Sturgis & Deadwood

After our breakfast at Wall Drug we had a long day of driving and sightseeing planned – motorcycles and cowboys! First was more driving so I kept my eyes peeled for more fun signs since they seem to do that very well in this part of the world – I was not disappointed. Who would have thought that alligators might bite or that you could make wine from rhubarb?

And there were more firetrucks along the way for Firehouse Brewery – almost wanted to stop in Rapid City to check it out. These two were a bit more unique although they were all interesting.

 

 

Soon we reached Sturgis – home to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (started in 1938). We were not the only tourists in town but the rally wouldn’t happen for about a month so the streets were almost empty and not all the bars were open. But the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum was open and full of motorcycles – they really need more room as not everything is on display and many practically touch!

Before we left town we noticed a few other landmarks – a twelve step program building, a souvenir/leathers shop and at least one bar covering a block!

 

A short drive away took us back in time – the town of Deadwood has preserved a few blocks of Main Street that dates from the late 1800’s when Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok were in their prime.

We didn’t make it to the cemetery where they are buried but enjoyed all the old buildings. Casinos and tourist traps seem to be the main draw today. And there was a shootout in the street – the Old West is alive and well!

 

From there we headed to the small town of Custer for our next campground. Our neighbor helped around the campground but also volunteered as a re-enactor a few days a week in several nearby towns. He graciously put back on his costume (all authentic reproductions – although I think the guns are originals) for a few pictures.

It had been a very full day of driving and sightseeing – good thing we planned to take a day for relaxing before our next adventure.

Click here for Firehouse Brewing pictures, click here for Sturgis pictures, click here for Deadwood pictures and click here for pictures in Custer.