The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is held every year during the first full week of August.
Every year almost half million motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds converge on the small town of Sturgis South Dakota for one full week of celebration.
Bikers have been traveling to Sturgis, home of the largest motorcycle rally in the world since 1938.
There are various biker events held around the world but the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the oldest and most well known rally on the planet.
Visitors come from all around the world.
The visitors arrive in different ways, some have their bike shipped, others ride their motorcycle to Sturgis and others bring their bikes on trailers.
Sturgis South Dakota is a small family oriented town with a population of just over 6,000 year round residents.
During the winter it is cold, winter comes early and stays late but, the summers are hot and full of motorcycle lovers.
August is a mixed pot of weather and the week of rally is unpredictable.
It usually rains hails, there are thunder and lightning storms and the temperatures can drop to the low 60's at night.
There are various events held in nearby cities and towns as well as in the city of Sturgis itself.
So there is always something to do.
The Black Hills are rich in American history and lots of things to do for the entire family.
1.
Fort Meade came into existence in the late 1800's as a Calvary fort intended to protect the new settlements in the northern Black Hills.
The Star Spangled Banner became the official music for the military retreat ceremony at Fort Meade, long before it became the national anthem.
2.
Deadwood got its name from all the dead trees in its gulch.
The town was made famous as the town where Wild Bill Hickok was murdered and was the home to many miners and gamblers in the 1800's.
Today it is a national historic landmark.
There are re-enactments of shoot outs, you can pan for gold or explore a small section of old underground Chinese tunnels and opium dens.
There is a lot of shopping and legalized gambling as well.
3.
Just about 20 miles north of Belle Fourche South Dakota on a private piece of land lies the geographical center of the 50 United States.
The monument is located in Belle Fourche with a visitor center, gift shop and an authentic log cabin that was relocated to the site.
Belle Fourche also has a rich history with the railroad and livestock shipping.
4.
Lead South Dakota was the home of the largest, deepest and most productive gold mine in the western hemisphere.
After closing in 2002 it was debated how to use the site.
Finally in 2007 it was selected as the site for an underground science and engineering lab.
There are lots of activities to enjoy in the area like hiking, fishing and swimming.
Laws are strictly enforced and if you are in violation of one you will be fined.
Hundreds of extra police are brought into town to keep the peace and enforce the law.
All riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet, all riders must wear protective eyewear, handlebars should not be higher than the rider's shoulders and many towns have noise ordinances.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has become more of a family affair.
There is still plenty to see and do for the motorcyclist enthusiast, but there is a lot to do for every member of the family too.