Best Motorcycle Roads and Destinations in South Dakota, United States

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Home of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota has plenty going for it beyond having a mountain with the faces of famous U.S. presidents carved into it. Depending on which side of the Missouri River you are on, you will be exposed to different natural scenery. Much of the eastern territory is characterized by rolling hills, glacial lakes, and fertile farmlands. Meanwhile, the western territory is covered by canyons, plains, and notable natural sites such as the Black Hills and the Badlands.

Because of the diverse topography in South Dakota, the layout of the highways open to motorcyclists differ between regions. How difficult it is to navigate the roads corresponds with how rough the terrain running alongside is. Yet motorcyclists are drawn to South Dakota because they want to either admire the sights on a leisurely ride or get their blood pumping swerving at high speed.

This article will provide a list of the best motorcycle roads and destinations in South Dakota, along with supplementary information on motorcycle laws and luggage that are useful specifically in this state.

2. Roads and Destinations in South Dakota

2.1 Central Hills Loop

Distance: 54 miles
Time: 1 hour 54 minutes
Start: Keystone
End: Keystone

When you start in the historic town of Keystone, you should take the opportunity to check out the shopping boutiques and restaurants. If you are looking for a place to rest upon completing this route, you can return here to find lodging at the local motels.

As you leave, you will find that you are close to Mount Rushmore. Pull off to climb up towards the monument or just to take pictures of the U.S. presidents. As you continue on your way, you can ride close to the northern part of Custer State Park. This park is an ideal spot for camping, hiking, and fishing.

2.2 “The Lasso” from Sturgis to Devils Tower

Distance: 164 miles
Time: 2 hours 41 minutes
Start: Sturgis
End: Sturgis

This route crosses through both South Dakota and Wyoming. Your first destination is Aladdin which is famous for hosting the Bronc Show and the Horseshow during August. Meanwhile, you can go to Hulett to see rodeos during June and a motorcycle rally during August.

The Devils Tower is a gigantic butte that is over 1,200 feet tall and was the United States’ first national monument. As you gaze up the majesty of the rock formation, you should be able to make out rock climbers scaling the walls.

During the return trip, you can also stop in Sundance which was named after a tradition performed by the Sioux Native Americans. You can also learn about the history of this town at the Crook County Museum and Art Gallery.

2.3 Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

Distance: 20 miles
Time: 34 minutes
Start: Spearfish
End: Cheyenne Crossing

This scenic byway cuts through the Black Hills which is famous for its beautiful forests and colorful foliage during the autumn months. As you descend into the Spearfish Canyon, you will find yourself surrounded by limestone palisades.

Continuing on your way, you will eventually come across the Northern Great Plains Grasslands which have beautiful waterfalls, fisheries, and pine forests.

If you decide to stop at the Iron Creek or Roughlock Falls Picnic Area, you should have a close-up view of the natural scenery while peacefully enjoying a short lunch.

2.4 Custer State Park Wildlife Loop

Distance: 31 miles
Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Start: Custer State Park
End: Custer State Park

The second-largest state park in the United States, riding around Custer State Park offers plenty of switchbacks and pigtail turns to keep you on your toes while giving you a nice view of the Black Hills in the distance.

You can engage in hiking, boating, and horseback riding while you are off your motorcycle. If you are lucky, you may catch sight of the local wildlife including bison, deer, elk, coyotes, deer, and prairie dogs.

2.5 U.S. Highway 384 Scenic Drive

Distance: 42 miles
Time: 58 minutes
Start: Deadwood
End: Hill City

This route travels through the Black Hills and has plenty of hiking trails for you to explore such as the Mystic, Minnekahata, and Lead Trailheads. You could even explore the remnants of the Gold Mountain Mine.

Continuing on your way, you should be able to find a rest stop at the Pactola Dam. While this scenic drive does not have a lot of notable attractions, there are plenty of restaurants, burnout pits, and small amusement parks on the sides of the road.

2.6 South Dakota Highway 44

Distance: 202 miles
Time: 3 hours 27 minutes
Start: Rapid City
End: Winner

Besides being in visual view of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Badlands National Park, this route does not have pass by many notable attractions. For the most part, your surroundings will include large hills, unusual rock formations, and deep canyons.

