Let's Chat About...Sturgis
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is held each year in Sturgis, South Dakota and the surrounding area. This region is nestled beautifully in the heart of the Black Hills. The rally began in 1938 by a group of "Indian" brand motorcycle riders and was originally held for stunts and races.
The 1st Rally was held August 14, 1938, organized by the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club. This organization still owns and operates the track, hill climb, and field areas where the rally is centered.
The event was founded by Clarence "Pappy" Hoel, who opened an "Indian" Motorcycle Shop downtown Sturgis in 1936 and he organized the Jackpine Gypsies in 1938.
In the beginning the rally was focus on racing and stunts, but in 1961 the hillclimb and motorcross were introduced.
The Sturgis Rally was held every year except for during World War II from 1942-1946.
This gathering began as a 3-day event. Day 1 was a guided Gypsie tour through the Black Hills and days 2 and 3 were for racing and other events. Later it became a 7-day event beginning on Monday and running through Sunday. Since then, it has evolved into 10 days, running from Friday the 1st week through Sunday of the 2nd. This year the rally dates are Aug. 2nd - Aug. 11th.
The first time I attended a Sturgis Rally was in 2008, with Randy on our wedding trip. We started our adventure by riding with friends through Yellowstone, then on to Sturgis, and ending in Medora where we were married on 8-8-08!!
We don't go to Sturgis every year, but we've been there quite a few times. This year we will be staying at Nemo Guest Ranch for the first time. We’ve stayed at various locations including hotels & campgrounds in Rapid City and also the Legendary Buffalo Chip!
The main reason Randy & I enjoy going to Sturgis is for the beautiful scenery while we ride. Each year that we go, we are sure to take in Needles Hwy, Custer State Park and Spearfish Canyon. We also enjoy visiting the towns around the area, such as Deadwood, Keystone, Lead, Spearfish, Hill City, Custer and Rapid City.
Here is a great resource for motorcycle routes in the Black Hills area:
There is so much to see and do right downtown Sturgis during the rally. There are lots of vendors, bars, eating establishments and activities. Main Street become a motorcycle only zone during the rally, no cars allowed!
A few of my favorite places to visit when we go downtown are "The Knuckle Saloon", "Iron Horse Saloon" and the "Harley Davidson" Store.
There's also the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. This is a great place to discover the rich history of motorcycling from the early pioneers to the rebels who dared to ride.
The Spirit of Sturgis TT - America Flat Track race coming to downtown Sturgis
"This groundbreaking event, taking place in the vibrant heart of downtown Sturgis, will feature an innovative mix of street and dirt sections and will be free for the public to attend. Building on the series' history of hybrid courses, including past events like the DAYTONA TT and Atlanta Super TT, the Spirit of Sturgis TT is set to offer an unmatched racing experience. The unique setting of racing through the heart of the world-renowned Rally promises to deliver a memorable event for both participants and spectators.
This spectacle of motorcycle sport is scheduled for Aug. 11, 2024, coinciding with the final Sunday of the 84th Annual City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, continuing the city’s legacy of motorcycle racing that dates back to 1938."
The rally also offers a Professional Motorcycle Hillclimb. Randy & I have attended this before and really enjoyed it. This year it will be held on August 7th at 10:00 am.
Next, I want to touch a little on the Campgrounds in the Sturgis Area. I'm going to start with Buffalo Chip because it happens to be my favorite!
Since 1981, this has been the destination that brought motorcycles and music together for the Rally and has become home to many. It's the place to go if you a looking for great music concerts and big-name headliners. To me the venue feels like a typical music festival with the exceptions of bikes down by the stage revving their engines after each song!
This year's headliners include: Jelly Roll, Travis Tritt, Quiet Riot, Kid Rock, Buck Cherry, Bret Michaels, Great White and many more!
Next there's the "Full Throttle Saloon", the world's largest biker bar. This venue used to be just outside the Sturgis city limits before it was destroyed by a fire on September 9th, 2015. The new location is on South Dakota Highway 79, about 6 miles Northeast of Sturgis.
There is so much to see and do here...it's kind of like its own little city. Some of their entertainment this year includes Concerts, Bike Shows, Memorial Ride, Rodeo and a Fish Fry!
I am really looking forward to camping at Nemo Guest Ranch this year! We have never stayed here, but some friends of ours have and they really liked it. It's located about 20 miles South of Sturgis and offers a beautiful view of the Hills! This venue also has and onsite General Store and the "Brandin' Iron" Restaurant & Lounge.
The Rapid City Harley Davidson store is another "must visit" location! They gear up for the rally in full force and have top of the line vendors & merchandise.
Next, we can't forget to mention our spectacular monuments in the area! First up...Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is a National Monument featuring the rock sculpture of our past presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincon. It's located right outside Keystone, SD and is a popular attraction for Sturgis Bikers!
Mount Rushmore Loop Ride:
Leaving Sturgis, this loop first takes you southward to the majestic Mount Rushmore itself.
From there, the road winds through the hills, leading you into Wyoming. Along the way, you’ll visit the towns of Sundance and Beulah. Fun fact: Beulah is home to the largest biker pig roast—because, you know, even hogs need a good barbecue now and then!
Finally, as the sun begins its descent, you’ll head back through the northern Black Hills, arriving triumphantly back in Sturgis. It’s a day well spent, my friend! 🌄
Next is Devils Tower! This is also a National Monument located about 80 miles West of Sturgis in the state of Wyoming. This natural wonder is a Butte that rises 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River. Devil's Tower got his name when a scientific explorer wrote in his journal that the Native American's referred to this as "Bad God's Tower". Later it was officially named "Devil's Tower".
Devil’s Tower Loop:
Feeling adventurous? Take a detour to Devil’s Tower! Once in Sundance, head north to this otherworldly rock formation. It’s like nature’s own exclamation mark rising from the ground. On your return journey, cruise through the upper elevations of the Northern Black Hills, passing through Lead, Deadwood, and finally, the scenic Boulder Canyon. Each twist and turn are a memory waiting to be made.
Needles Hwy is a spectacular 14+ mile drive through pine & Spruce forests, meadows surrounded by birch and aspen, and rugged granite mountains. The road's name comes from the needlelike rock formations that seem to pierce the horizon along the highway.
Crazy Horse was a Lakota war leader in the 19th century. A sculpture carved out of rock is being constructed in his honor. This monument is located just 5 miles North of Custer, SD.
Needles and Crazy Horse Loop
This 20-mile drive follows US 14A through an ancient, narrow canyon between the cities of Spearfish and Lead, SD.
Spearfish Canyon Loop
Sturgis Statistics:
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of the most iconic and long-standing events in the motorcycle world.
The number of attendees can vary from year to year, but the rally typically draws hundreds of thousands of bikers from across the globe.
The rally is open to riders of all makes and models of motorcycles. Whether you ride a Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian, or any other brand, you are welcome to participate in the event.
In 2023 there were 1,479 citations issued and 127 accidents. 64 of these involved injury and 5 were fatal.
2015 was the Rally's 75th Anniversary and held the highest attendance at 700,000 people. The average attendance is around 500,000 and in 2023 there it was 458,161.
For all the ins and outs of this year's event, click on the link below!
So, if you are going to Sturgis, maybe we will see you there! Have safe travels and lots of fun!
If you have anything to add to this blog or experiences to share, please comment below!
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