The #1 must-do for any North American motorcyclist is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, held annually every first week of August in Sturgis, South Dakota. The 2016 rally will be the 76th rally, held August 8-14. Located on the edge of the Black Hills National Forest and just northwest of Rapid City, the rally offers a chance to connect with other riders, get a taste of the American West, and fulfill the dream of being part of a motorcycle gang. Vendors will set up shop along Sturgis’ Main Street and show off their inventory of gear, bikes, and other motorcycling necessities. The rally also hosts races, bike shows, and concerts from A-List musicians.
Things To Do
There are plenty of group rides available on the Sturgis Rally website, or the lone traveler can ride highways like Iron Mountain Road, Vanocker Canyon Road, the Wildlife Loop, and Spearfish Canyon. Nearby sightseeing includes Mount Rushmore, Deadwood, and Devils Tower in nearby Wyoming.
Some top things to do are:
- 14th Annual Sturgis Mayor’s Ride: Limited space available, so book fast! The Sturgis mayor hosts this annual ride on the first day of the rally, and all proceeds benefit the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department. The actual ride takes you to the best of the Black Hills, stopping for lunch at Custer State Park.
- Badlands National Park: get a glimpse of Mars without actually visiting another planet. The Badlands offer other-worldly landscapes of buttes and valleys, deeming it a “bad” place for the pioneers to travel through with their wagons.
- Sturgis Bar Scene: Sure, riding is what you want to do during the day, but what can you do once the sun goes down? Downtown Sturgis is home to plenty of saloons, bars, and pubs to give you a good time. Join the annual Sturgis Mayor’s Pub Crawl, or plan your own through Iron Horse Saloon, Knuckles Saloon, and Broken Spoke Saloon.
- Needles Highway: If you love the excitement and adrenaline of twisting roads and narrow passes, the Needles Highway is a must. The towering granite spires lining the highway give it its name, and the highway lies in Custer State Park, offering a chance to visit another incredible South Dakota must-see.
Where To Stay
Hotels, campgrounds, and other 300+ vacation rentals are available for lodging. Find your home away from home here. Learn More
Don’t Wait Too Long!
The 76th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is only weeks away, so start planning your trip now! Schumacher Cargo Logistics is prepared to get your bike there safely.
