I left Devils Tower for Sturgis, SD. Even though the big annual motorcycle rally was over, I thought it would be fun to see the area so I have a better idea of where to stay and what to see if I come back for the rally someday.

hill side with sturgis sign

The metal sculptures are in front of Full Throttle Saloon. The original bar, featured in the reality show, burned to the ground. This is the replacement built outside of town. It’s mostly steel and recycled parts.

full throttle saloon in sturgis south dakota
motorcycle statue outside full throttle saloon in sturgis south dakota
motorcycle statue outside full throttle saloon in sturgis south dakota
Tank motorcycle statue outside full throttle saloon in sturgis south dakota
motorcycle statue outside full throttle saloon in sturgis south dakota

Other bars and sites around sturgis

iron horse saloon in sturgis south dakota
big engine bar and sign with motorcycle
buffalo chip sign

Mount Rushmore was under construction but still swarmed with tourist and selfie sticks.

Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore with under NPS construction barrier
washington on Mount Rushmore
washington on Mount Rushmore

This is the Needles area along the Needles highway in Custer State Park, SD.

view of rocks along the Needles highway in Custer State Park, south dakota
view of the needle, a rock formation, along the Needles highway in Custer State Park, south dakota
This is the eye of the needle which gives the road through the area of rock formations its name.
rock climber along the Needles highway in Custer State Park, south dakota
rock climbers in Needles area along the Needles highway in Custer State Park, south dakota
view of rocks and tunnel along the Needles highway in Custer State Park, south dakota
One of several extremely small tunnels on the Needles Highway through Custer State Park in South Dakota.
truck driving through a tunnel in the Needles highway in Custer State Park, south dakota
It’s a tight fit for a big dually!
view of rocks along the Needles highway in Custer State Park, south dakota
view of rocks along the Needles highway in Custer State Park, south dakota
view of rocks along the Needles highway in Custer State Park, south dakota