Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is biggest bike rally in America. Naturally Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is…read moreheld in Sturgis, South Dakota, The rally attracts over half a million attendees and is considered the largest motorcycle event in the world. Sturgis is held annually in early August. The 10-day event features live music, bike shows, scenic rides through the Black Hills, and a massive gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts from across the globe. It's amazing that this rally began in 1938! I was thrilled to see a review by another Elite Yelper. You know when I was young and traveled from Eastern United States to the West I most certainly would stop at this event. Make your plans now to attend next year. I'm recommending!!

"Traveling in a car is like watching a movie. Riding a bike is like starring in one."…read more It's time to plan your trip to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally this summer. Yes, you! What is that, say you? And why should you go? Well, I am happy to tell you! Sturgis is the world's largest rally of motorcycle riders. It takes place annually in Sturgis, South Dakota, near the Black Hills. This now 10-day event started back in 1938. At that time, it was a place for motorcycle enthusiasts to come and do stunts and races. But it's much more than that now. Sturgis is like a counter-cultural rallying cry for the maverick, the one who likes to go his or her own way, and if at all possible, on a motorcycle! Now, you do not have to have a motorcycle (nor drive one) to enjoy Sturgis. I did enjoy Sturgis last summer without one in my brief visit to the town during its annual convergence of riders as I was traveling cross-country. You just need to appreciate the sights and sounds of the magnificent machine--as well as, the sights and sounds of many folks who have never quite managed to color "between the lines," but who love a good time, good company, and their country. American Patriotism is in full and florid display at the rally. Motorcyclist veterans will be well-treated here. If you do ride, you could hardly ride better anywhere than at Sturgis (with your bike, or renting one). Some of the best motorcycle rides in the world are in the Black Hills: Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, Spearfish Canyon, not to mention, Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Bear Mountain (Devil's Tower), Bear Butte Park (with breathtaking geological formations), the Badlands (stunning park of natural rock formations), Custer Park (where you are almost guaranteed to see bison), and more. Winding, beautiful, clear roads with fresh mountain air. You can't ask for more than that. And yet, you get more than that! (More on that below). Sturgis is now a national phenomenon. 500,000 people attended last year! Those are post-pandemic numbers. (As many as roughly 700,000 people attended the annual rally in prior years, particularly at its 75th anniversary). In the words of the CEO last year, this event is about "music, motorcycles, freedom, and friends." The rally features concerts of all kinds of music--rock, rap, and country. And big names! Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr., aka, Snoop Dogg (yes, "gin and juice" himself) performed at the rally last year. He was joined by legendary American rock band, Buckcherry, classic rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bush (British grunge rock band), Rob Zombie, Lita Ford, country music star, Travis Tritt, Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners, Pop Evil, and Puddle of Mud. All at the same rally, guys. Yes, that's what I'm talking about. And that is in the midst of hundreds of other events you will find nowhere else (such as a literal wall of fire and beer-smashing with homemade battering rams mounted on a bike with a motorized coach--yeah, that happened!), a really cool, legitimate motorcycle museum in the middle of town, unique street vendors of everything from trendy t-shirts to Harley-Davidsons, and fabulous fairgrounds-style food of all kinds. (Can you say, "giant Turkey leg?" YUM). All in the midst of raucous behavior, anthropological attire (full leather ensembles, spurs, "homemade bikinis," a few topless women, and a couple of nearly bottomless ones, not to be overlooked). And of course, the constant hum of the rides. Motorcycle rides, that is. I am a person who usually does not like the sound of a motorcycle, but in Sturgis, in unison with others, in the open South Dakota air, it all starts to blend into the background. And eventually becomes soothing. It sounds like...well, freedom. Despite the fact that you find yourself in the midst of what looks like a massive motorcycle gang, the people are generally polite and respectful. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem even did a charity ride at Sturgis last summer. Sturgis occurs each year for approximately 10 days starting the first week of August. This coming year it will be from August 4-13, 2023. Get registered, get your tickets for events, and your accommodations for the area, (they book fast). Life is short. Live a little!

The Sculpture Project: Passage of Wind and Water is a large-scale public art project in Main Street…read moreSquare. We were here a few times & never saw art being created. We did walk past the 21 large granite chunks depicting the history of the Black Hills & Badlands of western South Dakota.

