Ready to Explore the Black Hills Like a Native?

Hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country and around the globe will be heading to the Black Hills for the Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August. 
You know what that means: Hotels in Sturgis and Rapid City will be spen-dee! But a room at the Iron Creek Inn & Suites in nearby Upton, Wyoming is more affordable, clean, modern, and offers every amenity you could ask for. Did we mention the free wi-fi and free parking that can accommodate trailers and RV’s? It’s also a stone’s throw from Joe’s Food Center, our locally-owned grocery store that also has an on-site butcher, deli, and bakery. Speaking of food, we also offer free breakfast, but at some point you’ll want to grab a booth at Remy’s Diner. This beloved, family-owned hometown eatery has become famous for its hearty portions, homestyle cookin’, and moose-themed decor. Not to mention, their butterscotch malts, hot coffee, and fresh-baked pies. 
 

Named for an early-day tavern, the Red Onion Museum, is located within the community’s “Old Town,” where you’ll find a historic collection of windmills, sod houses, cabins, and other relics from the 1800s. Inside the museum, you’ll hear the stories of cowboys, ranchers, miners, and railroaders. As for the name, back in the day, the Red Onion Saloon was a hot spot in town prior to Prohibition. Once the hammer came down and authorities enforced a “dry town,” the owner quietly moved the business to the barn on his Red Onion Ranch. 

Now that you’re all fueled up with one of the best breakfasts around, might as well kick off your daytrip with a bang! Devils Tower is a spectacularly dramatic 867-foot tall rock formation that’s hard to miss as you wind your way through the lush, rolling prairie and ranchland of Highway 24. As you crest the gentle grades, Devils Tower will gradually start to reveal itself on the horizon. If you want to get up close and personal to the monument itself, you can pay an entry fee at the gate, which helps support the preservation of this beloved national monument. Fun fact: The missing apostrophe in the word “Devils” is due to a clerical error in the 1906 proclamation that established the monument. So much for spell check! 

After leaving Devils Tower, zoom along Highway 24 for around 10-ish miles and you’ll roll right into the small town of Hulett. This hidden gem has a population of just 400 that swells to over 100,000 during the rally for the pig roastin’ Ham ‘N Jam and some other notorious shenanigans. If you’re looking for something a little more G-rated, check out the Hulett Museum & Art Gallery, pop in and shop at Mercantile 307, or grab some grub at the Ponderosa Cafe and Bar. 

While you might not find the proverbial genie in a bottle in this town of 15 people, you will find the old Aladdin General Store. Built in 1896, it now serves as a frontier-inspired department store/post office as well as a spot to see and be seen during the rally. Interested in town lore? Park yourself on the Liar’s Bench out on the front porch and get ready for some whoppers. They might even tell you a thing or two about the time they put the entire town up for sale for a cool $1.5 million. 

Leaving Aladdin, you’ll head east towards South Dakota, arriving at the north entrance of Spearfish Canyon, one of the crown jewels of the Black Hills. US 14 is smooth and curvy, gently winding its way through a narrow limestone canyon where dense pine forest gives way to towering rock walls, cool, crisp mountain air, the crystal blue waters of Spearfish Creek and cascading waterfalls including Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Spearfish Falls. Keep an eye out for shaggy mountain goats, soaring eagles, and bighorn sheep as you savor every mile of this signature ride of the rally. 
 

One of the classic, “gotta stop there” places in Spearfish Canyon is the historic, Latchstring Restaurant. This rustic lodge is located right smack dab in the Canyon, offering outdoor seating for sweeping views of the jaw-dropping scenery. Spearfish Falls is located directly behind the restaurant, and can be accessed via a short walking trail. If your vibe is pine forest/log cabin, you’ll be right at home here. 

Ok, this is one of the most iconic pit stops for people watching. The Boar’s Nest is a must for anyone riding an iron horse. It’s also the perfect spot to grab a brew or a burger, check out all the bikes lining the parking lot, and cruise both floors of the rustic building. Be sure to head out back, where the owners have permanently placed chairs and tables in the cool, refreshing waters of Whitetail Creek. 

Naturally climbing out of Spearfish Canyon is US-14, a gently winding road that takes you through towering ponderosa and spruce into the old Wild West mining town of Lead. Pronounced “leed,” historic brick buildings and character ensure this quaint small town maintains its authentic vibe. If you’re in need of another thirst quencher, stop at Dakota Shivers, which offers seasonal brews and plenty of character(s). As you head out of town towards Deadwood, be sure to check out the enormous, open cut of the former Homestake Gold Mine. Around 41 million ounces of gold were mined here from 1876-2002, making it the largest (and deepest) gold mine in the Western Hemisphere. 

The Chubby Chipmunk sits between Lead and Deadwood. And their heaven-sent, hand dipped chocolate truffles have gotten so popular they’ve found their way into celebrity swag bags for the CMA Awards, Grammys and Oscars. This delicious sugar shack also morphs into a biker snack stop during Sturgis; an easy sell given its “Butter and Love” approach to dieting. Take your pick from around 35 or so flavors, including Kahlua, Deadwood Toffee, Rootbeer Float, and Raspberry Royale. If you happen to see a “closed” sign in the window, don’t panic; they have an after-hours chocolate vending machine set up outside for late-night chocolate emergencies.

Outlaws riding iron horses will find themselves at home in Deadwood, which began as an illegal gold mining camp in 1876, birthing the Black Hills Gold Rush. Once walking these streets were the boots of legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, who both lived and died in Deadwood. Speaking of the afterlife, Saloon 10 is where Hickok was shot while holding his infamous “Dead Man’s Hand,” and both he and Calamity are buried up in the Mount Moriah Cemetery, which overlooks the town. You’ll also find plenty of bars and restaurants here as well as casinos if you’re brave enough to tango with Lady Luck.

It’s a straight shot on US-14 East from Deadwood to Sturgis, so get ready to land right in the middle of all the action. You’ll make your way slowly into town, as motorcycle traffic can be intense, giving you prime time to see and be seen. Main Street is always blocked off to outside traffic so that the bikes have their pick of parking spaces. From there, it’s a few steps to bites, brews, and plenty of other things you’d never tell your mother about. Hang out for a while or take a scenic ride to some of the other icons like the Buffalo Chip, Full Throttle Saloon, Bear Butte State Park, and the gorgeous Vanocker Canyon, one of the most beautiful, scenic roads in the Black Hills. Once you’re ready to hit the hay, it’s an easy, hour-ish ride back to a late night bite and brew back in Upton. 

Sure, you could go straight to your comfy bed at the Iron Creek Inn & Suites, but why? Might as well cap the evening off with a late night bite and brew or two at Sunset Amigos. Burgers, wings, fries, and other pub foods will satisfy those midnight cravings, and you can’t beat the cozy firepit outside.