Hundreds of thousands of bikers set their sights on the Black Hills the week of the Sturgis Bike 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 something a little different. Providing you with the same easy 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 7am to 2pm, 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, you can find those spots here. 

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 Garbage Tale Vintage and Tandy Leather, walk among 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 and make a reservation at the Wine Cellar Restaurant, a staple to the downtown dining scene since 2001. They serve made per order dishes 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 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 to perfection 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 in 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 in 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 Sheridan Lake Road from Rapid City and onto Highway 385. Portions of Highway 385 are currently under construction and will be for the next few 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. Construction currently impacts travel north of the Pactola Visitor Center, so after you soak up that view it’s a great spot to turn around head and south. 

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 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 VW van parked inside. 

Give the bike break and let someone else take the wheel by snagging tickets to the best tour in town – the City View Trolley. This 90-minute narrated tour walks you through the history of Rapid City spotlighting some of its most iconic attractions. Tours run at both 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and pick up from the Journey Museum. 

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 up 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, Ma Cualli is the stop if you're in the mood for Mexican cuisine. Offering a delicious line-up of street tacos, fajitas, chimichangas and more. Don’t skip out on the tableside guacamole!

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 7pm, 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 Karma. Outside of downtown you’ll find western themed wear at the Boot Barn or Giddy Up & Go Boutique in the Uptown Mall.

Fill up before the fun and feast a final time in Rapid City. Some dinner options for your last night include BIN 605, an upscale eatery with a delicious menu of locally themed flatbreads and an incredible selection of wines and beers. Independent Ale House, located in Downtown Rapid City, also 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.  

Make your Rapid rally experience everything you want and more. Only 25 minutes away from the hub of activity taking place at the Sturgis Rally, Rapid gives you quick access to the fun, or a way to enjoy the destination at a slower pace.