestock sale, and dance. some excitement, including the potential of a The fair has many activities for the little ones, Ferris wheel, parade, and even fireworks. including contests such as “Catch a Sheep,” May said the group wants to get the com“Bum Lamb Dress-Up,” “Dress a Rabbit,” and munity involved in the annual event even the “Bucket Calf Show,” and many other acmore than before. tivities like the talent show, baby contest, and “Let’s bring the community together,” fashion review. Although the pandemic has created For those wishing to camp overnight at the some challenging times, May turned that fairgrounds, board members request people into growth. call and secure a camping permit prior to the “We have been challenged by COVID-19, yet event. There are parking spaces with electricicreative and innovative in many ways,” she ty and tent sites available. said. “We have been cautious and yet continThis year, the fair board plans to ring in the ually committed to working together towards 100th celebration with a bang. an amazing and unforgettable fair experience. Michelle May, the 4-H/youth-program This is the place where people will come advisor, said momentum is building. together for a variety of worthwhile reasons, “The momentum I would say almost seems including entertainment and fun, and leave to be doubled coming back with a wave of imprinted with a memory of legacy, tradition, excitement and energy,” she said. “The energy joy and success.” and excitement amongst the fair board, 4-H, To obtain a pass or for more information, and the community is astounding as we call the fair board office at (605) 257-2370 or prepare to come back to the fair grounds with visit buttesd.org/butte-lawrence-county-fair much gusto and greatness. Renovations are being made to some of the livestock buildings,
Kids Corral
CROSSWORD PUZZLE 8 DIFFERENCES
Can you spot all 8 differences between these scenes?
l
2 3
4
5 6
7
8
WORD SEARCH
9
ACROSS
10
4. The West River deer season usually opens mid-____. 7. Belle Fourche serves as the “Gateway to the ____ Black Hills.” 9. Belle Fourche’s original main street was nicknamed ____ Street. 10. Yakima ____ tackled the first successful ride on the legendary horse, Tipperary.
DOWN
River Walk Sheep Rail Road Tipperary Fur Center of the Nation
Pheasant Belle Fourche Hay Creek Don Smith Chytka Broncs
Cowboy Cattle Spaulding Rodeo Fair All Car Rally
8 DIFFERENCES: 1. Chick is facing other direction; 2. Cat changed color; 3. Cow Bell is missing; 4. Fence post is missing; 5. Silo is missing ridges; 6. Rooster’s head changed colors; 7. Hay bale is missing strings; 8. Donkey is missing its mane CROSSWORD PUZZLE: 1. Granite; 2. Bullock; 3. Reservoir; 4. November; 5. Buffalo; 6. Potato; 7. Northern; 8. Nisland; 9. Saloon; 10. Canutt
ANSWERS
1. The 21-by-40 foot compass rose marking the geographical Center of the Nation is made from South Dakota ____. 2. In 1884, a weigh station was built on a ranch owned by Sol Star and Seth ____. 3. One of the largest bodies of water in the state: The Belle Fourche ____. 5. Since the 40s, ____ have been present throughout Black Hills Roundup events. 6. “____ Creek Johnny” found the largest gold nugget in the Black Hills. 8. The Butte-Lawrence County Fair commences each year in ____.
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 45
resource
belle fourche, south dakota BELLE FOURCHE (“bell–foosh”) | APRIL 20, 1903 INCORPOR ATED | 57717 ZIP CODE BUTTE COUNTY COUNT Y SE AT | MOUNTAIN TIME ZONE | 3,022 FEET ELE VATION
POPUL ATION
MEDIAN INCOME
5,616 MALE
2,714
2,267
2,902
CLIMATE ANNUAL AVER AGES
68.9%
|
EDUCATION
BELLE FOURCHE SCHOOL DISTRICT 9-1 605-723-3355 1 High School (9–12) 1 Middle School (5–8) 2 Elementary Schools (PK–4)
HEALTH CARE
MONUMENT HEALTH BELLE FOURCHE CLINIC 2200 13th Ave., 605-723-8970 MONUMENT HEALTH REHABILITATION 2200 13th Ave., 605-723-8961 ROLLING HILLS HEALTHCARE 2200 13th Ave., 605-892-3331 BUTTE COUNTY HEALTH NURSE 2398 5th Ave., Ste. 102 605-892-2523 BELLE FOURCHE SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER 828 Kingsbury St., 605-892-6285
FINANCE
3 BANKS 2 CREDIT UNIONS
OWNER OCCUPIED
WINTER LOW TE MPER ATURE 13 SUM MER HIGH TE MPER ATURE 87 PRECIPITATION: R AIN 18 ”/ YR SNOW
resources
EMERGENCY: 911
$98,700
FEMALE
HOUSEHOLDS
$46,463 |
30 ”/ YR
CITY OF BELLE FOURCHE AIRPORT
10970 Airport Rd...........605-892-6345
DISPATCH
/YE AR
MEDIAN HOME VALUE
MEDIAN GROSS RENT
861
directory
$658
830 6th........................... 605-892-2737
ENGINEER DEPT.
