Hundreds of thousands of bikers set their sights on the Black Hills the week of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, making it one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world. While Sturgis is the center of this roaring celebration, the untamed charm of Rapid City offers bikers a refreshing change of pace. Providing you with the same direct access to jaw-dropping scenic drives and surrounding parks and monuments, Rapid City wraps you in the modern, yet traditional offerings of the largest city in Western South Dakota. In Rapid City, you’ll find a mix of events, unforgettable cuisine and hidden gems that reveal the city’s roots. Trust us, the Rapid Rally Experience might just be the wild ride you've been craving.

Day One:

Every great day of riding starts with an equally great meal – and in Downtown Rapid City, you don’t have to search hard to find one. One of the most iconic breakfast spots is Tally’s Silver Spoon. Every day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can feast on the best of Tally’s breakfast menu. Fan favorites include the Really French Toast if you’re a sweet breakfast fan, or the Eggs Benedict if you’re more into the savory side. But if we’re honest, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. 

Downtown Rapid City offers designated motorcycle parking during the rally.

• Rapid City Visitor Center (Main Street)
• Hotel Alex Johnson (St. Joseph Street)
• Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries (6th Street)
• ForeFront Design Inc. (7th Street)

Now that you’re fueled up and ready to ride, finding the scenic roads of the hills from Rapid City is effortless. Head south to roam the roads in and around Custer State Park. Starting with the one that calls to us all – Iron Mountain Road. Taking this scenic road south to north allows you to witness the master planning that went into its creation. Among the twists and turns, bridges and views, you’ll find tunnels that perfectly frame the iconic faces of Mount Rushmore.

Next up is a road that demands all your attention – Needles Highway. Running parallel to Iron Mountain Road, this highway completes the loop famously called the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. A feat to create and an absolute wonder to explore, Needles Highway weaves riders through the heart of the granite spires in Custer State Park. Apart from bewildering views of Black Elk Wilderness and beyond, you’ll have the thrill of taking tunnels one vehicle at a time and threading the “Needles Eye.” 

Back in Rapid City, spend the afternoon exploring more of downtown. You’ll discover unique local shops like He Sapa Vintage and Tandy Leather, snap a photo with famous faces of the past, discover the most colorful alley in South Dakota and so much more. 

Plan ahead for your first evening in Rapid City and make a reservation at the Wine Cellar Restaurant, a staple to the downtown dining scene since 2001. They serve dishes made to order from fresh and local ingredients. You’ll find their intimate restaurant tucked away on 6th Street. Newer to the delicious dining in Rapid City is Tandoor Bocado. Making their name in town first as an elevated food truck, Tandoor opened its doors downtown in 2024. Tandoor’s tantalizing menu covers a diverse menu of world cuisine and is cooked using a wood-fired tandoor oven and a wok.  

Nightlife in Rapid City consists of events, live music, intriguing cocktails, locally made wine or beer and spectacular views. Tonight, we recommend getting comfortable inside the welcoming interior of the Windsor Block. With a great selection of bourbon to sip on and a large menu of crafted cocktails, it’s a great introduction to what Rapid has to offer.  

Day Two:

Day two is all about experiencing the unexpected, and we couldn’t think of a better place to start than a hearty breakfast at The Mud Hole in Downtown Rapid City. Known for its no-nonsense atmosphere and delicious fare, The Mud Hole is half thrift store, half hometown diner. 

After breakfast, make your way to one of the city’s first tourist attractions, Dinosaur Park. Perched on a ridge overlooking the city, this quirky park boasts not only large vintage dinosaur sculptures but also some of the best panoramic views of Rapid City. It's a perfect mix of nostalgia and natural beauty. Continue the journey up Skyline Drive to experience the best scenic drive found within city limits. With multiple lookout points, be sure to stop and take in the stunning Black Hills landscape. You’ll even be able to spot the iconic Black Elk Peak – the highest point in South Dakota. 

