Best Rides from Kansas City or Omaha to Sturgis

Distance: 747 miles from Kansas City; 561 miles from Omaha
Time (Before Stops): 11 hours, 13 minutes from Kansas City; 8 hours, 27 minutes from Omaha

See route map

As you follow the Missouri River to the Big Sioux River and point your ride west, America’s Great Plains give way to striking layered rock formations. Nature is at the heart of this expedition, with verdant recreation areas nestled along riverbanks and a trip to one of South Dakota’s national parks.

Omaha, NE

• Desert Dome at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: Explore the world’s largest indoor desert, which features thousands of plants and animals from around the world.
• Dinkers Bar & Grill: Fuel up for your day on the road with all-American classics like hot beef sandwiches, sloppy Joes and chicken-fried steak.
• Craft Axe Throwing: Looking for a place to unwind? Experience the thrill of axe throwing! 

Sioux City, IA 

• Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center: Journey along the Siouxland leg of Lewis and Clark’s expedition with interactive exhibits, video games and colorful murals.
• One-Eyed Jack’s: Dine with Sioux City locals at this longtime sports bar and grill, where the lunch specials range from beef chimichangas to grilled ham & cheese sammies. 
• Sioux City Railroad Museum: Slide off your steed and explore the iron horses at this hands-on museum, which features a restored steam locomotive among its exhibits.

Sioux Falls, SD

• The Outdoor Campus: Stretch your legs at this 100-acre nature park, offering 2 miles of hiking trails, a butterfly garden and several picnic areas. 
• Falls Park: Get a bird’s eye view of Sioux Falls from the observation tower before grabbing a sandwich or flatbread for lunch at Falls Overlook Cafe.
• Sioux Empire Fair (August 2-10, 2024): Head to the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds for an evening of carnival-style fun, including thrilling rides, horse shows and grandstand events.
• B&G Milkyway: With recipes dating back to the 1950s, this former drive-in will have you feeling quite nostalgic as you sip on their malted milkshakes and root-beer floats. 
• J&L Harley-Davidson: Should you need it, this full-service H-D dealership is here to keep you running.

Mitchell, SD

• World’s Only Corn Palace: Prepare to be a-maize-d by this corny coliseum along Mitchell’s Main Street; it’s also home of the annual Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party (August 1, 2024).

Oacoma, SD

• Al’s Oasis: An awesome roadside attraction off Exit 260, the bison burgers, homemade pies, five-cent coffee and colossal bison statue at Al’s are worth the stop.

Murdo, SD

• Pioneer Auto Show: One of the largest privately owned auto shows open to the public, the museum houses more than 300 vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles, as well as a 1950s-style diner. 

Philip, SD

• Badlands Ranch Store: Situated off Exit 131 on I-90, you’ll know you’re at the right spot when you come across a large prairie dog statue. Grab kitschy souvenirs and feed a few pispíza (the Lakota word for prairie dogs), before getting back on the road.
• Badlands National Park: One of South Dakota’s Great 8, the park’s otherworldly landscape is ripe for exploration. Ride through the park, or get out on the hiking trails, which vary in terrain and difficulty. Along the way, you’ll likely run into the park’s most famous residents — bison and bighorn sheep.

Wall, SD

• Wall Drug Store: You’ll have seen the famous billboards for Wall Drug on your travels, so stop at this behemoth roadside attraction for homemade donuts (and free ice water, of course). 

Rapid City, SD

• Black Hills Open-Top Tours: Go on a one-of-a-kind guided Black Hills adventure in these convertible-top vans. 
• Dinosaur Park: Located atop Dakota Hogback Ridge, the park's 80-foot-long brontosaurus replica and aerial views of downtown Rapid City make it a must-stop.
• Dakotah Steakhouse: Be sure to save room for dinner at this downtown restaurant where South Dakota cuisine is the star of the show — from buffalo satay and chislic (aka skewered cubes of meat, marinated and fried to perfection) to walleye fingers and pheasant poppers.
• Lost Cabin Beer Company: Belly up to the taproom bar and sip on small-batch ales and lagers, all brewed in the Black Hills. Food trucks are also available most evenings. 

From Rapid City, it's just 28 miles (around 30 minutes) to Sturgis. 

Distance: 757 miles from Kansas City; 570 miles from Omaha 
Time (Before Stops): 11 hours, 54 minutes from Kansas City; 8 hours, 58 minutes from Omaha

See route map

Go off the beaten path as you run the roads from Missouri to Sturgis. Indigenous history, natural wonders and only-in-South-Dakota cuisine abound along this picturesque drive, where nearly every stop takes you off the interstate and offers a glimpse of local life in the 605 state. 

St. Joseph, MO

• Pony Express National Museum: For those starting their drive in Kansas City, learn about the legacy of the Pony Express at this "edutaining" museum.

Omaha, NE

• Heartland of America Park at the RiverFront: Take a walk with sweeping views of the Missouri River in the heart of downtown Omaha.
• Coneflower Creamery (Millwork Commons): Grab a scoop (or two) of homemade ice cream. Try one of their signature flavors, which change every season.
• The Matt Bar & Grill: If you’re looking for a great happy hour, you’ve come to the right place. Every Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m., and all day Sunday, enjoy specials on craveable bites like firecracker shrimp, nachos and Southwest egg rolls.

Sioux City, IA 

• Palmer’s Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe: Satisfy your sweet tooth with treats like peppermint twists, sea-salt caramels, gourmet truffles and cherry nougats, to name a few.
• Marto Brewing: After a day on the road, nothing hits quite like a slice of pizza served alongside a cold pint of locally brewed beer.
• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: Test your luck at more than 640 slot machines and 18 table games.
• Rooster's Harley-Davidson: Service, gear, merch and more can be found at this H-D dealership.

Vermillion, SD

• National Music Museum: Browse a renowned collection of musical instruments, from Italian violins to celebrity-played guitars.
• Spirit Mound Historic Prairie: Stand where Lewis and Clark once stood in 1804 during their expedition of the American West.

Yankton, SD

• Lewis and Clark Recreation Area: Cool off at Lewis and Clark Lake with an afternoon of swimming, kayaking and other watersports. Learn more about the famous explorers at the visitor center. 
• Meridian Bridge: This former toll bridge, built in 1924, has been transformed into a pedestrian-only recreational area where you can walk, run or bike while enjoying the beauty of the Missouri River. 

Chamberlain, SD

• Dignity: Of Earth & Sky: Perched on a bluff between exits 263 and 265 on I-90, this colorful stainless-steel marvel pays tribute to the Lakota and Dakota people.
• Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center: Visit the campus of St. Joseph’s Indian School for a living lesson on Indigenous culture. The gift shop features a wide array of products made by local Native artists.

Pierre, SD

• Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center: Calling all cowpokes! Dive deep into SoDak rodeo culture at this museum, whose namesake was a nine-time world champ. 
• Flaming Fountain Memorial: Take a moment to honor veterans at this monument nestled on the shores of Capitol Lake. 
• Richie Z’s Brickhouse BBQ & Grill: Touted by Food Network as having the best ribs in South Dakota, a meal at this hole-in-the-wall barbecue joint will not disappoint. 

End your day in Pierre with an overnight stay at one of the city’s cozy hotels and inns, or continue on Highway 34 for another 2.5 hours to Sturgis.