Wow! The Sturgis 2021 Rally is on the horizon. Just a few more months to plan your stay. If you are too far away to ride to Sturgis or you cannot trailer in, you better make your bike reservations soon because these are rides you do not want to miss. I plan on adding another 2,000 miles to my bike in Sturgis alone! 

Riding the Sturgis Area in One Week (Series)

This is the fourth of six articles on how to experience 14 rides in one week, complete with Sturgis motorcycle ride maps.  A little planning like this and you can create an extensive ride, even when you don't have a lot of time to take off. So let's make the most of it! Be sure to check my first, second, and third articles for other rides on Devil’s Tower, Nemo, Needles Highway, and more. Each Sturgis motorcycle ride map can be done in any order, and each ride article is designed for you to do it in one day. 

Motorcycle Ride Map

On this day, we are going to travel through several national and state parks – all in one area. We will cross down through Custer State Park, down to Wind Cave National Park with a stop at the visitor center and then over to Jewel Cave National Monument.  These are wonderful rides with sites specifically preserved for their uniqueness.  The caves are a great chilled stop in the heat.  If there is one place that should be on your bucket list to ride, it is the Custer State Park area. It is just one of the ways to see some of the beauty in the Black Hills National Forest.

Custer State Park – Wind Cave National Park – Jewel Cave National Monument
Approximately 2.5 hours, 117 miles, One Way

This map has a little interstate ride if your starting point is Sturgis or Rapid City. (Find a motorcycle to rent in Rapid City on Twisted Road here). The hours listed on this ride are one way so plan for the trip time back to your starting point. There will be lots of stops you will want to take along the way so plan that time into your schedule as well.

Once you are in the state park areas, there are very few gas options so fill up in Rapid City or Hermosa.

CUSTER STATE PARK

Custer State Park should be in your top rides, if nothing else to see the herds of wild buffalo. There is a wildlife loop within the park and, because I was on a bike, I thought it would be wise to pass up the loop and ride on. Clearly the buffalo do not follow any park sign recommendation on where you will see wildlife. A few miles past the loop and I ran into a huge herd (this photo is only the beginning).

The buffalo herd sighting was such an overwhelming experience, I am fairly sure tears welled up in my eyes. I wish it went without saying, but when you are in the park remember these are wild animals. Revving engines, getting off your bike and taking selfies, stopping to ask a buffalo a question should not be a part of your game plan. Take your time, ride slowly, and you may be fortunate enough to experience wildlife.

WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK

If you are a cave buff, this is a great ride for you. But even if you are not, this is a good place to take a break and enjoy the low cool temperatures inside. It's also nice because there are no fees to ride through and you can stop for short hikes around the park. Tickets for the cave portion are on a first come, first serve so if you do want to cool off, be sure to arrive earlier in the day so you don't delay your ride time.

Wind Cave is one of the world’s longest caves and they are still exploring it – so do not get lost. Legend has it that this cave is the breathing hole for the world, and is also the spot where bison and people first emerged. The cave is interesting because it also has an underground lake and a massive cave room. When you enter the Garden of Eden room, you will find a ceiling covered in shells.

JEWEL CAVE NATIONAL MONUMENT

Right now, Jewel Cave has temporary closures due to construction but plans to be open during the early summer season. Be sure to check out their Facebook page before arriving so you know the status for your arrival. They are also closed Monday through Wednesday so opt for later in the week or the weekend to go. All the tours are guided so plan for the time it takes for any tour you want to take because you will not be able to go at your own pace. You can schedule the tours in advance which makes this a nice option that allows you to plan exact times around.

Again, this is a great place to stop and cool off. The cooler underground tours will be perfect with the right motorcycle gear. (Learn about some great gear options for him and her.)

GOLD PAN SALOON

If you need a watering hole and you have a little extra time. Get back on Highway 16 and ride about 15 minutes east to the Gold Pan Saloon. It is a little historical site of its own accord as Gold Pan Saloon is the oldest saloon in the Black Hills. They do not serve food (except prepackaged bags of chips), but it is a great place for photos and a friendly chat. I stopped here because I also cannot pass up seeing unique Americana – like the oldest, largest, or oddest.

Don't forget to check back next month for another Sturgis motorcycle ride map and insider tips.