Sturgis South Dakota is set at the foot of the legendary Black Hills and boasts its own celebrated history. The town was named for Lieutenant James "Jack" Sturgis, a West Point graduate who was killed along with General Custer at the Battle of the Little Big Horn in 1876. A cavalry post named Fort Meade was established here in 1878 to protect the goldfields and miners in the region, especially the area around historic Deadwood. Today, you can explore this colorful period of history at the Fort Meade Cavalry Museum, which contains many original buildings and a parade ground, as well as a Veterans Administration Hospital.

While there are many famous sites and numerous things to do within easy reach, Sturgis South Dakota is most famous for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally held during the first week of August. This famous bike rally was first held in 1938 with a mere ten participants. Today it draws hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. There is no other motorcycle event anywhere to match it in numbers, history, or fame. If you don't happen to be visiting during the rally, you can still get a taste of the event at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. On display are numerous classic and vintage motorcycles dating as far back as 1905 and fascinating displays about the men and women who were pioneers in motorcycles and biking. You'll also see photographs, exhibits, and other memorabilia from past rallies.

The town of Sturgis SD is within very accessible distance to a number of the state's most iconic attractions. Six miles to the northeast of town is Bear Butte State Park, a small park that is sacred to many Native American Plains peoples. Here is the first trailhead of the 111-mile Black Hills Centennial Trail. Deadwood is only about ten miles to the west, and Rapid City is only about 25 miles to the south. Within the Black Hills National Forest, and accessible on a day trip, are awe-inspiring Mount Rushmore, scenic Needles Highway, beautiful caves, and the monumental Crazy Horse Memorial.

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Those who come to Sturgis for outdoor recreation have a wide variety of options to choose from. There are beautiful lakes and rivers for swimming, boating, and fishing. Rugged hills and wide-open spaces are excellent for hiking. There is even golfing at the Boulder Canyon Country Club located between Sturgis and Deadwood. For indoor fun, there are casinos.

Sturgis South Dakota offers a wide variety of lodging and accommodation possibilities that range from rustic cabins and fishing lodges to camping in the pristine hills of the Black Hills National Forest. You can even rent luxurious lodges with as many as six bedrooms located throughout the Black Hills and Badlands region. There are a handful of bed and breakfast inns around Sturgis, and you will find many more in and around the town of Deadwood. Sturgis hotels also offer a wide enough variety that most all tastes and budgets can be satisfied. There are some recognizable franchise hotels and motels in abundance.