Things to See and Do Nearby
Tour Bear Butte Gardens Organic Farm
We give a lot of farm tours of Bear Butte Gardens. We love to talk about organic agriculture, permaculture, biodynamic agriculture, gardening, livestock, livestock guardian dogs, trees, carbon sequestration, homesteading, land stewardship, climate change, green energy, and a variety of other farm topics. If you are interested, please contact us to schedule a time.
Visit Bear Butte State Park
Located just a mile away - it takes only a few minutes to drive there. This state park has a nice visitor center. Hiking the actual Bear Butte mountain is always a great adventure! The park also has a campground and a lake. It is just a short hike (about two miles) from this cottage to Bear Butte Lake.
The most common Lakota story of Bear Butte, known as Mato Paha (Matȟó Pahá"), tells of a bear waiting for his twin brother who left to find their mother but never returned; the bear became the sacred mountain. The mountain is a significant spiritual site for the Lakota, Cheyenne, and other tribes, a place for prayer, fasting, vision quests, and receiving sacred laws. It is seen as a potent land mass, encompassing the sacred elements of the world and serving as a place where the Creator can communicate with people through prayer.
Visit Sturgis
Sturgis is a welcoming small city of about 7,000 residents, located just five miles from Bear Butte Gardens. Best known worldwide for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally each August, the city offers much more than its famous event. Year-round, visitors enjoy easy access to the Black Hills National Forest, outdoor recreation, and historic landmarks such as Fort Meade.
As the county seat of Meade County, Sturgis blends history, community, and modern amenities. It was named after Union Civil War General Samuel D. Sturgis, and today it retains a strong small-town character, complete with good schools, local shops, and a welcoming community spirit.
While August brings unmatched excitement during the rally, Sturgis remains a year-round destination. From here, travelers can easily explore the greater Black Hills region, including charming small towns, national parks, scenic byways, and cultural attractions.
Visit the Sturgis Trail System
The Sturgis Trail System is a network of multi-use trails located in and around the city of Sturgis, South Dakota. Designed for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and snowshoeing, the system connects city trails with adjacent natural areas, including portions of the Black Hills National Forest and the Fort Meade Recreation Area.
With over 20 miles of trails already established, the Sturgis Trail System offers loops and paths of varying lengths and difficulty levels, making it accessible for casual walkers, families, and more experienced hikers or riders. Trailheads are conveniently located near the city, including the Veterans Peak Trailhead and Vanocker Trailhead, and signage is clear for both navigation and safety.
The system is maintained through a combination of city and federal efforts, providing year-round outdoor recreation opportunities for locals and visitors alike. Its proximity to Sturgis makes it a great way to enjoy the scenic Black Hills while remaining close to town amenities.
Visit the Centennial Trail (Trail #89)
The Centennial Trail is South Dakota’s premier long-distance hiking and riding trail, stretching more than 100 miles through the Black Hills. It begins at Bear Butte State Park, just outside Sturgis, and passes through the Fort Meade Recreation Area before winding south toward Wind Cave National Park. Visitors in Sturgis can easily access the trail from nearby trailheads for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding.
Visit Historic Fort Meade
Fort Meade is a historic military installation and recreation area located just east of Sturgis, South Dakota. Established in 1878 as a U.S. Army cavalry post, it played a key role in frontier history, protecting settlers and trade routes in the Black Hills region. Today, visitors can explore the Fort Meade Museum, which features exhibits on military history, frontier life, and artifacts from the post’s early days. The historic Fort Meade Cemetery and remaining original structures offer a glimpse into 19th-century military life.
Beyond its historical significance, Fort Meade provides ample outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing on over 6,700 acres of forest and grasslands. The Fort Meade Recreation Area includes scenic trails, picnic areas, and seasonal programs, making it a destination for families, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.