511 6th............................605-892-3006 Fax...................................605-723-0897
FINANCE
511 6th............................605-892-2494 Fax...................................605-892-2784
LANDFILL
Scale House, 183 N. 8th.......................605-892-3530 Baler Building ���������������605-723-0485
SHOP
NUMBER OF BUSINESSES Source: data.census.gov
516 Faulk........................ 605-892-3414 Fax................................... 605-723-0145
WATER OFFICE
511 6th............................ 605-892-2674 After Hours.................... 605-892-2737
LIBRARY
905 5th Ave....................605-892-4407
UTILITIES
South Dakota ONE Call Call before you dig! 811 in state, 800-781-7474 out of state
ELECTRICITY Black Hills Energy, 800-890-5554 Butte Electric Cooperative, 800-928-8839
GOVERNMENT
CITY Mayor, 8-Member City Council COUNTY 5 Commissioners
WATER & SANITATION PICK UP City of Belle Fourche, 605-892-2494 Refuse Solutions, Inc., 605-723-7723
BELLE FOURCHE POLICE DEPT. Marlyn Pomrenke, Police Chief 1010 8th Ave., 605-892-4240 10 Officers Fred Lamphere, County Sheriff 605-892-3324 4 Deputies
NATURAL GAS CO. Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., 800-MDU-FAST
BELLE FOURCHE VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE 605 6th Ave., 605-892-2254
CABLE/ COMMUNICATIONS
BELLE FOURCHE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. 605 National St., 605-892-6237
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATIONS, 800-888-1300 VAST BROADBAND, 888-722-2000 DISH NETWORK – PRIME ENTERTAINMENT COMMUNICATIONS, 605-892-4565
BUTTE COUNTY OFFICES
Auditor......................... 605-892-4485 Dir. of Equalization..... 605-892-3950 Emergency Management............... 605-723-0900 Extension Office..........605-892-3371 Highway Office........... 605-892-4414 Highway Shop..............605-892-3180 Register of Deeds.........605-892-2912 States Attorney............605-892-3337 Treasurer...................... 605-892-4456 Veterans Services Office............. 605-892-4205
STATE OFFICES
Clerk of Courts................ 605-892-2516 Highway Shop................. 605-892-2610 DOT Office.................... ��605-892-2872
US GOVERNMENT OFFICES
Butte Conservation....... 605-892-3368 Land Management ������ 605-892-7000 FSA Ag Credit Team...... 605-892-3367 S.D. ONE Call................... 800-781-7474 S.D. Licensing................. 800-952-3696 Drivers License Renewals Tuesdays at City Hall ������ 605-892-2008
Department of Natural Resources....... 800-GET-DENR
LEGAL NEWSPAPER, Black Hills Pioneer, 605-642-2761
46 | 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine
SONA O’CONNELL/BLACK HILLS PIONEER
community facilities PUBLIC LIBRARY
905 5th Ave., 605-892-4407
POST OFFICE
804 State St., 605-892-2815
SENIOR CITIZEN’S CENTER
828 Kingsbury St., 605-892-6285
TRI-STATE MUSEUM
415 5th Ave., 605-723-1200
COMMUNITY HALL
512 6th Ave., 605-892-2676
DICK BOWMAN MEMORIAL HALL Herrmann Park
LANDFILL
Monday – Friday, 7 am – 4 pm Saturday – 8 am – 4 pm (summer) 9 am – 2 pm (winter)
RV DUMP STATION
In between Tri-State Museum and City Hall
CEMETERIES
Cemetery Office: 605-892-3735 Pine Slope – Hwy. 34 St. Paul’s – Hwy. 34 Riverside – Sourdough Rd., off E. National St.
