Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Things To Do
Good eating and things you may have missed in the Black Hills to offset the same old same old Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
_by David Hilgendorf | July 2024
First held in 1938, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has grown from a small gathering of enthusiasts to the premier American biker event, attracting half a million riders to Sturgis, South Dakota, every August. For decades it’s been the rallying cry of bikers from across North America. Whether you are riding to the region or the rally, start planning now and check out some motorcycle rally riding tips before you leave!
Explore
Riding in the Black Hills of South Dakota quickens your senses and offers an elixir for the soul. The Black Hills National Forest surrounding Sturgis and nearby Badlands National Park offer miles of twisty roads, awesome scenery and memorable motorcycle rides, no matter which direction you’re coming from. But you’ll want to get off the bike and maybe go back to the 50’s for some family type fun!
Black Hills MAZE
Located 3 miles south of Rapid City on Highway 16 on the Road to Mount Rushmore you can’t miss this great Black Hills attraction!
The Black Hills Maze was constructed in 1991 by a local couple following their family experience in a Maze in the Northwest. The Maze is constructed of pressure-treated Douglas Fir, and it covers over 39,000 square feet. It has four second-level bridges and four second-level towers.
Mini-golf, batting cages, water wars and much more are also available on the Maze site. Come check it out!
While it is worth the extra time to check out the following specific destinations, they are only a sampling of many amazing and unforgettable sensory-overload opportunities throughout the region.
Custer State Park
If you’re looking to reconnect with nature feeling guilty about skipping it last year, Custer State Park should be first on your list. More than 70,000 acres of scenery, free-roaming and sometimes dangerous wildlife and twisting, winding roads give riders a sense of awe at the spectacle of their surroundings. Just don’t stop for that Buffalo Selfie if going home in an ambulance isn’t in your plans!
Custer State Park is where you’ll find legendary scenic routes including Wildlife Loop Road, Needles Highway and the “Pigtail Bridges” on Iron Mountain Road. You’ll enjoy riding through rock formations and narrow tunnels with stunning views, including the Mount Rushmore National Monument. It’s a beauty and lots of fresh air. Bring your fishing pole!
Many visitors never leave the Custer area as Sturgis is only 1/4th of the experience. Try the list of Custer restaurants if you didn’t bring your own grilling kit.
Devils Tower
America’s first national monument, Devils Tower is massive volcanic column (I think it was a tree) rising 1,265 feet from the river plain that draws almost half a million visitors per year. The tower is considered sacred by indigenous populations, has become a destination for professional rock climbers, and was featured prominently in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 Sci-Fi film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”
While a bit farther away from Sturgis than other popular scenic routes, a motorcycle ride to Devils Tower is worth the extra time. Take the popular 100-mile “Lasso” route through South Dakota and Wyoming directly out of Sturgis and you’ll be accompanied by plenty of bikers with the same idea.
Also check out these Devils Tower tours as well as other Wyoming things to do!!
Badlands – Wall Drug Fun Center
You’ve seen it once you’ve seen it before. The striking geologic colors of Badlands National Park contain deposits from one of the world’s richest fossil beds. The park’s 244,000 acres are an expanse of mixed-grass prairie and rugged topography that bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and other wildlife call home. The animal kingdom and otherworldly palette of colored terrain are typically best viewed during sunrise, but it is in the middle of nowhere. But every time I go it seems dead to me, so I just pass though. Too much stuff to do in the black hills but you may like this. Some people do.
Start by overheating your motor (Okay you have AMSOIL) with the steep passes and low speeds of Loop Road through the North Unit of Badlands National Park while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife. There are numerous overlooks and pull-outs for sightseeing and scenic photography of the multicolored hills that give the park its name.
BUT – Here’s a tip you didn’t know!! For more adventurous riders, the unpaved Sage Creek Rim Road can also be accessed from Badlands Loop Road, just north of the Pinnacles Overlook.
It wouldn’t be a trip to South Dakota without stopping at the tourist trap Wall Drug. Afterward, head south through the town of Scenic and continue 47 miles west around the southern side of the park to Red Shirt Table Overlook on your way back into the Black Hills and Sturgis.
Panning for Gold
You really can strike it rich while you are there. There are dozens of organizations and businesses who can outfit you to go out on a claim to do a little gold panning while you’re there. But there are also several places set up for some panning without you having to bring your own gear. Try your hand at the Black Hills Mining Museaum.
Here’s the local gold panning club who could help you earn back some money if you gambled it away or lost your credit card.
Spearfish Canyon
You don’t want to miss Spearfish Canyon!! No no! Ride 22 miles west of Sturgis to find Spearfish Canyon Nature Area. It’s considered one of the most beautiful locations in the Black Hills and is also one of the most popular destinations for annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees.
More than 20 miles of scenic roadways include many places to pull over and awe at spectacular views of thousand-foot limestone palisades and stunning waterfalls. An elevation change of nearly 2,000 feet along the length of the canyon adds to the beautiful backdrop found along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.
Grand Tour – Adventures – Hill City
Rushmore Tramway Adventures offers an exhilarating blend of natural beauty and thrilling activities. Something cool to do with that chick you may have met at the campground, this is your ultimate destination!
What sets Rushmore Tramway Adventures apart? Imagine the thrill of zipping through the fresh pine-scented air with Mount Rushmore in the backdrop! Our unique aerial adventures and breathtaking scenery provide a standout experience that can’t be found elsewhere. The scenic chairlift will elevate you into a realm of serene beauty while giving you a bird’s eye view of historical monuments and lush landscapes.
For those who want to see all the above and more, the Black Hills Grand Tour might be the king of all motorcycle rides. Starting in Sturgis, wind west through the historic Old-West towns of Deadwood and Lead, South Dakota, and continue north through the Black Hills into Wyoming for Devils Tower, before looping back east through Spearfish Canyon.
The next day, continue south from Sturgis through forest scenery to Custer State Park and continue east toward Badlands National Park. Along this route you’ll have the option to visit regional mainstays including Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
A true Black Hills touring experience, this route is made for bikers and will leave you with eternal memories. Watch the video below to find out more!
And Hill City – The 1880 Train isn’t just a train ride; it’s a gateway to the history of the American West. Operating on the original tracks laid in the late 1800s, this train celebrates the heritage of the railroads that were pivotal in developing the region. Each journey is a live narrative, bringing the tales of yesteryear to life, making it an essential experience for history buffs and adventure seekers alike. Experience a unique blend of nostalgia and stunning natural beauty aboard the 1880 Train. Feel the rhythm as this historic steam locomotive winds through the scenic landscapes of the Black Hills, offering an unforgettable adventure near iconic monuments such as Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
Don’t forget the concerts
After returning from a long day riding in the Black Hills, there are few better ways to unwind than with some live music. From Lawrence Welk, Anthrax to ZZ Top, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a premiere music destination, featuring plenty of country, alternative, rock and metal bands to get you pumped for your next ride.
Change your oil!
As the Official Oil of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, AMSOIL maintains a huge presence around town, including a corporate booth on Main Street, near Junction Avenue, where enthusiasts can learn how AMSOIL products help their motorcycle perform at its best.
Stop by the following locations to get your V-twin or Metric motorcycle oil changed when you arrive, during the rally or before you ride home:
- Downtown Sturgis – AMSOIL on Main Street
- Vale – Pappy Hoel Campground
- Rapid City – Black Hills Vendor Park
