The only thing bikers love almost as much as riding is hanging out with other fellow bikers from all over the country and having a blast watching (and participating in) rallies. Not to mention the awesome music and a whole bunch of events scheduled for this year’s Sturgis Rally.
If you want to apply for a rally, you better hurry and visit the official Sturgis Motorcycle Rally website because time is ticking away.
Meanwhile, let’s take a look at the top 10 places to ride in Sturgis this year, because it’s not just the rally that’s awesome – so many magnificent places are waiting for you to experience them with breeze in your knees.
#10 Pactola Reservoir
This is one of the lesser known places on this list. Pactola Reservoir is on the way from Sturgis to Keystone. It’s a beautiful place to ride – the view is breathtaking, but there are also many other things you can do here, especially if you like water sports, fishing, boating.
#9 Bear Butte
You’ve all probably heard of Bear Butte, and if you’ve been to the rally, you’ve probably paid a visit to this little eye-catchy mountain just outside of Sturgis. There’s a pretty little park out there where you can go fishing if you want to. The ride is amazing, the air is always fresh and there is always a bit of a breeze.
#8 Badlands National Park
Right out on the edge of Black Hills you’ll find the Badlands national Park. It’s a 45-60 minute ride from Sturgis, but it’s definitely worth it. This is one of the craziest places you’ve ever seen, it looks like you ended up on an alien planet. The ride is awesome and the road is really beautiful.
#7 Custer State Park and Wildlife Reserve
This is a gorgeous road to ride. There is a park entry fee, but if you are a sucker for nature and wildlife, it’s definitely worth it. You’re going to see buffalo, goats, antelope, and many more animals – you name it, they have it.
#6 Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Since you’re already so close to, it would be a real pity not to pay this National Memorial a visit. It’s one of the greatest things to see in the United States and it’s definitely worth adding to your list.
#5 Main Street, Sturgis, S.D
Obviously you have to check out the Main Street. Even if you’re in Sturgis and it’s not rally time, there are lots of interesting things to see here. Check out the Motorcycle Museum at the end of Main Street and also places like Weimer’s coffee shop that have been right in the middle of Main Street for 66 years.
#4 Devil’s Tower National Monument
Devil’s tower was the first national monument established by President Roosevelt in 1906. Rising an astounding 867 feet from it’s base, this is one of the most impressive natural wonders of the Black Hills. A must see!
#3 Needles Highway
The Needles is very twisty and curvy but not too technical, and a real blast to ride. It ties back into Iron Mountain Road. There’s amazing scenery and the highway will take you right over to Custer National Park.
#2 Spearfish Canyon
With switchbacks all the way through and sweepers, this is an awesome place to ride. Spearfish Canyon is a great choice for visiting because of the accessibility near Spearfish and the road itself. There are great places to stop and see amazing nature with gorgeous waterfalls.
#1 Iron Mountain Road
Everyone knows how amazing the Iron Mountain Road is. It’s a wonderful ride, the road is very technical and the scenery if off charts. It’s neatly connected to Needles Highway mentioned above.
Do you agree with our list? What are your favorite things to see and do in Sturgis?
