Sturgis Trail System
The Sturgis Trail System is a sprawling network of non-motorized trails primarily located directly south of Sturgis with several access points in the city itself. This system features well-marked and groomed trails with maps and directions posted regularly (see map on flip side). You can enjoy these trails by hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or even snowshoeing! Black Hills Trails, a nonprofit group of volunteers, is dedicated to expanding and maintaining the trail system. Download the app "Trailforks" to access a comprehensive and interactive Sturgis area non-motorized trail map!
7th Cavalry Trail System
The 7th Cavalry Trail System includes a network on non-motorized trails in the Fort Meade Recreation area directly east of Sturgis. This area consists of a large rectangle of undeveloped, preserved BLM land stretching from Fort Meade all the way down to the National Cemetery near I-90. Trails in the system include a portion of the famed Centennial Trail, the Alkali Creek Nature Path, the new Fort Meade Trail, Sabre #13, the Sturgis Youth Race Trail, #12 Remount, and more! Hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers have the opportunity to absorb the Fort's history and natural beauty in this trail system. Download the app "Trailforks" to access a comprehensive and interactive map of the 7th Cavalry Trail System!
Sturgis City Bike Paths
Sturgis has over 10 miles of bike paths within the city limits. The most popular trailheads are located at the Sturgis Municipal Park on the east end of Lazelle Street, Centennial Park located behind McDonald's on the west end of Lazelle Street, and the City Fairgrounds located on Ball Park Road. These trails run throughout the city and to the east, where they connect to the Fort Meade Trail and the BLM trail system. To the south, they tie into the USFS trail system. These trails are all non-motorized. Trails within city limits are ideal for walking and bike riding. Dogs are allowed but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Trails at Ft. Meade and on USFS property also allow horseback riding in most areas.
Bear Butte State Park
Bear Butte features its own state park, complete with Bear Butte Lake that boasts year-round outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy lakeside camping at Bear Butte Campground, plentiful fishing, ice fishing, hiking the adjacent Centennial Trail, and boating. The park also includes a horse camp ideal for trail riding.Closer to the mountain, the Bear Butte Education Center features information about the formation and abundant history of the Butte. Summit Trail starting at the Visitor Center proceeds to the peak of the mountain, about 1.85 miles at medium-hard difficulty.
Off-Road Vehicle Trails
Sturgis is the best possible location to visit if you are looking for an off-road adventure! Centrally-located in the Black Hills and surrounded by preserved land for outdoor recreation, our community welcomes thousands of ATV, UTV, 4WD, and off-road motorcycle explorers each year. We even host an annual Off-Road Rally in September! Off-road vehicle permits are available for purchase at the local "Big D" convenience store right off of Exit 32. Once you have your permit, you are ready to roll!
Sturgis Area Campsites
The Black Hills National Forest borders Sturgis and allows camping in the forest (called "dispersed camping") or in any of its 30 campgrounds by tent or RV. Campsites are also available at Bear Butte Campground or Bear Butte Lake Horse Camp alongside Bear Butte Lake; at the Alkali Creek Campground or Alkali Creek Horse Camp in the Fort Meade Recreation Area; or at one of our many private campgrounds or RV resorts.
Hunting & Fishing
Sturgis is surrounded by prime hunting and fishing territory. Explore our unique terrain in pursuit of turkey, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, mountain lion, rabbits and game birds. Our lakes and streams also provide ample opportunity for catching brown, brook, and rainbow trout, along with northerns, perch, crappies, and more. Licenses are required to hunt or fish in the Black Hills area. Click below to learn more about licensing on the Game, Fish, & Parks website:
Winter Sports
Looking for snow? We have it! Sturgis averages 53 inches of snow per year, with surrounding areas of the Black Hills averaging up to 200 inches annually! Make Sturgis your central base camp for winter sports including snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice climbing, downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, tubing and sledding, ice skating, fat tire biking, and more! Click below to learn more about winter sports in the area:
Scenic Fall Foliage Drives
Sturgis is an incredible place to plan a fall vacation. The weather is ideal, usually in the mid 60s to 70s through September and even into October. The air is crisp and clean, giving you peace of mind and relaxation. We boast several quaint and unique communities within a few minutes' drive - perfect for small day trips. Finally, our outdoor scenery is breathtaking - especially the fall leaves!
