Follow in the footsteps of fierce Native American warriors and the US Cavalry and experience the history and lore of the American West on the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Western Frontier Motorcycle Rides!
Ride alongside local historian Paul Mitchell as he takes you and your friends on a ride back in time from the legendary Buffalo Chip Campground to the gravesite of Jonathon “Buffalo Chips” White, the campground’s namesake and protégé of Buffalo Bill Cody.
Each ride will offer you the chance to experience history hands on with activities including rifle and pistol shooting experiences, and a four-hour motorcycle expedition to the site of the Great Sioux Nation Battle at Slim Buttes.
The Western Heritage Motorcycle Rides will take place during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on Tuesday, Aug. 11 and Thursday, Aug. 13. Each ride is limited to 20 participants.
As you ride through the scenic foothills north of the Black Hills, listen and learn the unique history of the area as Mitchell shares the fascinating stories of Chief American Horse, Jonathon “Buffalo Chips” White, and the Battle of Slim Buttes. You’ll also learn about the US Cavalry, Cavalry scouts, several other instrumental Sioux Chiefs, Buffalo Bill Cody, Hugh Glass, the history of Pony Express, and much more!
Event Itinerary
Morning Meet Up (8 a.m.)
Meet at the Sturgis Rally Info Center at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads for a short orientation of the day’s activities.
Continental Breakfast
Enjoy a breakfast at the Information Center. Paul Mitchell will share a brief history of the area as you eat.
Antique Rifle Shooting
Test out your skills shooting antique rifles like those used by the US Cavalry with an introduction into Cowboy Action Shooting You’ll use two single-action revolvers, a lever-action rifle and a double barrel shotgun.
Kickstands Up for the First Leg
The ride will depart from the shooting range. From here you’ll travel north on SD-79 past sacred Bear Butte, Scoop Town historical marker, Bismark Trail historical marker and the winding Belle Fourche River.
Hoover, SD
After 53 miles, you’ll be able to stretch your legs and hear historical remarks during a stop at the Hoover General Store on the Grand River, famous for its connection with Hugh Glass and the movie The Reverent.
Slim Buttes Overlook
At your next stop at a scenic overlook of Slim Buttes, you’ll hear tales of the surrounding Native American encampments and dinosaurs that roamed the area.
Reva Store
A stop at the Reva Store in the historic community of Reva, SD will allow you to fuel up, use the restroom and grab your sack lunch. The community bears the name of Reva Bonniwell, the daughter of the first settler.
Gravesites of Buffalo Chips and American Horse
Four miles outside Reva, you’ll come upon a small cemetery that serves as the final resting place for Buffalo Chips. He and Chief American Horse, both died in the battle of Slim Buttes. Here, you will enjoy your sack lunch before heading back south to the Spur Creek Soon.
Spur Creek Saloon
On the way back to the Chip, you’ll stop at the rustic Spur Creek Saloon for refreshments, photo opportunities and more historical narrative. From here you’ll depart back to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.
There’s no other place in the world that lets you experience this fascinating history, so don’t miss your opportunity during the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Spaces on each tour are extremely limited.
Reserve Now!
Follow in the footsteps of fierce Native American warriors and the US Cavalry and experience the history and lore of the American West on the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Wes...
