About
The Volksmarch, German for the “People’s March,” is an annual Sturgis event that has been happening for decades. Sturgis Volksmarches are sanctioned by the Black Hills Volkssport Association and follow a new and noteworthy trail route each year for participating hikers.
Why Volksmarch? Marchers participate for a variety of reasons - exercise, social interaction, exploring new trails, or just pure enjoyment. Most hikers walk at a leisurely pace to take in the natural beauty of the area, but it is up to each participant! Sturgis is lucky to be flanked by National Forest on one side and Great Plains on the other, offering countless opportunities for outdoor recreation on a variety of terrain. Past Volksmarches have visited Deadman Canyon, the historic Davenport Dams, the Alkali Creek area, Bear Butte State Park, and even a march through the town itself to highlight Sturgis’s unique history and culture.
2023 Sturgis Volksmarch
Join us for the 2023 Sturgis Volksmarch on June 17th!
The 2023 Sturgis Volksmarch will take participants on a leisurely hike through parts of Sturgis and the immediate surrounding woodland areas.
Guests will hike on the paved bike path through the City Park, surrounded by mature trees and maintained park scenery. Guests will also venture onto brand new single-track trails in the Sturgis Trail System behind the City Park and scenic Woodle Field, past the Bear Butte Cemetery, and to the edge of historic Fort Meade.
Participants will have several opportunities to enjoy memorial benches, town scenery, and local history.
FEE:
There is a $3 fee per hiker to help cover Volkssport Association insurance and permit costs (cash only, please).
DIRECTIONS:
This year's hike will start at our registration tent located at the Sturgis Lion’s Club Park Gazebo, 560 Lazelle Street, Sturgis.
From I-90, take Exit 32 into Sturgis and head north on Junction Avenue for about 14 blocks. At Lazelle Street, turn right. Head east on Lazelle for 4-5 blocks then turn right directly after the Lion’s Club Park pond. Follow the road up and around the pond to the Lion’s Club Park Gazebo.
DETAILS:
Hikers can begin the Volksmarch anytime between 8am and 11am. All hikers must finish the hike or return to the starting point no later than 2pm. The Volkssport Association requires a fee of $3 per hiker (cash only, please), payable at the registration tent the day of the event. This hike is a hybrid 5K/10K, with a total length of approximately 7.5K.
This is a moderate-level hike; please refrain from bringing strollers or wheelchairs. Pets are allowed, but please keep them leashed. Water will be available at the registration booth, however, hikers should plan to bring a filled water bottle as well. Lions Club Park and Sturgis Municipal Park restrooms are available for this hike.
THANK YOU to Black Hills Federal Credit Union for sponsoring this year's event!
VIEW ROUTE MAP:
