When most motorcyclists think of South Dakota’s Black Hills, the annual Sturgis Rally is probably the first thing that comes to mind. The real fun, though, is in the Black Hills and surrounding areas. The attractions (Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Devil’s Tower and Custer State Park, just to name a few), the wildlife, and numerous scenic and twisty roads make this area a great place to visit. Rapid City is centrally located and it makes a good base camp.

Looking east, the Badlands are about 55 miles out of Rapid City on I-90. Look for exit 110, where you can grab state Route 240 for a leisurely 30-mile loop through the Badlands. Spectacular rock formations, rolling prairies and vivid colors make this a memorable ride. In the same area, the U.S. Park Service offers a tour of an underground Minuteman missile command center and launch silo. During the Cold War, there were 150 nuclear missiles in South Dakota! The rangers are all former Air Force missileers and they put on a good show. And don’t forget to stop in Wall, home of the famous Wall Drug Store, a unique bit of kitschy Americana that can’t be missed.

Turning back west, Sturgis is 29 miles northwest of Rapid City on I-90. There’s not much in Sturgis, but it does have its own motorcycle museum. If you’re into loud pipes and V-twins, the annual Black Hills Rally is worth a visit, but the surrounding area is far more interesting. A good approach is to overlap the rally by a day or two and spend the rest of the time exploring the area.

Devil’s Tower in Wyoming is 75 miles west of Sturgis. An amazing sight, the 1,267-foot tower was formed by geologic activity over millions of years, and like Mt. Rushmore, it has a trail around its base. Allow an hour for this relatively easy hike.

Heading southwest from Rapid City into the Black Hills takes you to Mt. Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park.