Welcome to Sturgis, the City of Riders! Nestled at the base of the northeastern Black Hills in extreme western South Dakota, Sturgis is not only home to the world’s largest motorcycle rally, but a growing community with thriving industry and wonderful recreation.

All summer, Sturgis is a destination for motorcycle riders from all over the country, and in August, Sturgis hosts one of the largest gatherings of motorcycle enthusiasts in the world - the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally . Beginning the first full week in August, Sturgis comes alive with more than half a million people. We become the largest community in the state, bringing in concerts by famous recording artists, national motorcycle races and the biggest names in custom bikes and motorcycle accessories.

Sturgis remains a remarkable community throughout the year. Our historic downtown district - filled with lively restaurants and colorful shops - was built to serve the soldiers of the famed Seventh Cavalry at nearby Fort Meade, where the Star-Spangled Banner got its start as America’s national anthem. Our industrial park is home to some of the premiere gun makers and ammunition manufacturers in the nation. You also will find the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame , where some of the rarest bikes in the world help recount the history of motorcycling.

Our location off Interstate 90 means you’re just a few minutes from some of the most spectacular sights in the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Bear Butte State Park , Black Hills National Forest, Devils Tower National Monument, and the Centennial Trail, to name a few. And, we’re only a few miles from incredible hiking, mountain biking, boating, hunting, fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling.

Sturgis has a great deal to offer residents and visitors alike, and we invite you to explore it all. When you do, you’ll discover an historic city rich in the tradition of legendary riders: including the Native American warriors, the historic Fort Meade and the soldiers of the Seventh Cavalry, and the bikers of the Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Mayor Mark Carstensen