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2026 Sturgis Rally: A Rider's Guide to Staying in the Heart of the Black Hills

July 14, 2026

Planning the 2026 Sturgis Rally? Discover why riders stay in the Heart of the Black Hills — day-ride itineraries, distances & where to book before it fills.

You’ve probably heard of Mount Rushmore, but did you know that there’s a second monument carved into the Black Hills? While Rushmore commemorates the history of the United States with prominent figures from the country’s history, The Crazy Horse Memorial points (literally) at the tribal history of the Native Americans.

Learn more about the Lakota culture, the sculptor of the mountain, and Crazy Horse himself. If you love history, (or looking at man made wonders), this monument is an attraction you can’t miss.

The Black Hills of South Dakota is an unexpected and thriving wine region. It boasts a unique microclimate with warm summer days and cool evenings, perfectly suited for nurturing diverse grape varieties. Coupled with the region's rich and well-drained soils, this creates an ideal terroir for wine production.

The region offers an impressive assortment of wines, from the robust, full-bodied reds produced from the hardy Frontenac grape to the delicate whites made from the aromatic La Crescent. Each winery in the area adds its own unique twist, crafting wines as varied as the landscape itself. The Black Hills area is home to wineries specializing in traditional and bold wine crafting ventures.

The Black Hills of South Dakota, with their unique topography and climate, is an ideal setting for cross-country skiing. The region receives an ample amount of snowfall during the winter months, ensuring a consistently replenished layer of snow – a cross-country skier's paradise.

The varied terrain, encompassing everything from gentle, rolling hills to steep, challenging inclines, caters to skiers of all skill levels. The area's dense forests and open prairies, blanketed in pristine white snow, offer scenic beauty that enhances the skiing experience. The well-kept trails and minimal light pollution in the Black Hills make it a great spot for winter sports.

At one time, the central plains of America were covered with a dark, moving tide composed of thousands of buffalo. Then, they were hunted nearly to extinction. Happily today, the buffalo have made a resurgence through care and protection.

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to witness herds of buffalo among the plains? If so there is a chance to see the majestic bison herds. Each year in South Dakota the Buffalo Roundup occurs. There are so many fantastic parks and monuments in South Dakota to keep you busy for days. However, if you’re in Custer State Park at the right time, you should definitely witness the Buffalo Roundup.

In the southwest corner of South Dakota, there’s a place where the Earth Breathes. Named for the reversible winds that pulsate in and out of the caves, the whispers and whistles of Wind Cave in Wind Cave National Park have fascinated people for thousands of years. The park is known for the two different worlds it protects.

The first is a sunlight world above ground that features stunning prairie lands bordered by wooded forests. The second is the sprawling caverns of one of the most complex caves in the world, the namesake of the park, Wind Cave.

A town of history, a town of mystery; Deadwood seems straight out of a Wild Wild West Hollywood picture, and actually is (more on that later). This boom town was once filled with dreamers, adventurers, the lucky, the poor, and the lawless. But is there more to this historic town than meets the eye?

Join us today as we explore Deadwood and discover why this storied town is worth a visit on your next trip through South Dakota. This helpful guide will help you plan a visit to the best Deadwood attractions and nearby scenic spots.