Is it your first time at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and not sure what goes on at Sturgis bike rally? You’re in for a treat. Sturgis is the epitome of biker culture: thousands of motorcycles lining Main Street, loud and exciting concerts throughout the week, parties with fellow biker enthusiasts, and more beer than you know what to do with. It makes sense that new attendees sometimes feel a little overwhelmed at this huge event.
The Sturgis Rally is an annual motorcycle event held in South Dakota. It is one of the largest and most famous motorcycle rallies in the world. The rally takes place during the first full week of August and attracts motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world.
Following these tips can help you enjoy your first Sturgis Rally — and turn you into a long-term attendee.
What to to do at Sturgis?
First and foremost, the Sturgis Rally centers around motorcycles. Attendees bring their beloved bikes to show off, admire others’ rides, and hit the open road. The rally features organized rides, guided tours, and charity events that allow bikers to explore the region’s most scenic routes. Some must-ride spots include Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, Badlands National Park, and Spearfish Canyon. Many riders also make the pilgrimage to nearby monuments like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Devil’s Tower.
In addition to riding, the Sturgis Rally offers non-stop entertainment. The event draws big-name musical acts from a variety of genres, with past performers including Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Snoop Dogg, and Willie Nelson. Concerts take place at several venues throughout the rally, such as the legendary Buffalo Chip Campground and the Sturgis Dragway. Attendees can also enjoy stunt shows, races, bike contests, and a beard and mustache competition.
Camping is a popular option for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the rally experience. Numerous campgrounds in and around Sturgis offer tent sites, RV hookups, and rental cabins. These makeshift communities become lively hubs of activity, with vendors selling rally merchandise, food, and drinks. Some campgrounds host their own mini-events, like pool parties, bikini pageants, and tattoo contests.
Speaking of vendors, the Sturgis Rally boasts an impressive array of merchants selling everything from motorcycle gear and accessories to handcrafted jewelry and artwork. The City of Sturgis organizes an official vendor mall on Main Street, while other sellers set up shop in parking lots and empty fields throughout town.
Of course, no biker gathering would be complete without a bite to eat and a beverage to raise. Sturgis’ restaurants and bars welcome rally-goers with open arms, offering hearty meals, cold beers, and specialty cocktails. Local favorites include the Knuckle Saloon, the Loud American Roadhouse, and One-Eyed Jack’s Saloon.
While the Sturgis Rally is undoubtedly a fun-filled event, it’s important to prioritize safety. With so many motorcycles on the road, accidents are almost inevitable. Riders should always wear proper gear, obey traffic laws, and never drink and ride. The South Dakota Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies maintain a strong presence during the rally to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.
Heading to Sturgis
Motorcycle enthusiasts travel from all over the globe to enjoy the Sturgis Rally. Knowing how to navigate there can ease your stress as you prepare for your trip.
The Sturgis Rally is located in Sturgis, South Dakota. It takes place in two main locations in the city: Main Street in Downtown Sturgis and the Buffalo Chip Campgrounds. Figure out which of these locations is your first stop, then simply plug it into your GPS.
Many attendees take I-90 for some portion of their trip. There’s even a scenic byway that will take you from I-90 to Buffalo Chip, making for an excellent start to your rally experience.
If you’re planning to stop by Main Street first to pick up your Sturgis patch, keep in mind that only motorcycle traffic is allowed on the street — no passenger vehicles. There’s also no parking on Main Street between 2 – 6 a.m. each day, so make sure you move your bike before calling it a day.
Packing Your Bags
Sturgis is a mainly outdoor event, so you’ll want to bring all of the outdoor gear you may need throughout the week. These items may include:
- Plenty of sunscreen
- Water bottles
- Rain gear
- Long sleeves or jackets
While many of the vendors will accept credit cards, be sure to take some cash for those who don’t. Also, keep your ID in a safe, easily accessible location so you can quickly show it when you’re ordering drinks.
Enjoying the Rally
Sturgis is unique in that you can customize your rally experience to suit your needs. If you enjoy partying and boisterous crowds, you can head to Buffalo Chip or the Full Throttle Saloon, where parties are always happening. But if you prefer a quieter experience, you can stick to Main Street, which is very organized and heavily patrolled by law enforcement.
You’re also welcome to leave the rally at any time to experience some of the attractions outside of Sturgis. South Dakota is lush with national monuments and natural attractions, such as Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. Taking motorcycle rides to these areas can allow you to slow down and take in the natural beauty of South Dakota.
Your lodging options are also plentiful. You can camp at Buffalo Chip Campgrounds, stay in one of the numerous hotels in Sturgis, or venture outside the city to potentially find lower rates. For example, Rapid City is a leisurely half-hour ride outside Sturgis, making it easily accessible to and from the rally each day.
Staying Safe at Sturgis
Sturgis is a massive event with thousands of attendees. You’ll want to be extra vigilant as you ride your motorcycle in and around the city — especially if it’s your first time attending.
If you ever become a motorcycle accident victim, count on Law Tigers to assist you; call 1-888-863-7216 for a free consultation.
