Connect with history and enjoy a thrilling motorcycle adventure as you ride the Stage Route Cheyenne to Deadwood in Wyoming. The spectacular route will take you from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Sturgis, South Dakota. With scenic open-sky views and plenty of attractions along the route, this 300-mile ride promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.
History of the Stage Route Cheyenne to Deadwood WY
The Cheyenne-Deadwood stage route saw its heyday from 1876 to 1887, when freight, mail, and traveler stagecoaches rolled along the road that connected Cheyenne and Deadwood, two outposts on the wild American frontier.
In those days, the Cheyenne to Deadwood road was a perilous highway, and stagecoaches carrying gold ore needed armed guards to protect themselves from robbers and thieves. Wild Bill Hickok and Buffalo Bill Cody were among the legendary frontier personages who frequented this road. Traveling the trail by stagecoach would take approximately 50 hours.
In 1886, the new railroad that cleaved into the frontier eventually made the Cheyenne to Deadwood stagecoach route obsolete. However, although horse-drawn carriages no longer rumble along the trail, the Wild West legacy remains.
The Cheyenne to Deadwood Route on Bike
The historic stage route starts in Cheyenne, WY. You could probably cover the route in five hours, but we recommend stopping along the way to do justice to the many points of interest this trip offers, including:
- Fort Laramie, a former fur trading post and horse-changing station, with its 1875 truss bridge across the North Platte River. You can experience authentic-looking period re-enactments at the Soldier’s Barroom.
- Lusk, Wyoming, a small high-plains town where you can visit the interesting Stagecoach Museum and see original wagons from the stage trail’s frontier days.
- Jenney Stockade Cabin, a historic cabin from 1875. The site used to host gold shipments leaving the Black Hills.
The route also passes through Leads, South Dakota, a gold-mining town with a picturesque historic district. The historic part of the ride ends in Deadwood, the final stop for the former stagecoach route. The town’s Mount Moriah Cemetery is the last resting place for Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, and other illustrious Wild West personalities. You can also see magnificent bronze sculptures of a Native American bison hunt on the outskirts of the town.
What to Expect Along the Stage Route Cheyenne to Deadwood
As you travel along the Wyoming motorcycle route, you’ll enjoy pristine High Plains views, very little traffic throughout most of the ride, and likely multiple glimpses of various wildlife. Beware of moose, deer, and cattle crossing the road.
You’ll experience more twisty road curves as you enter South Dakota, so adjust your speed according to your riding skills and weather conditions. Although neither Wyoming nor South Dakota requires motorcycle helmets for riders over 18, we recommend wearing a helmet for your protection.
The route goes on into Sturgis, South Dakota, a city that attracts hundreds of thousands of riders during its annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. You can finish your epic ride by visiting the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and maybe even set aside a couple of days to explore the Black Hills National Forest with its rugged trails and canyons.
Law Tigers: A Nationwide Legal Team for American Riders
As you ride the Stage Route Cheyenne to Deadwood WY, we hope you have a memorable and safe road experience – but if you end up in a motorcycle accident, we at Law Riders are here to fight for your rights. To date, we have recovered more than $800 million in compensation and settlements for bikers and their families across the U.S. Call 1-888-863-7216 for a free case evaluation. You only pay when we win.
