The Rich History of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally | Black Hills Travel Blog

The Rich History of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

  • The Rich History of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
    The Rich History of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
  • The Rich History of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
    The Rich History of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Updated: 
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
By : 
Alyssa

Starting from humble beginnings, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has evolved in the last 82 years from just a handful of enthusiasts to thousands of bikers. Once known as the Black Hills Motor Classic, the Rally is now the largest annual event in South Dakota. The name "Sturgis" is recognized world-wide, synonymous with motorcycles, rock 'n roll and wild parties. 

But just how did this small, Black Hills town become the motorcycle mecca it is today? The Journey Museum explores the history of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in a 23 minute-long documentary detailing the rise of the Sturgis Rally from 1938 to 2020 and beyond.

Listen to interviews with Black Hills figureheads from the Sturgis Motorcycle MuseumSturgis Buffalo Chip, Jackpine Gypsies and more. These enthralling interviews give you all the details—how Pappy Hoel started it all, the legendary Buffalo Chip's first years and how the Rally is inspiring a new generation of bikers.  


 

To see what events are happening at this year's Rally, be sure to check out our Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Events Page. Or, see what's happening in Sturgis right now with the livestream cameras.