The more we travel the country, the more we learn about this awesome RV community of like-minded people, their recreational vehicles, the places they go, and the things they do for fun. We kept hearing about how fun RV rallies were and decided to give it a try. Here’s the scoop on our first RV rally!
So, first, what is an RV Rally? Rallies are planned gatherings of RVers which typically include learning opportunities or seminars, happy hours, lots of food, entertainment, and tours. Larger rallies can even include vendors, RV dealers, and options for maintenance or repair work. These events are hosted by RV associations and clubs and can focus on Rving in general, specific brands of RVs, residents of a geographical area, or special interests people have in common.
The rally we attended was hosted by AIM, the All Inclusive Motorhome Club. Anyone who owns a Class A motorhome is eligible for membership. If you purchase your RV from National Indoor RV Center (NIRVC) like we did, you get a complimentary year of membership in the AIM Club. AIM rallies are all-inclusive events with everything provided for you: all meals, events, transportation, and tours are taken care of! Since we hadn’t been to South Dakota before, we arrived 4 days early so we would have time to do some exploring on our own before the rally started (see post here).
This rally was called Reopening of America and was the first AIM rally held since coronavirus closures caused the cancellation of many events around the country. There were about 65 coaches at Rush No More Campground in Sturgis, South Dakota (the number allowed was reduced by about half of normal rally numbers). All of the events were held in an open-air building or outside, with hand sanitizer requirements before each meal, and servers wearing masks.
Each morning started off with the Pledge of Allegiance before a leisurely breakfast with lots of food choices and drinks. The cool morning air here was so refreshing after our time in the heat of Texas! After breakfast, there were seminar options with motorhome manufacturing representatives. We heard from Entegra, Newmar, and Freightliner executives and got the opportunity to ask questions and hear about future developments.
One day there was also the option for a craft time where you could make a set of four coasters. We could choose from a variety of decoupage or paint options and had a nice time under the shade trees. A cookout lunch was a big hit with chef Randy’s great burgers and home cut french fries!
After lunch each day we had a fun tour in the local area. Large tour buses conveyed us to each location, with extra buses contracted so we could sit very spread out to allow for social distancing. Water and snacks were provided, as well as interesting information on the sites and locations.
Mystic Hills Hideaway ATV Tour:
Our first tour was to Mystic Hills Hideaway which is a Black Hills resort offering camping, restaurant, ATV, and snowmobile rentals. We could choose either 2 or 4 seat ATVs for the 2 hour guided trail ride to Custer’s Peak.
At the top of the mountain we were able to hike up to the Custer Peak Fire Tower for a beautiful view of the valley below. This was a fun outdoor activity with beautiful mountain scenery!
Mount Rushmore
Our 2nd tour was to Mount Rushmore where we saw the iconic faces of four American presidents carved into the granite mountain. They were chosen by the sculptor to commemorate the founding (Washington), growth (Jefferson), preservation (Lincoln), and development (Roosevelt) of the United States. Together they symbolize the principles of liberty and freedom on which the nation was founded
We walked the Presidential Trail, a half mile loop which also includes 422 stairs. There are lots of places to rest and take pictures or read about the presidents as you walk through the wooded area. Along the trail you can stop in the Sculptor’s Studio to hear a ranger talk about the sculptor, the carving process, and the workers as you view the 1/12th scale model of the full carving. The full carving is scaled to men 465 feet tall and it was impressive to hear how it was made.
Iron Mountain Road
After seeing Mount Rushmore, we drove the winding Iron Mountain Road that engineers once said couldn’t be built. This scenic drive is just 17 miles long but has 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, 3 tunnels, and 3 pigtails. A pigtail in road terminology is a 360 degree turn where the road completely circles around and passes over itself, allowing the road to rapidly climb the side of the mountain.
This unusual road was designed with so many curves to limit the speed of travelers so that they could enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills. I was sure glad we weren’t in the RV as the road wound up to the 5445 foot summit! It was really cool being able to look through the tunnel and see Mount Rushmore in the distance.
Spearfish Canyon
Our 3rd tour took us through Spearfish Canyon. With its narrow 1000 foot walls and diverse array of plant life and wildlife, this canyon has some of the most spectacular scenery in the Black Hills. We stopped and walked the short hike to one of the three waterfalls in the area.
Deadwood
We also stopped in the town of Deadwood which is known for its wild west and gold rush history. THe town attained notoriety when gunman “Wild Bill” Hickok was killed there on August 2, 1876. We toured the bar where he was shot and heard the story of how he was gunned down.
It was Days of 76 Rodeo time while we were visiting so there were extra activities going on. Our timing was good as we happened upon a wild west shootout reenactment on the main street!
Each evening after our tour of the day, we had a great catered dinner to look forward to. Food and drinks were plentiful and it was fun visiting with new friends. After dinner there was entertainment as well including USO style singers, a fun game night, and a Murder Mystery Dinner. There was one night free to rest or visit with friends– we enjoyed time to catch up with friends Ann and Gary while we were there.
So What Did We Think of It?
Sometimes during our travels we’ve been lucky to meet up with friends, but many times it is just us. While we enjoy setting our own schedule and deciding what to see and do, it was a nice change to try an RV rally. We really enjoyed the ease of just showing up and having everything planned for you! It was great to have tours to go on, all of our meals cooked for us, and new friends to do everything with. The NIRVC/AIM folks really know how to put on a good event. They are experienced at organizing and know what it takes to plan a first class program. We had a great time and are already signed up for another rally in a few months!
Awesome pictures and information, so glad y’all were able to go with all the virus stuff going on.
Us too–the rally was a lot of fun!
Wow, how cool is that? We stayed at Custer Lodge by Sylvan Lake when we were there a few years back. Beautiful area. There is so much to see and do while there.
We still enjoying your travels.
Take care, David an Carol
We really enjoyed our time in South Dakota and the rally was a lot of fun. The scenery there is so beautiful–I think we will definitely be back to see more one day!
Looks like you two have really figured out this new lifestyle!!
Hi Jacki! We are learning that there is always something new to learn about, that’s for sure. We feel so fortunate to be able to enjoy lots of new adventures and meet new friends as we travel.
Looks like so much fun. Thanks for all the insight too.
Thanks for checking out my blog–I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Wow what a great time! I would enjoy making coasters too and visiting Mount Rushmore is something I have always wanted to do as well. That one-lane tunnel did look exciting and somewhat scary. Thanks for sharing the amazing pictures and narrative of events.
Thanks Sandi. There were so many wonderful sights in South Dakota that I am sure we will go back again! Mount Rushmore was really amazing to see.
Thanks for sharing Robin! Have to admit…I’m a little green with envy! Would love to explore the Dakotas and the Black HIlls. Glad you two are having such an enjoyable experience! thanks, Nancy Hollway
Hi Nancy, Thanks for following along with us on our travels. We thought South Dakota and the Black Hills were so beautiful–it was our first visit and I think we will definitely want to visit again sometime!