Make the Most of Sturgis
We know Sturgis is THE place to be. For all you adventurous riders out there, we’ve put together a mini guide of tips & tricks to make the best of the event.
What to pack:
-Rain Gear – the weather can turn on you pretty quick
-Water – in case it stays nice and toasty, stay hydrated!
-Sunscreen
-Cash – not everywhere will accept card
-ID
-Physical map – service can be spotty especially with sooo many people taking up bandwidth, so old-school maps are good to have on hand
-Portable charging packs – in case your phone is dying, having a pocket charger can really help you or someone else in a pinch
-Clothes for various temperatures – it can be sweltering in the sun, but some rides can take you through some chilly areas
-A helmet – South Dakota doesn’t have a helmet requirement for adults, but some neighboring states do, so check the laws as you travel
-Tool Pouch with at least basic items (duct tape, zip/wire ties, screwdriver, etc)
-Always carry bungee cords and remember to leave room for souvenirs!
Where to stay:
Finding a place to stay in Sturgis is definitely something to plan ahead for. One great idea is to get a group together and rent out a cabin, house, or cottage in the area.
For more standard lodging The Hotel Sturgis, Super 8 Sturgis, Days Inn Sturgis, Baymont Inn & Suites Sturgis, & The Sturgis Motel are very close by. If camping is more your style, there are great options where you can enjoy the company and camaraderie of fellow riders and stay near the action. The Pappy Hoel Campground is the official campground of Sturgis Bike Week, with private cabins, RV parking, and tent sites. The Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip is a historic, traditional biker experience. Ride N Rest Campground is another popular option.
Things to do:
You’ve got to check out Buffalo Chip Campground, they always have outstanding concerts.
If nature is your jam, see the various national & state parks like Black Hills National Forest, Bear Butte State Park, and Rocky Point Recreation Area. There are also mesmerizing caves and caverns to see like Jewel Cave, Wind Cave, Black Hills Caverns, Wonderland Cave, and Rushmore Cave. See some stunning natural formations and scenery.
If history is your thing, Wonderland Cave might also be for you, as well as various local museums including the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, Old Fort Meade Museum, High Plains Western Heritage Center, The Vore Buffalo Jump, Tri-State Museum, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, Dakota Discovery Museum, America’s Founding Fathers Exhibit, Keystone Historical Museum, and the Mammoth Site.
Aside from museums, there’s historic towns and sites scattered all over. Take a ride through Deadwood, Spokane Black Hills Ghost Town, Galena Ghost Town, Buffalo Gap, Meeker Ranch, and Prairie Homestead.
For a bit of fun, check out various gold mining/panning attractions like Black Hills Mining Museum, Big Thunder Gold Mine & Museum, Sanford Lab Homestake, and Wade’s Gold Mill!
Wall Drug in Wall, SD is a decades-long traditional stop that took care of the bikers long before Sturgis was so popular.
Some of the most popular biker bars in Sturgis are the Knuckle Saloon, One Eye-Jacks, Iron Horse Saloon, and the Loud American Roadhouse.
When you’re finally getting hungry after all those adventures, there’s tons of places to find a good meal. Check out https://sturgis.com/eat/ for lots of choices that can be filtered by region and type!
Must-see rides:
Mount Rushmore – just a 20 mile ride to the immense iconic national memorial
Iron Mountain Road – includes 3 granite rock tunnels to ride through & 3 fun pigtail bridges to give you a workout
Needles Highway – a stunning trip through granite spires and around mountain lakes
Spearfish Canyon – a bucket list worthy scenic ride adorned with cliffs cut through a gorge, bubbling streams, waterfalls, and striking vistas at every turn
Devil’s Tower – an epic sight of a massive lava cone just across the state line, in Wyoming., in the middle of rolling hills, pine forests and winding roads
The Badlands – an awesome, beautiful ride
Custer State Park & see the Buffalo
Crazy Horse Memorial. – though unfinished, it is breathtaking!