As the highlight of this route is the natural scenery, it is perfect for novice riders looking to practice a long-distance trip or any motorcyclists looking for a leisurely ride. Because of the great distance, you will have plenty of opportunities to catch sight of pronghorn sheep and mule deers.

2.7 South Dakota Highway 34

Distance: 385 miles
Time: 6 hours 12 minutes
Start: Sturgis
End: Lone Rock Township

This route takes you to the eastern border between South Dakota and Minnesota. Because this route passes through a lot of towns frequently, there is no shortage of places where you can refuel, get dinner, and find lodging.

In Pierre, you will find the Flaming Fountain which is occasionally lit up like a bonfire in the evenings. There is also the South Dakota National Guard Museum which displays military equipment, relics, and memorabilia.

Continuing on your way, consider stopping in Fort Thompson. You can learn about the culture and history of Native Americans at the Akta Lakota Museum. If you wish for a bite to eat, try the motorcyclist hub known as the Busted Nut Bar and Grill.

2.8 Sturgis Ride

Distance: 346 miles
Time: 4 hours 46 minutes
Start: Rapid City
End: Sioux Falls

You pass through diverse terrain the further you head east as you start near the Badlands, go through the plains, and finally ride up rolling hills. Right outside of Rapid City, there is plenty of wilderness to explore in the Badlands National Parks.

A must-see attraction is the Wall Drug Store in the city of Wall. Once a small store, it has become a jack-of-all-trades as it also doubles as a restaurant, souvenir shop, and children’s backyard.

For the first half of your journey, you can either take part in tours of the Badlands from any of the nearby towns or check out the Minuteman Missile National Historic Museum to learn about its role during the Cold War.

Upon reaching Sioux Falls, there are plenty of attractions for you to visit including the Butterfly House & Aquarium, Falls Park, and the U.S.S. South Dakota Battleship Memorial.

2.9 South Dakota Plains Tour

Distance: 264 miles
Time: 4 hours 24 minutes
Start: Platte
End: Hot Springs

Crossing the Rosebud Indian and the Pine Ridge Reservations, the landscape should be relatively smooth so you can enjoy taking in the natural scenery as you handle your motorcycle.

If you have an appreciation for history, visit Wounded Knee to learn about the conflicts that took place there between Native Americans and U.S. troops. At Mission, you can look around the Sicangu Heritage Center Museum and Archives.

When you get to Hot Springs, you visit the Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, the world’s largest indoor natural swimming pool. You can also visit the Pioneer Museum to get a glimpse of life for early settlers heading to the Frontier. You can even see the fossils of ancient creatures at the Mammoth Site.

2.10 Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway

Distance: 40 miles
Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
Start: Cactus Flat
End: Wall

Taking you into the heart of the Badlands, this loop will have rock pinnacles, buttes, and mounds dotting the dry terrain. You will be able to stop at plenty of overlooks that give you panoramic views of the Badlands such as the Burns Basin Overlook and the Pinnacle Overlook.

There are also hiking trails at different points along the length of the loop including the Fossil Exhibit Trailhead and the Saddle Pass Trailhead. This region is not only home to animals like pronghorn antelopes, mules deers, and prairie dogs, but also to a very rare creature, the black-footed ferret.

2.11 Native American State Scenic Byway

Distance: 418 miles
Time: 6 hours 52 minutes
Start: Yankton
End: Mobridge

Following alongside the Missouri River, this scenic byway takes you from the southern border between South Dakota and Nebraska up to the northern border between South Dakota and North Dakota.

This route will take you to many historical and cultural sites that tell the history of the Native American tribes that lived in the state. One such example is the Sitting Bull Monument.

Most of the natural scenery following the river includes mixed-grass prairies, rolling hills, and limestone cliffs. The local wildlife you may spot may include prairie dogs, bison, deers, and elk.

