Wife and I would like to see the sights around Sturgis SD during bike week but do not want to stay in or near Sturgis itself. We'd like to go to Sturgis for one day just to see the bikes and riders, but that's it. At our age not excited to see a bunch of partying and drinking, unless maybe if we're doing it with people we know in advance. Even then a whole week of it would get boring after a awhile. We're more into riding and seeing new places than partying and drinking. I've been to Sturgis and the sights around it a long time ago, but that was not with my wife and I didn't go during bike week time, so getting a good place to stay wasn't a big challenge for me. We'd like to spend the rest of our time in the area seeing other things in that area, like Devil's tower, etc. Any suggestions for towns or places to stay away from Sturgis, yet within an hours ride of Sturgis preferably? Willing to go 1.5-2 hrs away if no other choice also.

 

Hill City is in the middle of the Hills. Close to Mt. Rushmore, plenty of places to eat. Very busy during the Rally, but nice. Is where I stay whenever I'm in the Hills.

 

Hill City , right in the middle of everything. We do the BW

 

Cabins in Custer state park are nice to rent, done that a few times.

 

When we were there in 2011, part of the time we stayed at Deadwood. Lots of history there plus some great riding.

 

Anywhere within 50 miles is going to be pretty crowded regardless. Sturgis is a big rally that covers nearly a 100 mile radius of Sturgis itself.

 

If more into riding and seeing sights then during the rally isnt the best time to go. Its very crowded and roads can get congested. No fun in the SD heat.
Ive gone the week prior and found it to be perfect. still lots goin on and vendors already setting up, but you can get out and see the sights with relative ease.
Week following is similiar but even quieter.
Week after will be cheaper accomodations too.
I like rapid city, good central home base.

 

Rapid City will have plenty of options . booking.com is a good place to look but don't wait much longer.

 

Rapid city airport. Close to Badlands, Keystone, Rushmore.

 

+1 on Rapid City. My wife and I stayed at the Mainstay next to Cabella's in 2015. Nice Hotel close enough to everything yet far enough away. We went for 10 days including the week prior to the rally. Highly recommend that. We got to ride all of the local attractions without the big crowds but still got a taste of the rally atmosphere.