Spearfish is a lively, outdoor-focused small city tucked into the northern Black Hills — think dramatic Spearfish Canyon, year‑round hiking and biking, excellent fly‑fishing on Spearfish Creek, nearby skiing, plus a walkable downtown with good restaurants, craft breweries, galleries and regular community events, so multi‑week contracts feel more like a mini-residency than being stuck.
For extras, Rapid City (about 65–70 miles) provides a regional airport and bigger‑city amenities, while Sturgis and Deadwood—both within roughly an hour—offer major events, nightlife and gaming when you want more variety.