Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Sturgis, South Dakota
Our Tourist Attractions Expert Says:
Bikers, get your gear and head on down to South Dakota for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This convention, held during the first full week of August, pulls out all the stops. Ride along the beautiful badlands and take in some wild shows and concerts. Even just walking down the main street to people watch is an adventure. Let's just say that whatever happens in Sturgis stays in Sturgis!
There is so much going on during the rally week that it is worth looking at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Events Schedule to make sure you don't miss out on something. Check out who will be performing at concerts, when there are organized riding tours of the area, the various night activities at local bars and the schedule for races and bike events. There are also many vendors who set up tents or booths for the week, selling everything from snacks to cycles.
The traditional focus of a motorcycle rally is racing and stunts. Events like half-mile track racing, wall crashes, ramp jumps and head on collisions with automobiles delight riders and motorcycle fans alike. Today, many of the attendees are family people, bringing their children with them and often driving trailers and campers to the rally and riding their motorcycles the last few miles.
Rides during the rally go deep into the Black Hills, Deadwood, Custer, Hill City, Spearfish, Lead and Keystone and Devils Tower and Crazyhorse Monument and more. Bikers often pull over to view herds of Buffalo, and occasionally ride alongside animals in the road.
Bikers and those close to them aren't known for modesty, so don't be shocked if you see overt exhibitionism. Walking around half naked is almost a tradition at the Sturgis rally. For tamer fun, visit the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame on Main Street. You can take a tour of an exhibit of motorcycles from 1900 until present day, including rare and unique American, British, and Asian motorcycles and scooters.
The motorcycle rally is all about having fun, but keep a safe watch on your bike. Motorcycles, typically newer and custom models, are stolen every year. Make sure to lock your bike, avoid parking spots in dark areas, and never leave any personal items behind. It is recommended to use a disc or wheel lock instead of an ignition switch lock, as these are easily disengaged.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally isn't confined to the town of Sturgis. People ride and stay all over South Dakota. To get a motel room you'll need to book a year in advance. There are tons of campgrounds near the rally and in the black hills. The Buffalo Chip Campground, just outside of Sturgis, is the most famous. Also try the Glencoe campground, which offers live entertainment like concerts and shows.
When you're hungry after a long ride, stop at one of the eateries in Sturgis along Main Street. At Buffalo Bill's Bowling/Firehouse Saloon you can eat at the saloon and bowl or play arcade games. To enjoy antiques and Sturgis memorabilia while you dine, eat at The Knuckle, a wild west saloon & grill that's also a museum. The restaurant has live music and often features bull rides, rooster roping, karaoke and car shows.
A trip to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will be a great experience whether you ride in the race or are just in Sturgis to take in what goes on. Sturgis is located in western South Dakota, in Meade County. Many people drive in to the rally, but the area is also accessible via the Rapid City Regional Airport.