Back to the scenic drives of the Black Hills, this time we’re heading out on Sheridan Lake Road from Rapid City and onto Highway 385. Portions of Highway 385 are currently under construction and will be for the next couple years, so be aware of closures before you venture out. Highway 385 connects the beauty of Pactola Lake, Sheridan Lake and several surrounding mountain towns including Hill City and Deadwood.

Turn off onto Highway 16 at Three Forks to head to your next stop – Mount Rushmore. Seeing those colossal faces carved into the mountain never gets old, and it’s a must-see for any biker cruising through the Black Hills. 

Once back in Rapid, stop and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Canyon Lake Park after a day filled with the rumblings of bikes. If you’re in town on a Tuesday, don’t miss Family Food Truck Night – a great way to mingle with locals while enjoying diverse and delicious food options by the water with live music. 

Dinner calls for something special and Bokujo Ramen delivers. This spot has rapidly become a favorite in Rapid City for its flavorful ramen bowls utilizing fresh, local ingredients. It's the kind of place where every bite feels like a warm embrace. 

Cap off the night with sky-high views of the city and beyond from Juniper at The Vertex Sky Bar. This rooftop bar offers a sophisticated selection of drinks and a stunning vantage point to watch the city lights twinkle. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a day of adventure and discovery.  

*There is a day fee at the Vertex for visitors who aren’t guests of the hotel. 

Day Three: 

Wrapping up your Rapid rally experience with a final day of fun means grabbing breakfast at Harriet & Oak coffee shop, a local favorite for its delicious coffee and fresh breakfast offerings. This spacious coffee shop offers modern vibes, ample seating options and a unique, retro VW van parked inside. 

Give the bike a break and let someone else take the wheel by snagging tickets to the best tour in town – the City View Trolley. This two-hour narrated tour walks you through the history of Rapid City, spotlighting some of its most iconic attractions. Tours pick up and depart from the Journey Museum, running at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

When lunchtime rolls around, you’ve got a trio of top-notch options! Firehouse Brewing Co., located downtown, was South Dakota’s first brewpub. They serve a variety of dishes in a historic, firehouse-turned-restaurant. Even better, you can pair your meal with one of their craft beers for a true Rapid City experience. Alternatively, Kathmandu Bistro transports your taste buds to Nepal with its unique flavors. Kick up the spice to your tolerance level and enjoy a delicious basket of garlic or cheesy naan. Finally, Murphy’s Pub & Grill is the stop if you're in the mood for hearty comfort foods. from starters like fancy fried pickles and chislic to entrees like buffalo meatloaf and mac and cheese.  

The evening’s activity involves kicking up dirt and watching the ultimate show of the West - a rodeo! Every Wednesday evening during the summer season, Hart Ranch hosts their Wild West Wednesdays Rodeo Series. The fun doesn’t kick off until 7 p.m., so before the show, head to some of the local shops to get your western gear. Downtown you can shop at local boutiques like O&A Farmhouse and Giddy Up & Go Boutique. Outside of downtown you’ll find western themed wear at the Boot Barn or Buckle at the Rushmore Crossing. .

Fill up before the fun and feast for a final time in Rapid City. Some dinner options for your last night include Salt Block Burgers & Brews, a locally owned bar offering a vast selection of craft beers and unique, eclectic gourmet burgers. Independent Ale House, located in Downtown Rapid City, offers a range of mouthwatering pizzas from your tried-and-true favorites to a little more off-the-wall like the Mashed Potato Pizza. Known for their laid-back vibe, their pizzas all pair well with a craft beer of which they offer many options to enjoy.  

End your final day in Rapid surrounded by the beautiful views of Hart Ranch as you hoot and holler to all the rodeo action. The event includes saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding and breakaway roping. 

Whether you’re chasing the roar or seeking the quiet, Rapid City lets you rally your own way. Only 25 minutes away from the hub of activity taking place at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Rapid gives you quick access to the fun, or a way to enjoy the destination at a slower pace.