Manitoba to Sturgis looking for scenic route

[greenlay]

Planning on going the Sturgis from Manitoba. I'd rather not do the interstate 29/90 route. Any suggestions on a scenic route with decent roads?

[ike1518]

Greenlay,

I'm not sure where you'd enter the US; Peace Gardens, Pembina, or wherever, but US Highway 85 has always been an enjoyable ride for me. I believe it is even considered a joint highway (#35?) intersecting with Trans-Canada 1.

Anyway, 85 will take you to Sturgis in a couple of ways;

1. Take it all the way to Spearfish then double back to Sturgis on I-90.

2. Take 85 as far as the Castle Rock cut-across in South Dakota to Newell and then go directly into Sturgis on US 79. The view of Bear Butte from the distance can be impressive. The Castle Rock cut-across is an 8 mile link between highways 79 and 85.

Both routes a reasonably scenic but just remember to fill up in Bowman, ND and maybe even Buffalo, SD just for good measure. There are places along 85 in northwest South Dakota that with the exception of the highway there isn't a man made object as far as the can see in any direction.

I live in North Dakota's Red River valley and have taken both routes many times.

Enjoy the ride and stay safe!

[Diego]

I moved to BC about 5 years ago but used to live in Manitoba and did the Sturgis run every year. I took a lot of different routes but my favourite way was going south from the Peace Gardens to Rugby, West on 2 to Minot, south on 83 to 23, west through New Town to 22, south on 22 through Dickinson. Hop over onto 22 which turns into SD 79. 79 takes you to Sturgis. You get to see some ND badlands and Custer National forest along the way. A couple good stops: Old west type bar in Killdeer ND. (not a fake old west bar - just what it is) and be sure to stop in Reva, SD (just a gas station but walk past the bathrooms and theres a small dusty bar in the back) Make sure you get gas before you really need it. Bring water if its hot. Enjoy the ride!