3. Motorcycle Laws in South Dakota

3.1 Helmet Laws

If you are under the age of 18, it is mandatory to always wear an approved motorcycle helmet as laid out by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Even if you are above the age restriction, it is best if all riders wear a motorcycle helmet when on South Dakota’s roads. A motorcycle helmet can save your life, preventing severe or fatal injuries to your head or neck during a collision.

The two types of motorcycle helmets to look for are either a three-quarter or full-face helmet. Make sure they meet state safety standards by checking that they have all of the following characteristics:

Has a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker

Can be fitted around your head snugly

No visible signs of damage

Has a face shield with no scratches (Full-face helmet only)

Requires separate eye protection with no scratches (Three-quarter helmet only)

Has a hard and durable outer shell that is shatter-resistant

Gives you a clear, peripheral view

Can be fastened with a neck- or chin-strap

Allows airflow without fogging up

Can allow you to wear sunglasses or goggles underneath

3.2 Required Safety Features

Because a motorcycle’s functionality can become compromised if even a single primary component malfunctions, it is better to examine your vehicle while it is still inside your garage. Perform periodic inspections to check the integrity of the machinery. If there are signs of damage, make sure to fix them with your tools or take your vehicle to a repair shop.

For your motorcycle to be considered street legal in South Dakota, it must have the following features kept in good working condition and given proper maintenance:

Horn

Wheels

Tires

Handlebars

Front & Rear Brakes

Controls

Headlight

Rear light

Brake Light

Turn Signals

Exhaust System

Muffler

Rearview Mirrors

Fenders

Footrests

3.3 Lane Splitting Laws

Lane splitting is explicitly declared illegal in South Dakota. Motorcyclists are not allowed to ride on top of the dividing lines between lanes, in between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles, and overtaking any cars or trucks driving ahead of you within the same lane.

However, motorcyclists are entitled to make full use of the entire space within the lane they currently travel in. They can also lane share with another motorcycle so long as both riders consent beforehand and stay apart at a distance of at least two abreast.

3.4 Passenger Laws

South Dakota does not have a minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers. However, if your passenger is under the age of 18, he/she must wear an approved motorcycle helmet while riding with you. You should avoid transporting young children or elderly folk as they may have difficulty reaching the footholds.

To be allowed to carry a motorcycle passenger, your vehicle must be outfitted with equipment specifically designed to provide secure seating for another person. These include footholds, handholds or hand straps, and a passenger seat. The passenger seat can either be positioned at an additional space on the driver’s seat, a separate saddle at the rear, or a sidecar.

4. Motorcycle Luggage for South Dakota Motorcycle Tour

Depending on which regions in South Dakota you plan to visit on your motorcycle, you will need to pack the appropriate supplies. If you head to the Badlands, you may need to bring light clothing and a water container. If you head to the plains, you should carry camping gear in case you wish to explore the wilderness. And regardless of where you go, you should always have your tools handy in case your vehicle experiences mechanical troubles.

Motorcycle luggage can be easily secured to the chassis of your vehicle and manages to stay strapped down even against strong winds and high speeds. There is plenty of room for storage as motorcycle luggage comes with zippered and mesh pockets. And should the weather turn for the worst, the durable materials ensure that there is no damage due to moisture or debris.

To help you organize and store your belongings, here is a list of motorcycle luggage to choose from. You will have a variety to choose from as each product is unique in its design, size, color, and features:

5. Parting Words

Now that you know a list of notable routes and locations you can visit in South Dakota, you can begin to prepare for your extended motorcycle tour. If you are an out-of-state tourist, remember to review the motorcycle laws in South Dakota as they may not be the same as the state you are from. Fill up your motorcycle luggage with your belongings and make sure it is tightly tied down to your vehicle.

Most importantly, plan out your intended path before setting out so you know where you are headed, what landmarks to look out for, and what activities you can do at any stops. A well-thought-out travel plan will help keep you from getting lost and make sure you are efficient with your time. That being said, be flexible if the original designs for your South Dakota motorcycle trip go awry. If you end up taking a detour or staying longer at an attraction than expected, just go with the flow and make the most of the opportunities presented.

Hopefully, this article has helped lay out the groundwork for your motorcycle trip through South Dakota. Now get out there and remember to ride safe!