Gear up for the 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Buckle up and enjoy the ride! The 84th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is quickly approaching, and Liv Hospitality has compiled a list of must-see attractions, accommodations in the Black Hills and expectations for first-time rallygoers.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of the world’s largest and most well-known motorcycle events. While the dates vary from year to year, the 84th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will be held from Aug. 2 to 11, 2024. However, people also tend to come well before and after the rally to enjoy all the beauty that the Black Hills has to offer.  

Secure your lodging

Whether you’re an amateur rallygoer or a skilled road warrior, planning your rally trip to the Black Hills always 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 their 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, Liv Hospitality recommends one of their five hotels at WaTiki^® Indoor Waterpark Resort. The resort complex 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. Complete with an on-site Starbucks, Paddy O’Neill’s Irish Pub and Juniper at Vertex Sky Bar, the staff prides themselves in being the pinnacle of luxury for guests.

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 resort featuring a newly renovated casino, three connected hotels and a wide variety of delicious dining options.

Pack accordingly for weather

Planning a summer trip to the Midwest means being prepared for potential temperature changes and unexpected weather patterns. Be sure to monitor the weather forecast at least a week prior to your rally trip. 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, be sure to plan accordingly with extra layers and additional 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 is hosting some of the biggest names in music such as Travis Tritt, Aaron Lewis, Jelly Roll, Kid Rock and so many more. Aside from concerts, the Chip offers 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 and extensive food menus.

Attractions near Sturgis

Aside from the concerts and downtown, the Black Hills are filled with natural beauty and a sprawling 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, Crazy Horse, Badlands National Park, Devil’s Tower, Spearfish Canyon and historic Deadwood.