Rev up and get ready to go! It’s your first time at the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and you will find many adventures waiting for you! As you load up your gear and hit the open road, know what to expect as you roar onto Legendary Main Street for the first time.
From the Beginning
The 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a 10-day event where motorcycle enthusiasts celebrate freedom and the open road in the Black Hills and Badlands region. The first rally was in 1938, held by the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club. It was a race with nine participants and 200 spectators. The event continued each year, and today the Rally draws crowds from across the country and around the globe to take part in motorcycle rallies, races, charity rides, vendors, and live entertainment, drawing riders and enthusiasts alike. Learn more about the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Explore & Experience the Black Hills and Badlands
While the Rally is held in Sturgis, the region is filled with sights and routes that are jaw-dropping when experienced on the motorcycle. Take a ride and explore Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse – two larger than life sculptures that share the history and culture of the region.
Cruise along scenic routes like Spearfish Canyon and Iron Mountain Road, winding through limestone palisades and towering speres, past waterfalls and through natural tunnels to epic views of the Black Hills. Find a full list of scenic drives here.
Slow down and educate yourself at local museums that encompass the Old West and cultural history of the region. Or stretch your legs on one of many hikes in the region. Check out a full list of things to experience in the Black Hills and Badlands.
Find Your Way
Getting into Strugis, traffic can be heavy at times during the Rally. However, there are many avenues to get to Sturgis and other iconic locations in the immediate area. The most popular routes are I-90 and Highway 385. However, there are additional access points to Sturgis through gorgeous canyon cruises like Spearfish, Boulder, and Vanocker Canyons. Download the Black Hills Motorcycle Map or stop by the Black Hills Visitor Information Center to pick one up and learn more about the Black Hills and Badlands routes during your visit. You can also explore Route ReImagined for adventurous routes to explore.
Live Music & Entertainment
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally boasts exhilarating performances from legendary artists during the 10-day event. Campgrounds also offer bike shows, races, performances, and other entertainment aside from live music. Vendors set up throughout Sturgis, as well, selling leather gear and other Rally memorabilia, custom bike parts, and more.
Where to Stay?
The Black Hills and Badlands offer a variety of lodging from camping to resorts to hotels that are a quick, yet scenic drive, to all Sturgis Motorcycle Rally events! Book early. Learn more about lodging in the region here.
What to pack?
Stay comfortable and be ready for heat, cooler weather, and the off chance of rain by packing essentials.
- Rain Gear – Sudden rain showers may pop up and you want to be prepared when out on the open road.
- Dress in layers – Yes, even in August the mornings and nights can dip in temperature and an extra layer will be beneficial on the bike or at a campsite.
- Water – Stay hydrated throughout the trip.
- Cash – Not all facilities accept credit cards or digital payments.
- Camera – Capture all your Sturgis Motorcycle Rally adventures.
- Identification – Keep your ID on you at all times and stored somewhere secure as you navigate and explore the Black Hills and Badlands.
- Maps – While a cell phone is handy, be sure to download digital maps or keep a paper copy on hand as cell phone service can be spotty. Pick up a copy of the Moto Map, at the Black Hills Visitor Center before you start your journey.
Enjoy the Ride!
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a bucket list must see and do! Above all, take time to enjoy the ride, the sights, and the people celebrating motorcycle culture in the Black Hills and Badlands!