History of Sturgis:

The City of Sturgis was founded in August 1876. It was named after Major Samule D. Sturgis, a commander at nearby Fort Meade Cavalry Post; whose son, Lt. J.G. Sturgis, lost his life with General George Armstrong Custer at the Battle of the Little BigHorn.

Fort Meade
During the Great Western Expansion Fort Meade, on the eastern edge of Sturgis, served as a United States Cavalry Post to nearly every cavalry regiment in the United States Army. Soldiers trained at Fort Meade, served in the Spanish American War, the Pancho Villa Incursion and both World War I and World War II. The Star Spangled Banner became part of the evening military retreat ceremony at Fort Meade in 1892, long before it became our National Anthem.
Fort Meade, the celebrated frontier outpost and home of the “Star Spangled Banner,” was known as the “Peace Keeper Frontier Post”. The cavalry was assigned the task of keeping the peace in those turbulent years of the great western expansion. The Fort Meade Cavalry Museum houses many historical artifacts and stories of the Cavalry Post. Check out the Old Post Cemetery; the only fort cemetery that has not been relocated. Continue down the Fort Meade National Back Country Byway where you can follow the self-guided tour to see the Veteran of Foreign Wars Memorial Chapel, Deadwood Stagecoach Trail, Cavalry Jumps and many other historical landmarks.

Black Hills National Cemetery
Don’t forget to stop and view the history and the beauty of the Black Hills National Cemetery also known as the “Arlington of the West”. Pay your respects to the great men and women who have gone before us having served our country.

The Annie Tallent House

Credited with being the first white woman to come to the Black Hills, Annie Tallent was a member of the 1874-75 expedition by the Gordon Party who illegally entered the Black Hills region. (The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 had closed the Black Hills to white exploration and settlement.) Her life is shrouded in mystery and no one knows why an obviously educated and upper-class woman took part in a venture that was  so dangerous, unprofitable and illegal. The Annie Tallent House, located at 1603 West Main Street, is perhaps the most historically significant house in Sturgis.
(Private residence)

Poker Alice House

A notorious card shark, cigar smoker and expert gun handler, Alice came to the area in 1876 and opened a gambling house. Through the years her home was a rendezvous for the cavalrymen. The historic house is located at 1802 South Junction Avenue. Free seasonal tours from May-Sep. (605)347-2506  (Poker Alice is buried in St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery on the west side of Sturgis.)

Bear Butte State Park

“Mato Paha” or “sleeping bear mountain” stands alone in the plains just beyond the ramparts of the Black Hills. Bear Butte is a geologic wonder, gold rush landmark and holy mountain to the Sioux and Cheyenne Indian who still make pilgrimages here. The State Park includes visitor center, buffalo herds and hiking trails to the summit. Located six miles northeast of Sturgis on Highway 79, Admission is charged.  (605)347-5240

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall Of Fame

This museum houses a variety of rare and unique American, European and Asian motorcycles, and scooters form the early 1900’s through modern day. The Museum was established to preserve the history of the motorcycling, while the Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly shaped and changed the sport and industry. The Freedom Fighters Wall pays special tribute to political grassroots activists. The Museum includes antique motorcycles, photos, special exhibits, memorabilia and gift shop. Located on the corner of Junction and Legendary Main Street in Sturgis. Open year around. Admission is charged.   (605)347-2001.

Why Sturgis, you ask?

It all began in the early 1930’s when J.C. “Pappy” Hoel worked delivering ice to Sturgis, Ft. Meade and the surrounding areas. With the increasing popularity of the refrigerator the need for trucking ice became obsolete, so Pappy acquired a Indian Motorcycle franchise.
Pappy then helped form a motorcycle club that became known as the “Jackpine Gypsies”. A year later the Gypsies were sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association and held their first rally and races in 1938. Just nine riders took part in that first race, and now more than 60 years later, the Motorcycle Rally and races draw nearly a half million people from all parts of the globe. For more information; Veterans Club 868 Main St., Sturgis (605)347-9938.

Custom Shops

1. J & P Cycles : A retail mail-order business of aftermarket parks and accessories for motorcycles whose customers span the globe. 1650 Lazelle Street. Sturgis # (605) 347-4983
2. Sturgis Yamaha BMW Suzuki: 2879 Vanocker Rd. Sturgis # (605) 347-2636
3. Lee’s Tune-Up: 605 Blanche St. # (605) 347-2432
4. Cycle Security: 3541 Mayer. Ave. # (605) 720-1499

Placed to eat or drink

1. The Dungen Bar

2. Weimer’s Diner and Donuts: Stop on Main for Weimer’s Made fresh daily tasty donuts of all kinds. – 1120 Main St. Sturgis

3. Olde Worlde Café and Bookery: Need a cup of coffee and a great sandwich to share with a hot bowl of homemade soup stop on in.

