Pell
Middlebury, CT
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My DW and 2 kids are planning a trip across country to Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park. We are going at the beginning of August. We are from Connecticut and plan to take Rt.90 to Mount Rushmore, were we would spend a few days touring the sights in that area, then head to Yellowstone for a week. We are also thinking of taking Rt. 80 back home. My questions are if we do this itinerary we will be at Rushmore during the Sturgis motorcycle rally (not sure that is going to be a good thing). My another question is Rt 80 seems pretty boring, not much to do in Nebraska and Iowa. Please give me feed back and recommendations of things not to miss out on. This is our first big trip with our MH and I want to make the most of it.
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jefff929
Pacific wonderland, wet side
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We did that a few years back and hit the area about 2 weeks prior to bike week. The bikes were thicker than bugs and were not really an issue, although lodging and even CGs in the area can become scarce for hours around. Remember, they are going to want to see some of the same sights you will.
Don't miss Crazy horse.
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mountainpass
oakland twp. Michigan
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My wife and I have been driving to Yellowstone every year since 1993. The Sturgis rally is the first weekend in August. We have ran into it afew times. The hotels and camgrounds around a hundred miles radius of Sturgis and Mt Rushmore area are all full and crowded around that time. The bikers are generally nice and considerate but there are hundreds of thousands of bikes and it gets noisy to all but the most diehard bike fan! We plan our trips in early July now
Not too much on highway 80. We are usually on a bee-line for home when we are on it. We have stopped by the Amana Colony in central Iowa and may be worth a stop for you. Also,there are a lot more truck trafic on 80 than most other highways.
Have a great time!
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sch911
Rochester Hills, MI
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Joined: 04/13/2003
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We did Mt. Rushmore during bike week it was great. The bikers were a riot to be around. As long as you have reservations for your CG's you'll be fine. We made ours a year before our trip not knowing it was bike week. Decided to go for it when we found out and we're very happy with the trip....
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Posted by Macintosh
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JesLookin
Appleton,WI
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Why not take I90 out & I94 back? You could catch I80 near Chicago. It'll give you a chance to exit Yellowstone from the North exit, then through Montana & North Dakota.
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Gene in NE
Omaha
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Pell - Do you know what they mean when they say "bike week"? They are talking about maybe 150 - 200,000 motorcycles coming and going to Sturgis. Nice people, but you do feel surrounded.
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Gene
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RodT82721
Pine Haven, Wyoming
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Bike week usually takes (fills) all facilities so if you don't have reservations then I wouldn't plan on spending much time around Rapid City. I think the State Fair is also on at time too.
Don't forget Devils Tower, the nations first monument, get off I90 at Sundance and take Hyway 14 to visit the tower then continue on Hyway 14 to Moorcroft and catch I90 again. There will be a lot of bikers there too. big Ham-and-Jam at Beulah, Wy that week.
Very scenic ride from I90 over the Big Horns to Cody and Yellowstone. Hyway 16 out of Buffalo to Ten-sleep is very nice. So is Hyway 14 out of Sheridan thru Shell Canyon. Both routes are very steep mountain passes but worth the effort.
Have a nice trip.
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Texas TC
Corinth,Texas
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I am a biker and have been to Stugis many times over the years. Last time was in 2002 and I will never go to that area again during bike week. Too congested to enjoy the beauty of the region. Having said that, this year could be different due to the price of fuel. Many "bikers" get to Sturgis towing their bikes with their RV's (I always rode mine from Texas in two days). I was at a big motorcycle rally in Austin last weekend and it was crowded with people who wanted to go to a rally close to home and not across the country. (We had 1100 RV's at that rally). This might just be the start of a smaller bike week and you would not have any problem staying around the Rapid City area and seeing the great sights. Devils Tower is definitely a don't miss along with Deadwood. There are numerous things to see and do in that area if you can get around the bike traffic and parking.
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gandalf42
Fort Collins, CO
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The Black Hills during the Sturgis Rally is very crowded..its not that they are bikers that is the issue just lots of people so everything is crowded..things to see, restaurants, parking lots, places to stay..Other times are better if you have the choice.
Crazy Horse and Rushmore are top things to see of course. I like the caves..Wind and Jewel..Jewel is better. If the kids are younger..6-11ish..the Reptile Gardens is a nice place..able to get close to animals and several shows.
I-80: The Kearney Arch is good and Omaha has a decent zoo/tropical center (but haven't been there in a while)
Mike
Fort Collins, CO
'99 Born Free 26' Rear Side Bed
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gkainz
Arvada, CO, USA
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Joined: 10/02/2004
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Having grown up in the Black Hills, with family still there, I personally would (and do) avoid the Hills during rally week, which has now extended to include the week prior and after, simply due to the crowds and congestion. You may find differently, but I just don't like dealing with that much congestion. I'm not going to rehash all the great things to see and do in the Hills - other than to give my sister and brother in law a plug - see Scott's Rock Shop and museum in Custer!!! :-) but recommend you get the brochures and info from the SD Tourism board and/or google for Black Hills attractions. Have fun!
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