Sturgis
"Motorcycle City, USA"
Population: 7,000 • Elevation: 3,450
A gateway community with 7,000 residents on I-90 at Exits 30 and 32. Featuring the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Black Hills National Cemetery, Bear Butte State Park, Fort Meade Cavalry Museum, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and Wonderland Cave. Enjoy the local public golf course and scenic drives through Vanocker Canyon or Boulder Canyon.
Sturgis History
The city of Sturgis was started in 1888 as a boom town catering to off-duty soldiers just outside the U.S. Cavalry's Fort Meade. Later it became a port of entry to the Black Hills goldfields. Today, Sturgis is known worldwide as "Motorcycle City USA." It hosts "Rodeos To Rallies." I-90 Exits 30 & 32.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Each August the small town of Sturgis, population 7,000, welcomes half a million motorcycle enthusiasts. For about two weeks out of the year the City of Sturgis becomes a metropolis. During the rally, Sturgis has the people, the shopping and the entertainment to match any big city. Over 800 temporary businesses set up vending — everything from tattoos and body piercing to luxurious fur coats and exquisite jewelry. And leather everywhere!
Relive a bit of history by returning to the racing roots of the rally and enjoy the exciting handlebar-to-handlebar racing at the Sturgis Half Mile, Sturgis Dragway and Jackpine Gypsies Hill Climb. Or you can enjoy the nightlife and some of the best music acts live on stage. Five city blocks are barricaded, allowing only motorcycle traffic and parking, and where you will see some of the most exotic, customized bikes in the world.
You will also want to slow down the pace and take in the scenery of the beautiful Black Hills. It is known that the riding in the Black Hills cannot be matched. Participate in an organized ride, such as the Sturgis Mayor's ride, or tour the hills on your own.
Fort Meade and Cavalry Days
Fort Meade was established in 1878 to protect the gold seekers and settlers against hostile Sioux Indians, who saw the invasion as a break in the Black Hills Treaty of 1877. The treaty had designated the Black Hills and surrounding prairie as Sioux Indian land. The military installation lasted until 1944, outliving other frontier posts of the Upper Missouri West. The fort today is home to Fort Meade Museum, many original buildings, parade grounds and a Veterans Administration Hospital. The museum is open mid-May through August, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Located two miles east of Sturgis on State Hwy. 34.
Experience the days when Fort Meade was a frontier cavalry post. Cavalry Days celebrates the history and the culture of military life in the late 1800s. Daily cavalry re-enactments, shoot-outs and great examples of military life. Join in the fun on June 6-7 at historic Fort Meade.
Bear Butte State Park
Visitors to this sentinel mountain just east of Sturgis should stop at the Bear Butte Education Center. There you will learn the geological story of this almost-volcano; its role as a pioneer landmark; and its continuing role as a holy mountain and founding place of religion for several tribes of Plains Indians. From here, a two-mile trail makes the climb to the summit. Summer hours at the Education Center are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
