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Sturgis
Sturgis is a small Black Hills town of roughly 7,000 residents that becomes the world's biker capital every August, when the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally swells its population by tens of times over as riders converge from across the country. Founded in 1938 by the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, the rally has grown into one of the largest motorcycle gatherings on earth, spilling into nearby Black Hills towns like Deadwood and Spearfish.
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Frequently asked questions about Sturgis
How do I get to Sturgis?
The nearest major airport is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), about 40 miles southeast of Sturgis, with a rental car or shuttle typically used for the onward journey; many riders instead arrive by motorcycle via Interstate 90, often via scenic approaches like US-16 and US-385 through the Black Hills.
How many days should I spend in Sturgis?
Plan on ~1-2 days to see Sturgis itself and its Main Street rally sites, though most visitors extend their stay by several days to explore the wider Black Hills region, including Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, and the Badlands.
What is Sturgis known for?
Sturgis is a small Black Hills town of roughly 7,000 residents that becomes the world's biker capital every August, when the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally swells its population by tens of times over as riders converge from across the country. Founded in 1938 by the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, the rally has grown into one of the largest motorcycle gatherings on earth, spilling into nearby Black Hills towns like Deadwood and Spearfish.