BELLE FOURCHE MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION COMPASSION CUPBOARD 522 5th Ave., 605-892-3402 Tuesday, 9 am – noon, Thursday, 2 pm – 6 pm
RECREATION FACILITIES 9 City Parks Roundup Rodeo Arena 2 Tennis Courts Softball/Baseball Fields Soccer Complex Public Ice Skating Rink Skate Park Bike Path Disc Golf Herrmann Park Band Shell Amphitheater
BELLE FOURCHE REC CENTER
1111 National St., 605-892-2467 Swimming Pool, Wading Pool, 2 Water Slides, Conference Room, Walking Track, Weight Room, Cardio Workout Room, 2 Basketball Courts, Racquetball Courts, Gymnasium, Theatre
To reserve a room at the Belle Fourche Rec Center, the Community Hall, or Dick Bowman Memorial Hall, call 892-2467, Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm
PHOTO BY TRAVELSOUTHDAKOTA.COM
organizations & public offices AAU WRESTLING aauwrestling.net
BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER ASSOCIATION bellefourchesoccer.com
AMERICAN LEGION – POST 32 Mike Reade’, 605-892-5599
BELLE FOURCHE YOUTH BASEBALL 605-641-4168, bellefourcheyouthbaseball.com
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY Nancy Wallin, 605-641-7043
BELLE FOURCHE BUCKLES & BOWS SQUARE DANCE CLUB 605-642-7462, blackhillsdosido.org
ARTEMIS HOUSE/VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE INTERVENTION 605-642-7825, Spearfish, SD
BLACK HILLS AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 605-718-0112, bhacf.com
BADLANDS EARLY HEAD START 605-723-8837, badlandshs.org
BOY SCOUTS – TROOP 252 Alan Schreier, 605-892-2051scouting.org
BELLE FOURCHE ARTS COUNCIL Louise Reade’, 605-892-5600
BUTTE-LAWRENCE COUNTY 4-H Betsy Burtzlaff, 605-892-3371
BELLE FOURCHE CARDINALS YOUTH FOOTBALL bellefourchecardinals@gmail.com
BUTTE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Eleanor Marousek, 605-892-2507
BELLE FOURCHE COWBOY BAND Tim Speidel, 605-892-2930 bfcowboyband.com
BUTTE-LAWRENCE COUNTY FAIR BOARD 605-892-3371
BELLE FOURCHE GIRLS’ SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION bfgirlssoftball@gmail.com BELLE FOURCHE LION’S CLUB Rick Walton, 605-645-2636 bellefourchelions.org BELLE FOURCHE COMPASSION CUPBOARD Del Neumeister, 605-892-3402 or contact any local church pastor BELLE FOURCHE NORTHERN LIGHTS LIONS CLUB Joyce Drabek, 605-892-4082
CENTER OF THE NATION ALL CAR RALLY Sam Silacci, 605-210-2013 CENTER OF THE NATION BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Stacey Raisanen, 605-892-0900 CENTER OF THE NATION CONCERT ASSOCIATION Larry Klipp, 605-892-2505 Tickets: con-concerts.blogspot.com CENTER OF THE NATION SPORTSMAN’S CLUB Rick Walton, 605-645-2636 consportsmansclub@gmail.com
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES 605-892-2731 or 877-390-0093 dss.sd.gov FIRE & IRON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, STATION 118 Rik Bartels, 605-645-9242 GIRL SCOUTS – DAKOTA HORIZONS 800-666-2141, gsdakotahorizons.org LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE 605-892-3121 NAJA SHRINERS 605-342-3402, najashriners.com 4091 Sturgis Rd., Rapid City MOUNT RUSHMORE AREA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ® Brandy Purcell, 605-722-0181 1230 North Ave. Ste #1, Spearfish mountrushmoremls.com NORTHERN HILLS AREA UNITED WAY 605-343-5872, unitedwayblackhills.org PARENTS WHO CARE Kelly Keegan, 605-210-2514 SOUTH DAKOTA HIGH SCHOOL RODEO sdhsra.com SOUTH DAKOTA RETAILERS ASSOCIATION 800-658-5545, sdra.org 320 E. Capitol, Pierre TRI-STATE MUSEUM FOUNDATION 605-723-1200
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 47
F I T N E S S FAC I L I T Y
Belle Fourche Rec Center offers
YEAR-ROUND
ACTI V ITI ES
The Belle Fourche Rec Center will celebrate its 29th year in 2021. The Center opened its doors in February of 1992, offering a place and programs for area residents to stay active year-round. The center is home to a 25-meter swimming pool, wading pool, two waterslides, racquetball courts, gymnasium, walking track, theatre and more; all indoors to provide quality
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We strive to offer opportunities for all ages and abilities to have fun locally. Nate Velander, Rec Center director
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entertainment and athletic opportunities even during the depths of winter. We offer room rentals for birthday parties and other purposes as well. As the Belle Fourche community changes, the Rec Center adapts to meet the ever developing needs. The purpose remains the same, but the way it is fulfilled is constantly being scrutinized and expanded.