4. Bob’s Family Restaurant: Come and join the family at Bob’s for the best dinning atmosphere on Main St. in Sturgis. --- 1039 Main Street

5. Phil – Town Restaurant ( Sturgis Bar & Grill): Dine and relax with us at Sturgis Bar and Grill, Enjoy affordable meals and a great drink for the bar awhile the kids take a dip in the pool at the Best Western Inn ---I-90 Exit 32 Sturgis

6. Chat N Chew Café & Catering: Want to stop and chat with the locals. Stop in to Chat N Chew share a bite and meet new friends. I-90 Boulder Canyon Rd. Sturgis

7. Rosco’s Bar & Grill: Best Lil’ Steakhouse in Sturgis, Stop in to our shaded beer garden with outdoor dining. Don’t for get to try the world famous Rosco’s Chili. --- 976 Lazelle Street, Sturgis

8. Gold Pan Pizza: Locally owned and operated, Stop in and join us for our pizza and our famous pasty’s 1133 Main Street, Sturgis

9. Gunner’s Lounge: One of the oldest bars in Sturgis since 1965 1006 Main Street, Sturgis

10. Oasis Bar and Grill: When you are looking for our own little oasis. 1145 Main Street, Sturgis

11. Firehouse Saloon: For great food and cocktail served by our fun loving staff. 1030 Lazelle Street, Sturgis

12. Loud American Roadhouse: The home of the Legendary Steak Tip Dinner, Perhaps the finest tenderloin steak tips in the world. The very best U.S. Beef Tenderloin marinated in our secret sauce and fried to a golden brown.. These tips literally melt in your mouth. Or the other popular entrees include Prime Rib, Chicken Fried Steak, and Loud Hot Wing. The Load American is home to the Jack Daniels Stage where live entertainment rules the Sturgis nightlife.--- 1612 Junction Ave., Sturgis

13. The Knuckle Saloon and Grill: Voted the best food in the Black Hills! Come on in and experience casual dining in a unique atmosphere. Don’t forget to sample “The Knuckle Sandwich”, which is definitely the biggest & most mouth watering burger in the Black Hills.--- 1112 Lazelle Street, Sturgis
14. Full Throttle Saloon and Steakhouse : Stop in and join us at the LARGEST BIKER BAR IN THE WORLD!!!! ----12997 E. Hwy 34, Sturgis.

Campgrounds

            1 Bear Butte Creek Campground: For a campground with complete facilities and a friendly atmosphere. LOTSA Shade, Bike wash and adjustable unloading ramp.  Mary Hershey – Brandner Welcomes You  PO Box 724 Sturgis # (605) 347-3023

2. Big  Rig RV Park: Ray Murray Welcomes You  
155 Dolan Creek Rd., Sturgis # (605) 347-1510

3. Cottonwood Creek Campground: Joni Foos Welcomes You
12953 194th Street., Vale, South Dakota 57788 # (605)0456-2108

4. Creekside Campground: Bonnie Peters Hwy 79 one mile North
PO Box 366 Sturgis # (605) 347-2137

5. Days End RV Park: Silas and Lorna Grinstead
2501 Avalanche Rd. Sturgis # (605) 347-2331

6. Elkview Campground: Motorcycle enthusiasts, camp close to Sturgis. Shaded creek and meadows for tents. I-90, Exit 32   Marietta Marler
13335 Pleasant Valley Rd., Sturgis # (877) 478-5162

7. Gentle Eagle Manor: Robert and Christine Yantis
13194 Alkali Rd., Sturgis # (605) 423-9912

8. Katmandu Campground: 50 acres of camping spaces. Shuttle bus to downtown Sturgis.
 ( David Diggs) 12006 Pleasant Valley Dr., Sturgis # (605) 347-2451

9. Lamphere Ranch Campground: Ross and Jan Lamphere
PO Box 445 Sturgis # (605) 347-5858

10. Mt. Rodney Coach and RV Park: brand new Luxury Park that is unique, quiet and safe. It is located just 2 ½ blocks form the historic Main Street Sturgis
 (Cindy Clark)  626 2nd Street, Sturgis # (888) 443-1511

11. No Name City RV Park: Matt and Becky Bruer
20899 Pleasant Valley Rd, Sturgis # (605) 347-9169

12. Rush-No-More Campground: Beautiful Campground in wooded area, quiet atmosphere. Shaded tent camping and cabins available. ATV’s available for trail rides. Roger and Diane Ludwick  21137 Brimstone Pl., Sturgis  # (605) 347-2916

