Rev up your engines or slow down in the Black Hills—Sturgis, South Dakota has both! Famous for its legendary motorcycle rally, this rugged town also offers scenic drives, hiking trails, local brews, and Wild West charm. Whether you’re cruising through or planning a road trip base, Sturgis delivers high-octane adventure and laid-back discovery.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sturgis is from May to September, when warm weather makes it perfect for motorcycling, hiking, and exploring the Black Hills. August is prime time if you want to experience the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
How to Get There
- By Car: Sturgis sits along I-90, just 30 minutes northwest of Rapid City and a scenic drive from Mount Rushmore or Badlands National Park.
- By Air: Fly into Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), about 40 minutes away, with rental car access to explore the region.
- By Motorcycle or RV: Sturgis is a must-visit on many biker and road-tripper routes—especially during rally season.
Where to Stay
- The Hotel Sturgis – Boutique hotel in a restored historic building on Main Street with modern biker-friendly amenities.
- Days Inn by Wyndham – Reliable option just off the interstate with pool, breakfast, and comfortable rooms.
- Buffalo Chip Campground – Legendary rally camping spot with cabins, RV hookups, concerts, and biker culture year-round.
Top Attractions
⮕ For motorcycle fans: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is an annual American motorcycle rally held in Sturgis, South Dakota. The rally lasts for ten days and usually starts the first Friday in August. The first rally was held in 1938 by a group of passionate Indian Motorcycle riders. The riders belonged by the Jackpine Gypsies motorcycle club.
The club today owns and operates the tracks, hillclimb, and all field areas where the rally is held. Originally, the focus of the rally was racing and stunts but the program was expanded in 1961 to include the Hillclimb and Motocross races. The first year in Sturgis, there were 19 participants. The rally at times includes half-mile track racing, ramp jumps, intentional wall crashes and head-on collisions with automobiles. The rally has always been very popular and it is not rare that the attendance reaches over 700,000 people.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Sturgis, South Dakota
⮕ For history buffs: Old Fort Meade Museum
Fort Meade was an active military post from 1878 until 1944. It was originally established to protect settlers and miners in the area and it played a crucial role in keeping peace on the western frontier of Dakota. Located near Sturgis, South Dakota, the Old Fort Meade is today used as a Veterans Administration Hospital.
The museum is located in the former headquarters of the commanding officer and it features an in-depth history of Fort Meade through a number of exhibits. The museum organizes new monthly exhibition with various topics. Fort Meade is also a training site for the South Dakota National Guard, an Army National Guard Officer Candidate School and home of Fort Meade National Cemetery.
Old Fort Meade Museum, 50 Sheridan St, Fort Meade, SD 57741, Phone: 605-347-9822
Where to Eat
⮕ The Knuckle Saloon and Brewing Company
The Knuckle Saloon and The Knuckle Brewing Company are located on property once owned by Colonel Samuel D. Sturgis in downtown Sturgis, South Dakota. The Knuckle Saloon is also a museum filled with antiques and memorabilia from the Sturgis past. The saloon has reputation for the best food in the Black Hills.
Some of the most popular menu items are beef tips and salads and “The Knuckle Sandwich”, the biggest, juiciest burger in the Black Hills. The Knuckle Saloon has the longest bar in South Dakota serving original cocktails and offering the finest selections of craft beer and wine. The Knuckle Saloon is also the largest entertainment venue in Sturgis, known for events such as bar bull riding, concerts, car shows, live music, casino, pub crawls, pool, darts and more.
The Knuckle Saloon and Brewing Company, 918 Harley-Davidson Way, Sturgis, South Dakota, Phone: 605-561-9846
More Places to Eat
- Jambonz Deux – Local favorite serving Cajun specialties, burgers, and BBQ in a funky, fun setting.
- The Knuckle Saloon – Massive bar and restaurant offering hearty pub fare, drinks, and rally vibes year-round.
- Loud American Roadhouse – Great burgers, steaks, and live music in a lively, biker-welcoming space.
Local Events
- Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August) – One of the world’s biggest motorcycle events with concerts, rides, vendors, and street parties.
- Sturgis Camaro Rally (June) – High-powered meet-up for car enthusiasts featuring races, cruises, and a show-n-shine.
- Music on Main (Summer Wednesdays) – Weekly community event with food trucks, live music, and a friendly small-town vibe.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Sturgis, South Dakota
- Deadwood (20–25 min) – Walk historic Main Street, tour casinos and museums, or visit the resting place of Wild Bill Hickok.
- Spearfish (25–30 min) – Hike Spearfish Canyon, visit the fish hatchery, or explore downtown shops and eateries.
- Bear Butte State Park (5–10 min) – Hike to sacred summit views, learn Native American history, or picnic by the lake.
- Whitewood (10–15 min) – Explore this quiet town’s western charm, visit local shops, or take a peaceful backroad drive.
- Boulder Canyon (10–15 min) – Drive the scenic route between Sturgis and Deadwood, or hike forested trails with canyon views.
- Vanocker Canyon (5–10 min) – Take a winding drive or motorcycle ride through pine-lined roads with stunning Black Hills scenery.
- Fort Meade Recreation Area (5–10 min) – Ride horseback trails, bike rugged terrain, or explore Fort Meade Museum nearby.
- Summit Ridge Trail System (10–15 min) – Hike or mountain bike forested trails with views over Sturgis and surrounding hills.
FAQ
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What is Sturgis known for?
- Sturgis is a small city in Meade County, South Dakota.
- It is famous worldwide for hosting one of the biggest annual motorcycle rallies, held during the first full week of August.
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What historical sites can visitors explore in Sturgis?
- Sturgis is home to Old Fort Meade, which is now a Veterans Administration Hospital and includes a small museum.
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What are some must-visit attractions in Sturgis?
- Visit the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame to learn about the history of motorcycle culture.
- Pay respects at the Black Hills National Cemetery.
- Explore the historic Fort Meade National Cemetery.
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What outdoor activities are available in Sturgis?
- The South Dakota Centennial Trail passes through Sturgis, offering scenic outdoor opportunities for hiking and nature enthusiasts.
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How can visitors experience the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?
- Check out the next Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for an unforgettable experience.
More events and things to do in Sturgis
Map:
Sturgis, South Dakota Weather by Month
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Precip. (in) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30 | 10 | 1.5 | Cold & Snowy |
| February | 35 | 15 | 1.2 | Cold & Snowy |
| March | 45 | 25 | 2.0 | Chilly & Wet |
| April | 60 | 35 | 3.0 | Mild & Rainy |
| May | 72 | 45 | 3.5 | Pleasant |
| June | 82 | 55 | 3.8 | Warm & Humid |
| July | 85 | 62 | 3.5 | Hot & Humid |
| August | 82 | 60 | 3.2 | Warm & Humid |
| September | 72 | 45 | 3.0 | Mild & Pleasant |
| October | 60 | 35 | 2.5 | Cool & Crisp |
| November | 45 | 25 | 2.0 | Chilly & Rainy |
| December | 32 | 15 | 1.5 | Cold & Snowy |
Plan Your Trip