Stretching through the northern Black Hills, Vanocker Canyon Road provides motorists and motorcyclists with a short scenic route offering only-in-South-Dakota sites along the way.
It’s a stunning stretch of road that should be taken slowly, with plenty of time reserved for stops and sightseeing in surrounding areas and towns.
Length & Time
Vanocker Canyon Road starts in Sturgis and finishes in Nemo. It’s approximately 17 miles long and takes 2 hours to complete. The road offers quick, frequent twists as you cruise through towering pine trees. If you’re taking a longer road trip through the Black Hills region, it’s a perfect side-quest to include in your travels.
Places to Stop
Your journey starts in Sturgis, where there’s plenty to do and see. Start with the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, featuring over 80 vintage and custom motorcycles and tributes to nearly 280 MVPs of the motorcycle industry. For a combination of history and the great outdoors, head east to Fort Meade Recreation Area. This 6,700-acre area of forest and grasslands includes the Fort Meade Cavalry Post, Old Fort Meade Museum, Fort Meade Post Cemetery and Centennial Trail. Bordering the Black Hills National Cemetery and Bear Butte State Park, it offers opportunities for hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. After a long day of exploring, indulge in a glass of sparkling wine as you overlook a vineyard at the Belle Joli Sparkling House — a local winery known for creating new sparkling wine creations through traditional champagne methods.
Next up is Deadwood, where there’s no shortage of entertainment. Try your hand at blackjack, poker and slot machines at casinos like The Midnight Star, Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort and The Landmark Casino, or attend an iconic Deadwood event like the Days of '76 Rodeo or the Deadwood Alive Gunslingers’ historical reenactments on Main Street. Delve into Deadwood’s history at the Historic Adams House, a meticulously preserved Victorian mansion, or learn about another side of history at The Brothel Deadwood.
Nemo is Vanocker Canyon Road’s final stop. While this tiny mountain town may look unassuming, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Nemo is an ideal base for camping, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, deer hunting and backcountry excursions. It’s also the home of the Wonderland Cave, an underground adventure discovered by accident in 1929. Take the 45-minute guided tour that winds through expansive chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites and rare helicites.
Where to Stay
If you’re including Vanocker Canyon Road in your Black Hills journey, you have a variety of accommodations to choose from. The area offers various accommodations, including unique independent hotels like The Hotel Sturgis, The Sturgis Motel, The Lodge at Deadwood, Historic Bullock Hotel, Spearfish Canyon Lodge, Historic Iron Horse Inn & Casino and Martin Mason Hotel. You’ll also find hotel and motel chains, vacation rentals, glamping sites, campgrounds and RV sites throughout the area.
Places to Stay in South Dakota
Where to Eat
Dining options range from coffee shops and burger stops to wineries and breweries on the Vanocker Canyon route. In Sturgis, start the day at The Coffee Shop or Sturgis Coffee Company and later enjoy drinks and tasty pub fare at Gas Monkey Bar and Grill, The Knuckle Brewing Company or Sturgis Brewing Company. In Deadwood, grab your morning espresso at Pump House Coffee & Eatery or Main Street Espresso, and choose from brewpubs, steakhouses and seafood restaurants, and saloons for lunch and dinner. Maverick Steaks and Cocktails is known for its signature baby back ribs, while Legends Steakhouse is famed for lobster, braised elk gnocchi and buffalo ribeye. You can’t go wrong with either.
When to Visit Vanocker Canyon
The best times to drive along Vanocker Canyon Road are spring or fall. In the fall, experience vibrant reds, oranges and golds of oak, ash, birch and aspen trees as the leaves change colors. The road reawakens in springtime, with stunning wildflowers and lush greenery. Both seasons offer mild weather and relatively clear driving conditions, making them ideal for a scenic car or motorcycle journey. Stop at the various trailheads and lookout points to take full advantage of the weather and gorgeous scenery.
