DC Booth Historic Fish Hatchery
Constructed in 1899 as the region's first fish management center, the DC Booth Hisoric Fish Hatchery was responsible not only for introducing trout to the Black Hills, but for being the first to control the fish population in Yellowstone National Park.
The institution quickly grew in importance, becoming the coordination center for all federal fisheries in the western United States. By the 1980s budget cuts forced the hatchery to be closed, but it later reopened with a new mission to help preserve the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's historic and cultural heritage.
Today the hatchery’s colorful history, pristine setting and century-old buildings are preserved as an educational center devoted to fish culture. Besides the original ponds, hatchery structure and icehouse, the center now includes:
- Underwater viewing areas and fish feeding
- Festivals like DC Booth Day and the Family Creek Fair
- Victorian Booth House
- Museum and gift shop
- Picnic and playground areas
The historic buildings, old gardens and forest setting also make the hatchery grounds a popular location for outdoor receptions.
Grounds are open year-round from dawn to dusk with no admission fee. Tours of the hatchery and Booth House run from mid-May through mid-September.
Directions
Take I-90 exit 12 to Jackson Blvd. Head west on Jackson Blvd. and turn left at North Canyon St. Follow Canyon St. 0.7 miles to Hatchery Circle. The Hatchery is located on the right.
For more information visit the DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery website.
