Sturgis, South Dakota

During the Great Western Expansion, Fort Meade served as a United States Cavalry Post to nearly every cavalry regiment in the United States Army. The Star-Spangled Banner became part of the evening military retreat ceremony at Fort Meade in 1892, long before it became our National Anthem.

In 1938, J.C. “Pappy” Hoel hosted a dirt track race with nine riders that set a course in Sturgis history. Today, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has evolved into South Dakota’s largest tourism event and the world’s largest motorcycle rally. Sturgis and the Black Hills thunder with the sounds of motorcycle enthusiasts, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, from all over the world.

The history of Sturgis also must include the background of Bear Butte rising above the prairie just northeast of town. It is a geological wonder referred to as “Mato Paha”, or sleeping bear, by the Sioux Indians and is the origin of many Native American legends.

The culture and history of the Sturgis area is rich in heritage. Our past is greatly admired and respected as we move forward into our future.

Chamber of Commerce:

240 Junction Ave
Sturgis, SD 57785