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Walking Track Weight Room Cardio Room Pool
PROGR AMS OFFERED ADULT • 500 Mile Club • Volleyball Leagues • Basketball Leagues
GROUP FITNESS CLASSES
• SilverSneakers® Yoga, Classic, & Circuit • Strength-Training Classes • Personal Exercise Programs • Yoga • Dance Fitness • And More!
YOUTH Basketball Swimming Lessons Little Dribblers Volleyball Camp Fast Track to Sports Youth Strength & Cardio Fitness Classes, Circuit, & BOSU® Teen Nights Tween Water Workout
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FAC I L I T Y H O U R S MONDAY–THURSDAY 5am–9pm FRIDAY 5am–8pm SATURDAY 8am–6pm SUNDAY 1pm–8pm
POOL HOURS MONDAY–FRIDAY 5:30am–10am; 2pm–7:30pm SATURDAY 8am–5:30pm SUNDAY 1pm–7:30pm
Memberships 605-892-2467 or daily passes 1111 NATIONAL ST. available. BELLEFOURCHEREC.COM 48 | 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine
MARK WATSON/BLACK HILLS PIONEER
BELLE FOURCHE
9-1
SCHOOL DISTRICT
CENTRAL OFFICE: 2305 13th Avenue • 605-723-3355 • Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. • bellefourcheschools.org
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS NORTH PARK K INDERG A R T EN 29 North 6th Avenue • 605-723-3379 Julie Hatling, Principal Julie.Hatling@k12.sd.us BEGINNING & DISMISSAL: 8:10 A .M. – 3:10 P.M.
SOUTH PARK GR A DES 1– 4 1816 Valley Drive • 605-723-3382 Julie Hatling, Principal Julie.Hatling@k12.sd.us BEGINNING & DISMISSAL: 8:00 A .M. – 3:20 P.M.
BELLE FOURCHE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
GR A DES 5 – 8
1302 Ziebach Street • 605-723-3367 Kevin Smidt, Principal Kevin.Smidt@k12.sd.us BEGINNING & DISMISSAL: 7:55 A .M. – 3:43 P.M.
BELLE FOURCHE
HIGH SCHOOL
GR A DES 9–12
1301 12th Avenue • 605-723-3350 Mathew Raba, Principal Mathew.Rabat@k12.sd.us BEGINNING & DISMISSAL: 7:50 A .M. – 3:37 P.M.
BELLE FOURCHE
EDUCATION CONNECTION A LT ERN AT IVE SCHOOL
CO-CURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES
BAND/PEP BAND BASKE TBALL CHEERLEADING CHOIR CROSS COUNTRY DANCE FALL MUSICAL FFA FOOTBALL GOLF KNOWLEDGE BOWL ONE-AC T PL AY ORAL INTERP. SOCCER SPRING PL AY TRACK VOLLEYBALL WRESTLING
BLACK HILLS PIONEER FILE PHOTOS
2315 Dakota Avenue • 605-723-0955 Mathew Raba, Principal Mathew.Rabat@k12.sd.us
ALTERNATIVE CALENDAR The academic calendar includes both four and five-day school weeks. The calendar currently averages one five-day school week per month, with more five-day weeks in the first semester.
