Sturgis is known for the yearly motorcycle rally that is hosted in the city. But after the rally wraps up, the small town begins to get back to normal. That means new businesses come and go, and a few stick around.

While the rally transforms the city for a few weeks in the summer, it also opens opportunities for Sturgis that many small towns don’t have. It allows Sturgis to have some amazing and unique stores, which are helping to transform the city once again.

In this issue, we will look at a few of those stores along Main Street.

New Businesses
Opening up in the historic Benevolent Hall, Hotel Sturgis has added a new piece of history to Main. As Sturgis begins to change, the Hotel Sturgis is there to help anchor the downtown area, and allow visitors a chance to be in walking distance to the many unique store on the street.

The hotel also sports a coffee shop that is very much appreciated by locals as well as those visiting.

Another new store, just off Main, is Heartland Homestore. Saving locals a trip to either Rapid City or Spearfish, Heartland is the place to go for new appliances as well as mattresses, items that make any house into a home.

But even if you aren’t in the market for a large purchase, they also stock linens as well as items that make great gifts, such as truffles and chocolates.

Filling another need in Sturgis, Uncle Louie’s Diner is providing a family friendly restaurant. The owner, Dave Stewart spent a good amount of time listening to what area residents wanted, and proceeded from there. He wanted to open a good old fashion diner, that uses fresh ingredients, and had a friendly environment. From the reviews, he certainly has achieved that.

Sticking Around
While gaining new stores downtown is great for the community, having those who stick around year after year has also been a huge benefit.

Two of the cornerstone businesses that have invested in the community are Black Hills Rally and Gold, and Sturgis Photo and Gifts. While the cater to tourists, they also don’t forget about locals. Keeping great items in stock that make wonderful gifts for any season, what really makes these businesses special is just how much they invest into the community.

A rather unique store to make Sturgis their home is Xtreme Dakota Bicycles. Having found a new location on Main a year ago, they are working hard to help put Sturgis on the map for a different type of bike. With the Black Hills a great place to ride, and many trails available, they have filled a niche that was needed. And like many of the businesses that stick around, they are heavily involved with the community.

Another business that sticks around, and has a bit of fame around the area, is Weimer’s Diner and Donuts. Now open for lunch, what really has set them apart are their donuts. Often named as the best donuts in the Hills, it can be a bit difficult to get your hands on their donuts before they sell out.

If you’re looking for a hometown diner though, Weimer’s is a place that instantly comes to mind.

Other Businesses
There are many other businesses that make Sturgis a special place to live, and that are very invested in the community. As this publication grows, we will be looking at more local businesses, and building larger more in depth profiles, to really highlight those places that make Sturgis a great place to live.