Buckle up and enjoy the ride! The 83rd annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is quickly approaching. Use this handy list as your guide for where to stay in the Black Hills, what first-time rally goers should expect and must-see area attractions.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of the world’s largest and most well-known motorcycle events. This year’s will be held from Aug. 4 to 13, 2023. However, people also tend to come well before and hang around after the rally to enjoy all the beauty that the Black Hills have to offer.
Secure your lodging
Planning your rally trip to the Black Hills requires a bit of preparation to ensure you’ve secured lodging and that you bring the appropriate gear.
Pro tip: Make sure you book your room in advance as most hotels and campgrounds sell out quickly.
Liv Hospitality offers comfortable and convenient accommodations throughout the Black Hills to make your Sturgis Rally vacation a truly unforgettable one. Most of the hotels offer an on-site bike wash, free breakfast, complimentary bike parking, free Wi-Fi and convenient access to the area’s top attractions.
If you are looking for hotels in Rapid City, consider staying at one of our five hotels at WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort. The resort is a great place to stay, play and eat, complete with a full waterpark, Sliders Bar and Grill, Starbucks, the Bistro Bar and Perkins Restaurant and Bakery.
Additionally, the Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City provides historic beauty, breathtaking views and a premier downtown location. Guests can enjoy the on-site Starbucks, Paddy O’Neill’s Irish Pub and Vertex Sky Bar.
If you are looking for places to stay in Deadwood, South Dakota, both Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort and Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort offer great accommodations and are only minutes away from Sturgis. Cadillac Jack’s is Deadwood’s hottest full-service gaming resort, featuring a newly renovated casino and a wide variety of delicious dining options.
Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort is Deadwood’s most daring casino, with an unexpected gaming experience. This full-service gaming resort features a newly renovated gaming floor, art deco décor a la Gatsby and various delectable on-site dining options.
Pack accordingly for the weather
Planning a summer trip to the Dakotas means being prepared for potential temperature changes and unexpected weather patterns. Heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms and (sometimes) cooler weather are not out of the ordinary during the rally. If cooler weather or rain is in the forecast, you’ll want to wear extra layers and rain gear.
Entertainment and dining
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is known for its nightly entertainment, unprecedented lineup of concerts and its impressive biker community. The famous Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip® has hosted some of the biggest names in music. Aside from concerts, the Chip offers an array of entertainment such as bike shows, contests, group rides, exhibits and races.
Keep the party going at any of the famous biker bars where you’ll find hundreds of bikers and nonstop entertainment. A few of the must-see biker bars include The Knuckle Saloon, Loud American Roadhouse, The Iron Horse Saloon and One-Eyed Jack’s Saloon, all conveniently located on Main Street in Sturgis. The saloons feature live music, nightly parties (during the rally), indoor and outdoor seating, motorcycle memorabilia from previous years and extensive food menus.
Must-see attractions near Sturgis
Aside from the concerts and exploring downtown, the Black Hills are filled with natural beauty and a sprawling, unique landscape that is unlike any other. Plus, some of the country’s best scenic routes can be found right here in the Black Hills.
Some of the most notable routes are Needles Highway, Badlands Scenic Byway, Custer State Park Wildlife Loop and Vanocker Canyon Road. Other Black Hills highlights include Mount Rushmore National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, Spearfish Canyon and Falls and Historic Deadwood.
For more information on the best hotels, resort properties, restaurants, gaming establishments and bars in the Black Hills, visit livhotelgroup.com.
