According to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, around $1.4 million in tax revenue stemmed from the 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Originally, this event was only comprised of races, which were kicked off by a local motorcycle dealership. But it has since grown to become the largest motorcycle rally worldwide, with nearly 900 vendors participating. South Dakota has a total population of just 886,667 (as of the 2020 census). To put this figure into context, 15 cities in the U.S. have more people
than the entire state of South Dakota. So, hosting this rally is a huge boon to the local economy, where approximately $784 million was earned in 2022, according to The U.S. Sun.
However, for bikers, the rally is far more symbolic. Motorcycles have always represented a sort of rebellion from traditional society, with an emphasis on freedom and camaraderie. For bikers, the sense of community builds as they travel to Sturgis from all across the country, seeing more and more like-minded riders as they near the city limits. This pilgrimage to Sturgis is among the top destinations every biker should visit, and once they reach the rally, they'll be surrounded by hundreds of thousands of others who share their passion for motorcycles and cruising the highways.
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What Do People Do At The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?
Basically, the entire region surrounding Sturgis transforms during the rally. True to its roots, there are still races and even motocross events, where competition is stiff. Live music is a huge component of the rally, with country and rock bands taking to various stages throughout the 10-day festivities. With hundreds of vendors in town, you can shop for motorcycle accessories, clothing, Sturgis memorabilia, and much more.
In addition to races, music, and shopping, there are also some great places to eat that host their own events. For example, Sidehack Saloon & Gunners Lounge offers a robust menu of American-style food, along with DJ performances and contests. The Buffalo Chip prides itself on being "The Best Party Anywhere," and offers patrons not only a wide assortment of entrées, but also talent show contests, custom bike shows, and a chance to ride alongside celebrities like Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, and Paul Teutul, Sr. from Orange County Choppers.'
The area also boasts some of the best roads for cruising in the country. Although, unless you're familiar with the area, you might want to use one of the popular motorcycle apps for finding routes and tracking rides. It would be a shame to miss out on a trek through the Black Hills and past iconic fixtures like Mount Rushmore.
Where Do Bikers Sleep At Sturgis?
There are plenty of options in terms of lodging when attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Some bikers prefer to rough it in nature, choosing to stay overnight at one of the many campgrounds throughout the area. Of course, a night under the stars can be made easier with the most useful camping gadgets. If you select The Bear Butte Creek Campground, for example, it offers plenty of shade, music, and an iconic bar with a dancefloor outdoors. If that's not your style, you can also opt to rent out a cabin or even a home a short walk from the rally events. Some locals near Sturgis rent out their houses to rally guests looking for overnight accommodations.
However, when looking at lodging options, it's important to remember that many of them can be outside of Sturgis and will require a bit of a commute to get back to the rally. Some listings can be nearly 30 miles away from the festivities, so you'll need to consider that when choosing where to stay.
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Read the original article on SlashGear.
