We are planning our summer trip---early stages. We want to head from Yellowstone to St. Louis by car and I was hoping to go through South Dakota. But the timing unfortunately has us in the vicinity during the annual biker rally. We don't want to stay over, but we thought we could show the kids Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse and maybe hit Wall Drug and keep on going. How huge a mistake is this? I don't mind some heavier traffic, but I don't want to get stuck in gridlock and have it turn into a big nightmare. Have no interest in the bikers, nor worries; this is a logistical question mostly about crowds on roads and at monuments. Also, if we avoid SD, do any of you have any must-sees between Sheridan Wyoming and St. Louis MO?

My BIL goes to this every year. I've seen pictures and it looks like a nightmare to me! If you don't get any responses to this query, I'll ask my BIL and see if he has suggestions for you.

I grew up in the Black Hills of SD and lived there for 20+ years. My dad helps run a famous biker campground there, and the only advice I can give is this...during bike week the traffic is packed heavy with bikers and their motorcycles and all of the tourist sites in the area will be too. Mt. Rushmore is a great place to see, as well as the Badlands but with the way I have seen some bikers drive (I have nothing against bikers, my dad is one), I wouldn't recommend visiting at this time if you don't want to dodge motorcycle after motorcycle after motorcycle. Most of the locals won't even venture out during that week.

I would avoid it at all costs. No place to stay, silly lines at all services and attractions, traffic ...not my idea of vacation!

Not sure how many bikers do this side trip but my family really enjoyed a day trip to Devils Tower WY.

I read Sturgis gets over 800,000 bikers for bike week.

Friends that have gone for bike week said not to go. It like the pilgrimage to Mecco for bikers. Gotta go once in your lifetime. For me? No thanks. Daytona and Myrtle Beach are enough.

Thanks to everyone who replied. It wasn't what I wanted to hear! But I appreciate the information.

Just thought of this:

Rocky Mountain National Park is on one of the routes toward St. Louis for you. I think that is a fantastic place, right up there with Yellowstone for me. If you get to Denver, you could consider a Coors tour or perhaps a tour of the mint (if they still do that).

Personally I would avoid driving across Nebraska at all costs.