Area Attractions

Custer State Park is a must-see during the Sturgis Rally. The park is 71,000 acres with some of the hills’ most spectacular views and wildlife, including a herd of free-roaming bison 1,300 strong. Custer State Park is famous for its 18-mile wildlife loop but also has a variety of scenic drives, including the spectacular and winding Needles Highway.

Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument could also be part of your Custer area day planning. Both caves are world famous for their unique features and mapped lengths. Reserve your cave tour early, as the tours are limited and can fill up quickly.

World famous Deadwood is on everyone’s to-do list during the Sturgis Rally. Deadwood was founded on gold mining in the Black Hills but today is a community with the Old West feel, complete with gaming halls, saloons and casinos. In Deadwood, plan to meet some old West characters and find plenty of entertainment day and night.

Hot Springs is the gateway to the southern Black Hills. A small town with around 3,700 year-round residents, Hot Springs still packs in the attractions including the Mammoth Site, the natural hot springs of Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, parks and trails and much, much more.

Keystone and Hill City are in the heart of the Black Hills and are alive with shopping, dining, entertainment, and local crafts. During the Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™, visitors to Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, the famous 1880 Train, or any one of the other countless Black Hills’ attractions should plan to stop in these jewels of the Black Hills.

Nestled on the eastern edge of the Black Hills, Rapid City is South Dakota's second largest city. Rapid City is a must see for visitors to the hills. The small town with a population of 74,000 has a multitude of dining and entertainment options for everyone. Don't forget to visit downtown Rapid City for its fine dining and entertainment and tour the presidential displays. And looking to the skyline, you’ll see the famous t-rex at Dinosaur Park, which is worth the short drive up Skyline Drive to visit along with the park and gift shop.

Spearfish is a popular city year-round, including during the Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™. Not only does Spearfish host local artisans, eateries, and breweries, but the city is the gateway to Spearfish Canyon. The 20-mile canyon road is a must-see for visitors to the Black Hills. Make sure you stop in Spearfish on your way up the canyon or on the way west to Devil’s Tower.

Sturgis is the heart of the Sturgis Rally. A small town hosting a world-class event each August, Sturgis is home to some of the areas’ best entertainment venues, motorcycle events, and camping entertainment. Sturgis is also on the doorstep of Bear Butte State Park, a sacred site to Native Americans. Bear Butte’s 1.85-mile summit trail hike offers a spectacular view of the Black Hills.

Wall is home to the famous Wall Drug, where tired visitors still get a 5-cent cup of coffee. Just an hour from Rapid City, Wall is a fine stop for coffee and lunch before making the final drive to Rapid City, Sturgis, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. To make a day of a trip to Wall, consider taking Hwy 44 to Interior Hwy 240 into Wall. It’s a bit out of the way but the Badlands are worth the time.