South Dakota 34 enters the state near Belle Fourche as the continuation of Wyoming 24. It travels east through Belle Fourche, then merges briefly onto Interstate 90 between Whitewood and Sturgis. East of Sturgis, South Dakota 34 crosses the high plains of Meade, Haakon, and Stanley Counties before entering the city of Pierre. After passing through the Crow Indian Reservation, South Dakota 34 continues east from Fort Thompson to Madison and thence into Minnesota near Flandreau, where it becomes Minnesota 30.
Major Cities
Belle Fourche, Sturgis, Pierre, Fort Thompson, Wessington Springs, Madison
South Dakota 34 and Business Loop Interstate 90 (Eastbound) and South Dakota 79 North
The Sturgis business loop begins at Exit 30, Junction Alternate U.S. 14 west, Business Loop I-90 east, South Dakota 34 east, and South Dakota 79 north. South Dakota 34 follows Interstate 90 between Exit 23 in Lawrence County and Exit 30 in Sturgis (Meade County). South Dakota 79 follows Interstate 90 between Exit 51 at Black Hawk and Exit 30 in Sturgis. The two state routes, along with the business loop, are signed as they travel east into the city of Sturgis. Photo taken 09/03/04.
Held in August of each year, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally brings thousands of motorcyclists from around the country to Sturgis. During the motorcycle rally, the city of Sturgis swells in size. Occasionally, some participants become unruly or break laws, including indecent exposure. This sign (beneath a speed limit sign with both English and Metric speed limits) shows the list of laws that are enforced, including open alcoholic container (including bottles and cans) and public nudity laws. Photo taken 09/03/04.
Known as the "Key City to the Black Hills," Sturgis was founded in August 1876 and named after Major Samuel D. Sturgis, who was commander of nearby Fort Meade. The city is home to 6,682 people as of the 2000 Census; it is seat of Meade County, northwest of Rapid City. It lies on the eastern slope of the Black Hills along the Interstate 90 corridor. Photo taken 09/03/04.
Another shield assembly featuring Business Loop I-90, South Dakota 34, and South Dakota 79 is posted along eastbound Lazelle Street at the intersection with Eighth Street. The three routes will remain joined together on Lazelle Street until Junction Street, which is about eight blocks east of here, in downtown Sturgis. Photo taken 09/03/04.
Eastbound South Dakota 34 and Northbound South Dakota 79
Immediately after Business Loop I-90 splits south along Junction Avenue into downtown Sturgis, this shield assembly for South Dakota 34 and South Dakota 79 is posted. Photo taken 09/03/04.
Westbound South Dakota 34 and Southbound South Dakota 79
Now traveling west on Lazelle Street, westbound South Dakota 34 and southbound South Dakota 79 approach Business Loop I-90 (Junction Avenue) in downtown Sturgis. Note the appearance of a trailblazer for U.S. 14A, which continues west from Sturgis into the Black Hills communities of Deadwood and Lead. Photo taken 09/03/04.