13. Shade Valley Camp Resort: 10 minutes from all the action. We offer what no others have; a log lodge with pub and eatery. 396 acres with SHADE, SHDE, SHADE!!! Shuttle Bus Service.  Don and Judy Greslin 12002 Buffalo Rd., Sturgis # (605) 347-5556

14. Susie’s Camp RV Park: Located 2 miles south of Sturgis on I-90, Exit 34. Family reunions/Groups. Picnic tables, RV Rentals. Open year long. (Sue Hanson) 20983 Pleasant Valley Dr., Sturgis # (605) 347-2677

15. Glencoe Camp Resort: Gary Lippod
PO Box 999 or 20555 Glencoe Drive, Sturgis # (605) 347-8888

16. Buffalo Chip Campground: The Chip is four miles form downtown Sturgis and offers tent and RV camping. The Chip consistently has the nicest campers, the best Sturgis concerts and the most delicious food.  20603 132nd Ave. Sturgis # (605) 347-9000

17. Hog Heaven Camp Ground: 4000 Short Track Rd. Sturgis # (605) 347-0023

18. Rolling Thunder Campground:  12913 Bear Butte Lake Rd., Whitewood
# (605) 347-2118

19. Southside Campground & RV Park: 9084 N Ox Yoke Rd. Sturgis
# (605) 347-9060

20. Sturgis View Campground: 20497 Avalanche Rd. Sturgis  # (605) 347-0017

21. Vanocker Campground: 642 Weber. Dr., Sturgis # (605) 347-8368

22. Bulldog Camp Grounds: Five miles from Sturgis. Camping on grass in large shaded area.
 4113 Pleasant Valley Dr. Sturgis # (605) 347-8000

23. RNR Ranch Campground: PO Box 431, Newell State Highway 79 North
# (605) 456-1432

24. Iron Horse Campground:  We have an ideal location and what a view. 4 ½ miles from famed Main Street and yet we offer a semi-quiet atmosphere to come home to. Shuttle bus service available. Hwy 79 between the Dragstrip and Bear Butte. Stugis    # (877)7000-4766

25. Cabbage Patch Camping: Plan your vacation here for fun and laughs in our country living atmosphere. Bikers welcome- Beautiful view of Bear Butte. Mailing address: 777 North Main Plainwell, MI 94080 Physical address: 132 Ave. & 207 Street Sturgis # (605) 490-0516 or (402) 699-1122 or (269) 685-8794

26. Sturgis County Line:  Full RV hook-ups and tent campsites. 30 and 50 amp hook-ups. 13025 Broken Spoke Blvd. Hwy 79 N. Sturgis # (866) 264-1704

27. Free Spirit Campground: Located 7 miles east of Sturgis off Hwy 79 at the base of Bear Butte. We are surrounded on three sides by State Park. 13074 Coyote Place # (877) 242-1664

28. Ride N’ Rest Campground: 1 Mile North Hwy 79. Great place to camp during Sturgis Rally. We have shaded tent spots as well as no hookup RV sites and 50 Amp full hookup RV sites. Our one room log cabins are equipped with electricity & A.C. and sleep up to 3 people and our head cabin sleeps 6 to 8 people. 20494 State Hwy 79 Biker Owned and Operated. # (605) 490-7661 or (307) 680-2330

 

Hotels / Motels

1. Best Western- Sturgis Inn: The convenient place to stay! We invite you to stay, dine and relax with us and enjoy our hospitality. (Guy Edwards) PO Box 777 Sturgis I90 Exit 32 # (605) 347-3604

2. Star Lite and Junction Motel: Make us you first stop. Check out our rooms and our rates. (Steve and Londa DeRouchey ) PO Box 685 Sturgis I90 Exit 32 # (305) 347-2506

3. Super 8 Motel Sturgis: Get a super start with us! ( Rabecca Tobar ) 2600 Whitewood Service Rd. Sturgis # (605) 347-4447

4. Days Inn Motel: Best value under the sun! Manager ( Tammy VanSickle ) 2630 Lazelle St. Sturgis # (605) 347-3027

5. Canyon Inn Motel: Come on in and check out our rooms and enjoy the great view of the Black Hills. 27210 Lazelle St. Sturgis # (605) 347-4140

6. South Pine Motel: Stop in and enjoy the quite quant rooms. 1051 Park Street. Sturgis # (605) 347-2306

7. Lantern Motel: 1706 Juncion Ave. # (605) 347-4511