Sturgis is a city known for mountains and motorcycles
Founded during the height of the Wild West period, Sturgis wears its frontier-era origins on its sleeve. False front architecture still dots its busiest streets while gentle slopes frame the prairie. Settled on the northeastern tip of the Black Hills National Forest, this city of around 7,000 caters to tourists and transplants looking to stay in touch with the wilderness. "What brings people to our area is our way of life," says Mayor Kevin Forrester. "Our connection and proximity to the great outdoors – the fact that it's right on our doorstep." The seat of Meade County, Sturgis is possibly best known for its motorcycle rally: a 10-day event that typically brings a minimum of half a million visitors to the city, with spillover into the surrounding area. "Man alive, you've never seen so many motorcycles," says Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun. "It gets pretty intense."
Newer developments are being built in the south
Most homes are midcentury split-levels and ranch-style houses on lots that occasionally reach a quarter of an acre. Alleys commonly pass backyards, where most homes have a shed or single-car garage. Sidewalks connect residential zones to commercial areas like Main and Lazelle streets, offering some walkability to the northernmost neighborhoods. Homes here are typically around $200,000 to the $350,000s. 21st-century homes are generally New Traditional and stick to the city's southern reaches. Lots here tend to be larger, often reaching a half acre or more. Prices usually fall between the $370,000s and $490,000s, depending on size and amenities.
The Black Hills are full of camping and hiking opportunities
The Fort Meade Recreation Area is a 6,700-acre stretch of green space and public facilities on the east side of Sturgis. In addition to miles of forested trails and camping sites, it's also the home of Cottle Creek Reservoir, a popular fishing site. Areas like the City Municipal Park and Willow Park have green space and playground areas. The Boulder Canyon Golf Club is a public course in the Black Hills where visitors can hit the links for 18 holes or just rent a bucket of balls at the driving range. The Black Hills have many outdoor opportunities, including more than a dozen overlooks, hundreds of camping sites and nearly 4,000 miles of trails. "A day in the Black Hills can easily result in a tongue-in-cheek triathlon," says Forrester. "An early morning hunt, a hike and then wrap it up with some fishing."
The Motorcycle Rally is the largest event in South Dakota
The city's biggest claim to fame may be the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, an event that brings upward to 700,000 visitors every year. Founded in 1938 as The Black Hills Classic, the week-and-a-half-long event features racing, bike shows and live performances from musicians like ZZ Top and Jason Aldean. "We didn't hold it for a couple of years because of World War II, but other than that, it's been steady," says Forrester. "In the 80s, it blew up and became something that spilled into neighboring cities and even neighboring states. It's the biggest single event in South Dakota and has a lot of economic impact." Sturgis is also the site of the Meade County Fair, which is three days of livestock exhibitions, 4-H activities and a pie auction.
Local bars and restaurants can be huge or low-key
Many businesses in Sturgis center around the city's most popular pastimes, with dozens of storefronts dedicated to motorcycles and outdoor recreation. However, mom and pop shops in the area can also be somewhat varied, with antique stores, coffee shops and wineries all taking up residence downtown. "Up and down Main Street, you'll find multiple examples of businesses that support our community on different levels and ways," says Forrester. With about 600 acres of space, the Full Throttle Saloon has half a dozen full bars, multiple stages and a campground with spots for tents and RVs. Opened in 2000, it claims to be the largest biker bar in the world and was the subject of a six-season reality show. Uncle Louie's Diner is a classic greasy spoon with a low-key atmosphere and an all-day breakfast. Grocery Mart and Lynn’s Dakotamart are available for the necessaries.
Sturgis High School has a strong wrestling team
Sturgis is served by the Meade School District, which has a C-plus from Niche. Though the district has over a dozen elementary and middle schools, all students attend Sturgis Brown High School, which Forrester sees as a valuable part of growing up there. "We see students come in from quite a distance to attend high school in town," he says. "Town kids meet country kids, which they wouldn't have otherwise." Wrestling is among the most popular extracurriculars, and the Sturgis "Scoopers" consistently take home championships for team and individual wrestlers. "We have a longstanding history of having some of the top wrestlers in the state," says Forrester.
Rapid City is about 30 miles away
The main highways in the area are State Route 34 and Interstate 90, which leads to Rapid City , about 30 miles away. The Monument Health Sturgis Hospital has an emergency room and provides occupational therapy and hospice care.
Important to know
According to First Street, Sturgis is at a severe risk of wildfire. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says these occurrences are the result of dry conditions, lightning strikes and human activities.