"The Sculpture Project: Passage of Wind and Water" by stone sculptor Masayuki Nagase took five…read moresummers to complete. The 21 unique pieces represent the Badlands in reddish granite and the Black Hills in grey stones. To design the large sculptures, he interviewed over 600 members of the community about their individual connection to nature and incorporated those ideas into his work.

Wonderful museum! A gem that wasn't busy but gave a great history of the area! Glad we went.read more

Definitely worth visiting. There were lots of neat exhibits and historical items. There is a fee,…read morebut it was minimal. Beautiful place to walk around outside as well with the amazing views.

We had a great lunch at Killian's Food & Drink while visiting Spearfish, and it ended up being one…read moreof our favorite meals of the trip. My wife ordered the curry noodles with chicken, and I had the rum cured trout. Both dishes were excellent. The curry had great flavor without being overwhelming, and the trout was outstanding. It was one of the best fish dishes I've had in quite a while. As always, we arrived with a challenging list of dietary restrictions. My wife has gluten and dairy allergies, while I manage Alpha Gal syndrome, a tree nut allergy, and diabetes. Our server, Jessica, was knowledgeable about food sensitivities, took the time to answer our questions, and made sure we were comfortable with our meal choices. That attention to detail was very much appreciated. The atmosphere is casual, relaxed, and welcoming. Families with children would feel right at home here, but it also works well for couples or groups of friends. I probably wouldn't choose it for an important business dinner, but for a casual meal with great food, it's an excellent choice. Highly recommended if you're in the Spearfish area. We'd definitely return.

Always quick and very attentive service. Every time I have ordered something different and every…read moretime I'm never disappointed. I've tried- The Southwest Sous Vide Pork Chop, Dakota meatloaf, steak Tips, Both chicken sandwiches, asada fries, moroccan, dry rub wings and multiple types of their beers on draft.

We popped in for a wine tasting after lunch next door at Firehouse Brewery…read more There was a great variety of wines to choose from. Our server gave us great notes about each wine and what to expect. We especially enjoyed the sweeter wines and port. We ended up buying 6 bottles and they comped our flights! They also serve small plates and pizza.

They have a Riesling that is so sweet and delicious; a dessert wine from South Dakota that I…read morecouldn't resist getting as gifts. They are going to start shipping wines to Florida @ $14 per case so I want to save the contact information and reach out.

ROOM: It's a Marriott, so it's refurbished in modern Marriott. Clean and comfy…read more Only problems we had were (1) our room overlooked the (indoor) pool, so there was a bit of chlorine aroma when we arrived, (2) the glass panels between the desktop and the bed rattled every time you did something on the desk or walked by the bed, and (3) the really annoying fluorescent light alongside the desktop could be turned off but only at the cost of turning off the desktop lamp. SERVICE: Front desk was friendly and helpful. LOCATION: Not in old Deadwood, but not too far away from the strip. There is a $2 shuttle to take you up into town. FOOD: The complimentary breakfast was pretty standard Marriott, though the paper bowls and coffee cups seemed on the small side. ETC.: Adjacent to Cadillac Jack's for your must-do-right-now gambling needs, as well as some food service. We got a list of discounts for the hotel, Cadillac Jack's (and its restaurants), and some other places in town. We parked on-site, which involves some u-turns and such to get over to where the basement garage is located. NET-NET: I don't see myself revisiting Deadwood again, but if I did, I'd certainly have the SpringHill Suites on the list.

My husband had an emergency medical issue, in the hospital and the General Manager denied a refund…read moreto us. Contacted corporate but this is a franchise. Buyer beware.

4.5 stars Well…read moreworth a visit. You can stop by for lunch or a snack or free wine tastings. Yes, free wine tastings and you get to try 5 different wines. We tried mostly the sweet ones ranging from moscato, pumpkin orange, rhubarb, chokecherries/ elderberries, currants, and plums. 2024 #51

I stopped in on my way to the Black Hills. My cousins had told me that the winery was closing at…read moreend of the year. And, yes that is true. What a beautiful winery and gift store. I bought a lot of bottles to give as gifts to all my cousins who live in SD. I love the Plum Wine! So delicious. I also bought some bags of their local coffee beans for my cousins. I love giving gifts! Of course I couldn't take all my purchases on the plane, lol. Customer service is super helpful and nice! Thank you for the great shopping excursion and best of luck in the future to the owners and employees! Everywhere I went in South Dakota, the people are so genuinely friendly. I think I will move here someday!