MISSION STATEMENT We, the members of the Belle Fourche community, are committed to building a learning community and ensuring all learners equal opportunity for an excellent education program that results in learners who are responsible and accountable, who value lifelong learning and know how to learn; and who are capable of succeeding in a changing society. 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 49
BELLE FOURCHE ACE MOTEL
hotels
acemotelinbelle.com
109 6th Ave.
605-892-2612
AMERICINN LODGE & SUITES
americinn.com
2312 Dakota Ave.
605-892-0900
CROW CREEK GUEST RANCH
crowcreekguestranch.com
17816 Prairie Winds Ln.
605-892-6961
ECONO LODGE
choicehotels.com
1815 5th Ave.
605-892-6663
KINGS INN
no website information available
518 National St.
605-892-2691
REID MOTEL
no website information available
922 Harding St.
605-892-2521
SUNSET MOTEL & RV PARK
sunsetmotelofbelle.com
19022 US Hwy. 85
605-892-2508
SUPER 8 MOTEL
super8.com
501 National St.
605-892-3361
BELLE FOURCHE BESLER’S CADILLAC RANCH
campgrounds beslerscadillacranch.com
19314 Helmer Rd., St. Onge
605-391-6791
RIVERSIDE CAMPGROUND
facebook.com/riversidebf
418 9th Ave.
605-892-6446
ROCKY POINT RECREATION
gfp.sd.gov
Hwy. 212 to Fisherman’s Rd.
605-641-0023 or 1-800-710-CAMP
SCOOT INN
scootinn.com
3 Miles W US Hwy. 34
605-892-2660
SUNSET MOTEL & RV PARK
sunsetmotelofbelle.com
19022 US Hwy. 85
605-892-2508
WYATT’S HIDEAWAY CAMPGROUND
wyattshideaway.com
11144 SD Hwy. 34
605-892-2521
o t e m o c l We
! e h c r u elle Fo
B
Riverside Campground features shaded full hookups (50 & 30 amp) at great rates. The property is close to the river bank, bike path, and within walking distance of downtown. Call & reserve your spot today!
418 9th Ave Belle Fourche, SD 57717 (605) 641-8005
Open year round
50 | 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine
8TH AVENUE BAKERY
704 8th Ave.
605-723-1624
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BOB’S CAFÉ
610 5th Ave.
605-892-4298
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BRANDING IRON STEAKHOUSE & SOCIAL CLUB
19079 US Hwy. 85
605-892-2503
CBH DELI & CHAMP’S CHICKEN
18765 US Hwy. 85
605-723-9000
CROSSROADS
16 North 5th Ave.
DQ GRILL & CHILL
208 Pine St.
GRAP’S BURGERS AND BREWS
512 National St.
605-723-1610
HARDEE’S
2504 5th Ave.
605-892-6170
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THE LEAKY POT CAFE
1102 5th Ave.
605-723-5053
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LUIGI’S PIZZA
11301 Hwy. 212
605-892-9066
NEW CHINA GARDEN
614 5th Ave.
605-892-3888
PAPA JOHN’S in the Big D Truck Stop
2406 5th Ave.
605-892-2411
PIZZA HUT
1824 5th Ave.
605-892-2671
RANCHO LOAS AGAVE
1807 5th Ave.
605-723-1623
ROUND UP CAFE
1405 5th Ave.
605-723-1639
STADIUM SPORTS GRILL
818 5th Ave.
605-723-9521
SUBWAY
1819 5th Ave.
605-892-4020
•
SUBWAY in the CBH Travel Center
Hwy. 212 & Hwy. 85
605-723-7827
TACO JOHNS
1401 Mill St.
WILD MAGNOLIA COFFE BAR
710 State St.
THE
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605-723-0760
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FULL BAR
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WINE /BEER
DINNER
LUNCH
dining
BRE AKFAST
BELLE FOURCHE
• • •
DIFFERENCE
Friendly, clean, reasonably priced, family-run motel & RV Park Why pay more for a cookie cutter chain motel, when you can deal with people who really care about their property and your visit? ∕ Hunting, fishing & western themed rooms ∕ 4 cabins: Each with own bathroom facilities, hot water heater & theme ∕ Free Wifi ∕ Quick drive to downtown ∕ Downhome hospitality ∕ Dog friendly ∕ Military discount
∕ Convenient & roomy parking ∕ Easy to find ∕ Family owned ∕ Golf course across the road ∕ Close to Black Hills attractions ∕ RV camping ∕ AARP discount ∕ On-site laundry facility
605-892-2508 • sunsetmotelofbelle.com Owners: Barb Hoffman & Dan Davis
19022 US Hwy 85 South, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 Email: office@sunsetmotelofbelle.com
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 51
to Wyoming
to Spearfish
to St. Onge, SD
Jones Park & Splash Pad
BELLE FOURCHE SOUTH DAKOTA
Helmer Rd.
