Legendary Rides Around Sturgis

There are many great rides around Sturgis that give riders an exhilarating ride and amazing views. This area is a popular destination for riders in the summer, especially during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally during the first full week of August. You should definitely drive down Main Street during the rally to check out all of the bikes and vendors. There are even a few places in town where you can actually rent a motorcycle and hire a guide to show you the sites. But make sure you get out of town and take to the hills to tour the area on one of the many scenic byways near Sturgis.

Peter Norbeck Scenic Highway

The Peter Norbeck Scenic Highway is just southwest of Sturgis and will take you past many popular attractions. You can drive the trip straight through in about 4 hours, but there are so many things to stop and see along the way, you might as well take your time. The journey begins in Rapid City, and continues through the Black Hills National Forest. You will enjoy amazing views of the mountains including rock carvings, mountain tunnels, and more. You will pass Mt. Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Monument, and Sylvan Lake. The area is brimming with wildlife, so be on the lookout. If you get tired of riding, stop and stretch your legs on Centennial Trail.

Native American Scenic Byway

The Native American Scenic Byway runs north and south through the Dakotas. This highway is one of the great rides around Sturgis. It offers travelers 357 miles of varied scenery including the reservations of four tribes of the Sioux Indians. There are monuments, markers, museums, and sacred sites such as Standing Rock, which was Sitting Bull’s final resting place. Lake Sharpe and Lake Oahe can be seen along the byway. There are also many areas along the byway with archeological interest that continue to offer a wealth of information about the Sioux tribe.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is one of the great rides around Sturgis. It is only about 20 miles long, but features tall limestone peaks and amazing waterfall views. The byway will loop you through the Black Hills with a view of the Ponderosa pine from which the hills get their name. You can stop and hike the trails at Iron Creek and the Eleventh Hour Gulch. The byway begins in Spearfish and can be traveled straight through in about an hour. While you’re at it, head on over to Wyoming to check out Devils Tower. It’s only about an hour from Spearfish. You should definitely check out our nation’s first national monument; once you get there, you’ll see why!

Badlands Loop Road

The Badlands Loop Road starts just off Interstate 90, and is about a 35 minute drive. There are overlook stops along the road that are a great place to view wildlife or take pictures. The byway if known for its large areas of prairie and grasslands. There are hiking trails along the road for those who want to get a little closer to nature. The highway will take you right into Badlands National Park where there is a museum, restrooms, a restaurant, and recreational opportunities for all to enjoy.

Whichever road you take, you can’t go wrong cruising the legendary highways and byways around Sturgis.