Renowned for its long-running motorcycle rally, Sturgis lies on the northeastern edge of the Black Hills National Forest. Its predecessor was known as “Scooptown” and originally provided supplies to soldiers at Camp Sturgis before the establishment of Fort Meade in 1878.
Things to do in Sturgis
Don’t miss a visit to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, which celebrates the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. It occupies a former post office building where vintage and rare motorcycles are exhibited, many of which are on loan from national collectors. In the Hall of Fame, you can learn about some of the individuals and groups who have contributed to the sport and its lifestyle.
Automotive enthusiasts should also make a point of visiting the Saab Heritage Car Museum, where more than 100 cars dating from 1950 to 2011 are on display. In addition to rare Saabs from the GM Heritage Collection, there are world-recording holding racing cars. You can learn about the origins of the brand in Sweden and get up close to the oldest Saab in the United States.
Sprawling east of Sturgis is the Fort Meade Recreation Area Park, which encompasses more than 2,700 hectares of forest and grassland. In addition to driving along the Fort Meade Back Country Byway, you can stretch your legs on the Alkali Creek Trail. At the Old Fort Meade Museum, you can learn about the military post’s establishment in 1878 and its role in protecting settlers on the western Dakota frontier.
Getting around Sturgis
Sturgis is around 30 minutes’ drive from Rapid City and Rapid City Regional Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Regular buses connect to Sturgis and travel throughout the city. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.