52 | 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine
to Montana
Memorial Park
Frisbie Golf
Rail Park
Highland Rec Park & Ice Rink Center
Arnold Park
Thomas C. Gay Memorial Park & Pickleball Court
to Buffalo, SD
Robb Park
Wyler Park
to Rocky Point Recreation Area
Eagle Park
DISTANCE TO:
Black Hills Attractions
Spearfish Canyon.........................15 Devils Tower.................................72 Mt. Rushmore...............................83 Crazy Horse................................117 Custer State Park........................112 Black Hills National Forest..........20
Nearby Cities
Spearfish, SD................................14 Deadwood, SD..............................28 Rapid City, SD..............................61 Sioux Falls, SD...........................405 Gillette, WY................................103 Sheridan, WY.............................205 Dickinson, ND...........................194 Bismarck, ND.............................293 Billings, MT................................263 Denver, CO.................................405
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 53
BELLE FOURCHE BEREAN BIBLE CHURCH
churches
1407 5th Ave.
605-569-8380
BLACK HILLS GOSPEL ASSEMBLY
1/2 mile east on Hwy. 34
605-892-3558
CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER
2020 Vista St.
605-892-4767
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS
1105 Todd St.
605-892-3700
CONNECTION CHURCH
613 6th Ave.
605-210-2150
EMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH
902 Lawrence St.
605-723-6899
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
807 8th Ave.
605-892-4178
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
717 Jackson St.
605-892-3402
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
23 5th Ave.
605-892-4820
LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
2.2 miles east on Hwy. 34
605-723-1092
NORTH POINT CHRISTIAN CHURCH
10959 Kellem Ln.
605-717-6770
NORTHERN HILLS CHURCH OF CHRIST
5 miles S. Hwy. 85
605-642-7167
ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH
10945 Summer Creek Ln.
605-892-2446
ST. JAMES LUTHERAN
1100 Stanley St.
605-723-3923
ST. PAUL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
834 6th Ave.
605-723-3226
SUMMIT OPEN BIBLE FELLOWSHIP
1846 8th Ave.
605-892-4389
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1804 7th Ave.
605-892-2405
54 | 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine
At Scott Peterson Motors…
We Want To Earn Your Business!
Scott Peterson Motors is one of the areas largest New and Pre-owned Auto Dealers. Our convenient locations allows us to serve our customers in South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska and North Dakota. We sell and service all Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep models.
SALE HOURS
Monday-Friday 7:30am-6pm Saturday: 7:30am-5pm Sunday: Closed
Locally Owned & Operated • ScottPetersonMotors.com
SALE HOURS
Driveway Test Drive & Service
North Highway 85 Belle Fourche 605-892-2643 800-843-8325
Monday-Friday 7:30am-6pm Saturday 7:30am-5pm Sunday Closed
1 Ford Place Sturgis 605-347-3662
Just under the interstate off Vanocker Canyon Road
All vehicles delivered to you cleaned and sanitized!
2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine | 55
Come to the center & see Belle Fourche!
Belle Fourche begins at our complex of three big attractions: • The Center of the Nation Monument, a magnificent granite compass rose, surrounded by the Avenue of State Flags. • The 1876 Johnny Spaulding Cabin, a furnished two-story cabin with a history like no other. • The Tri-State Museum with exhibits on pioneers, ranching and rodeo, early law, medicine and business, plus saloons. • Plus, The Center of the Nation Disc Golf Course!
Interactive stuff for kids!
Activity tables and packets, discovery boxes, archaeology dig box, microscope and slides, and gold panning station
While you’re here, pick up all the maps and travel info you need for the road ahead. Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm Closed Sunday and Monday 56 |
415 5th Ave, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 2021 Belle Fourche Destination Magazine (605) 723-1200