In the northeastern Black Hills is Sturgis, where some 200,000 Harley Davidson enthusiasts gather every summer for somewhat unbridled festivals. East of the town is the Fort Meade Cavalry Museum, recalling the days when this really was the Wild West.
Bear Butte State Park is the home of Mato Paha "Sacred Mountain", the origin of many Native American legends. Bear Butte was used as a landmark by the Plains Indians and even today it is considered sacred by the plains peoples. The park features riding and hiking trails through the Black Hills.
The Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis was dedicated in 1948. The first seven burials were World War II veterans. Today more than 16,000 veterans are interred.
Fort Meade was built in 1878 by the remaining troops of General Custer's 7th Cavalry. The Fort Meade Cavalry Museum features artifacts and personal mementos of the soldiers and units who served here.
Exhibits at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame include Cushman, Harley-Davidson, Triumph and Indian motorcycles. The Hall of Fame inductees include Ernie Beckman, Willie G, Davidson, Pete Hill, Arlen Ness, Sen. Ben Nighthorse and Sen. Dave Zien.
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