We were planning to be in Rapid City in August but found out that is the week of the big Sturgis Bike Rally. Would this event be problematic for a family with children interested in sightseeing Mt Rushmore etc? Should we avoid going at that time?
Traffic is very heavy in the Black Hills during the Rally including through Custer State Park & to Mt. Rushmore. Hotel rates increase. Not only is Sturgis packed, but Deadwood, Keystone, Hill City all fill with bikers, part of Rapid City's Main Street is set aside for motorcycle parking.
I would choose another time for a family vacation than Rally week (10 days really as bikers arrive the weekend before the official dates).
Thank you for your information. We have decided to postpone that leg of our trip. I'm just relieved to have found out in advance, instead of on arrival!
Agreeing with Lorhs -- before or after the Rally would probably be better for you and your family to visit. A bonus, if your trip is during the fall when the leaves are changing the scenery is gorgeous in the Black Hills!
We're probably going to try again when the kids are in college. We'll be able to get away during the Fall at that point. May combine with Glacier.
This time, we opted to spend more time in Yellowstone, Jackson Hoke, and Utah. We can fly in and out of Salt Lake City at a much better price too.
