• The rally boasts a wide range of activities.
• People of any age or background will find something to enjoy.
• One special highlight is touring the beautiful scenery of the Black Hills.
• Experience incredible motorcycle rides and top-notch camping.
• There are countless sights to see and activities to explore.
• Spending several days outside the rally lets you truly discover what the region has to offer.
• Visiting the Black Hills before or after rally week can give you a broader experience at a more affordable price.

I don’t go to Sturgis every year like some folks do, but I have been to the Hills at least half a dozen times. Last summer, I returned.

I’ve found that anniversary years—like the 85th in 2025—draw bigger crowds and make the event even more enjoyable.

Even though it’s a fairly long (500 mi) journey for me, plenty of folks travel much farther; I’ve met attendees from California, Texas, Missouri, and the East Coast. Thankfully, the weather held up nicely this time, much better than some previous years when I dealt with heat, wind, cold, and rain all in a single day on the ride up and back. Every trip is different, but I always have a good time.

If you’ve attended before, there might not be much new for you here, but your comments will be interesting and appreciated. But, if you’re a first-timer or just planning/thinking about going, let me tell you: You should go, you will enjoy it, and what you will enjoy most at the rally simply depends on your personality and what you find fun. Hardcore riders, casual bikers, young people, and seasoned veterans all come looking for something unique to their interests. If you’re a guy, chances are you’ll be interested in women—and vice versa. There’s no shortage of both at the rally! With noise, crowds, food, drink, live music, motorcycles, gear, and apparel, there’s truly something for everyone of every age and background.

Younger attendees with some money to burn often check out private clubs like Buffalo Chip. I’ve never spent time there, but I never went to Sturgis until my age, health, and interests moved past wilder times, loud music, and Booze… Hmmm, I RECOMMEND YOU GET THER SOONER😊. Anyone on more of a budget or looking for other exciting experiences can have lots of fun in town or at any of the many campgrounds nearby. I’ve never been a big party guy, but hopefully, some readers with experience will share their stories in the comments here.

My favorite things are watching the crowd, admiring the bikes, and chatting with other attendees about their journeys. It’s always exciting to see new gadgets and gear, and I really enjoy sampling the local food. The Knuckle and Sidehack are my top picks for eating and entertainment. There’s so much going on—plenty to keep anyone busy. Just be sure to bring some spare cash or a ready credit card and expect to gain a few pounds from all the great food! Don’t forget to take pictures. Cell phone or camera, lots of opportunity for pics, people and places. If it is your first time, get to the motorcycle museum  and I’m sure you will make a few shots there.

Getting there and getting home is also a part of the fun.  The ride itself is fun, or should be, for any enthusiast, right? I mean that’s part of what it’s all about.  That said, there are reasons and situations when riding it doesn’t work. If it’s trailered that’s great too as long as you get there. I met folks that didn’t bring the bike but drove in anyway. They seemed to be having a great time.

I find the little towns along the way are interesting and I always stop at locally owned restaurants and grills for meals and refreshments, never a national chain. I always find great people, town people and travelers. Most every business is “Biker Friendly” especially through the rally week as it is a major boost to the local economies.

All that and more, but one of the greatest aspects of the rally is its location in the Black Hills.

If you attend the rally, there is no doubt you will have a great time and few regrets.  My Second recommendation is MAKE YOUR RESERVATION WAAAAY IN ADVANCE!  March or April is not too soon! Either Spearfish or Rapid City are great locations for headquarters while you are in the Hills, you will enjoy stays in either or both for those planning on motel stays for the event.  Staying in Rapid City gives you an opportunity to visit the downtown area. I especially enjoyed spending an evening in downtown Rapid City along Main Street.  There are some great restaurants and if you like beer, try out Pour 54 Taphouse There are also motels scattered throughout the Hills a reasonable distance from Sturgis. Deadwood is always a fun stay and only about 20 miles from Sturgis.

There is no shortage of “Event Campgrounds” around Sturgis and other campgrounds further away to consider. Regardless of your need or choice, you probably should get reservations set in March or April at the latest. The closer you are to Sturgis, the more the cost will be for accommodations. Seems like I have paid $400 per night for what would be a $60 room any other time of the year. Campgrounds are less costly, but again more than you would pay for the same site outside rally week.

This year, I trailered the bike, because I planned to stay over after the rally to ride around and see some places and things I hadn’t been to before, mostly on the West side of the Hills.  I set up my camper, the “Dog House”, at Spearfish City Campground—a peaceful and scenic spot I highly recommend.

The facilities are excellent and there are several good restaurants nearby. I visited with some folks with a group who’ve been gathering there for the rally for over 25 years, and they are all planning to return again next year.

In late summer, riding toward the Hills across Wyoming, often a hot and windy ride, you will first notice the dark line across the horizon ahead, gradually looming larger and larger.  The dark contrast may have been the reason for name “Black Hills” in the first place. As you continue, the terrain will change abruptly, the Hills steepen and the curves will tighten. You will notice the dry brownness of the plains giving way to what, by comparison, seems like an emerald arising from the prairies all around. The difference is stark and wonderful.  Veteran attendees know about the fantastic rides and sights that lie ahead. In my view, THERE IS NO PLACE IN THE BLACK HILLS YOU WON’T LOVE NOR IS THERE A SIGHT NOT WORTH SEEING. Even after several visits, there’s still plenty I haven’t explored, and I enjoy every ride there.

For my third recommendation, I suggest that you SPEND A FEW EXTRA DAYS IN THE HILLS! A week would not be too much if you could work it out before or after the main event to discover the area after the crowd has thinned some or before it shows up.  Cost for everything from food to accommodations will likely be less as soon as one day after the rally in many places for whatever you find to do.

As for me, if I have been to a venue a couple of times, I have found that one year is pretty much the same as the last. Often the same layout, the same vendors, the same restaurants. That is true to some degree at Sturgis.  If you go with friends to share the fun or just like to party, it will likely work out well for you. The really great thing is besides the rally; there is so much else to see and do in the Black Hills area if you go back time and time again.

To the west of the Hills, you can make a day trip to Devils Tower and surrounding area. To the east you can find the Badlands National Park, and south of Rapid City is Mt. Rushmore. More or less in the middle of all that is Deadwood and some other interesting spots and history all around. You will find Bicycle trails, hiking, camping, picnicking, museums, caves, zoos, plays, casinos and much more. Just a taste of things to see and do, and I promise, a look into the history of all that and the rest of the Black Hills attractions will not disappoint.  Rather than even attempting to list everything in this post, here are some helpful links to top 10 list to do, Black Hills and Badlands Visitor Center, and here is an excellent map to help you out. I believe everyone should go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and like me, I’ll bet you will want to return to the Black Hills again after your first visit.   I know I will, even if I don’t plan to attend the rally again.  

Two Down everybody!

Happy trails and safe rides!