Are you sick and tired of being cooped up inside and want nothing more than to get out and see something new? Lucky for you, you live in the great Mount Rushmore State, where the possibilities are endless, thanks to such unique drives as the aptly-named Raptor Alley near Sturgis, South Dakota:

Running between Sturgis (pictured) and Pierre via Highway 34, Raptor Alley is a must-drive 175-mile route that every South Dakotan should experience. 
Jerry Huddleston/Wikimedia Commons
As the name of this stretch implies, you have a great chance of spotting magnificent birds along your journey, as many raptors spend their winters in the area skies, as well as roadside fence posts, treetops, and powerlines. 
Flickr/Bob Hall
As per the South Dakota Department of Tourism, "keep your eyes trained to the sides of the road," as a "sharp eye will find up to 50 raptor sightings on many days."
Flickr/Bob Hall

Related Stories

It's An Epic Western Adventure Riding Horseback To A Steak Dinner In South Dakota

It's An Epic Western Adventure Riding Horseback To A Steak Dinner In South Dakota

 The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through South Dakota Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through South Dakota Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

 18 Best Hikes In South Dakota: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails To Visit In 2024

18 Best Hikes In South Dakota: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails To Visit In 2024
What types of raptors will you see during your drive? It could be anything from owls to eagles to hawks, making it a true one-of-a-kind drive! 
Flickr/Deborah Freeman
In addition to the birds themselves, drivers along Raptor Alley have an opportunity to also sight-see around a few of South Dakota's most beautiful towns, including - you guessed it! - Sturgis and Pierre (pictured), both of which have everything from unique shopping to delicious dining and other special attractions.
Alanscottwalker/Wikimedia Commons
Do you want to check out even more incredible South Dakota drives? Click on These 6 Beautiful Byways In South Dakota Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive.
Flickr/J Swanstrom (Never enough time...)

Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in South Dakota? Nominate it here! For another one of our favorite SoDak drives, you will want to Roll The Windows Down And Take A Drive Down U.S. Route 385 In South Dakota.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
SD-34, Pierre, SD, USA