1880 Train
See the Black Hills of South Dakota by rail! Experience a historic, scenic, relaxing, vintage steam train ride your family will never forget. Enjoy a two hour round trip ride through the scenic Black Hills. Hear the bellow of the engine and the whine of the whistle as it winds its way through the hills between Hill City and Keystone… and back again. The 1880 Train can accommodate 2 wheelchairs per ride. Only Service dogs are allowed on the train.
The central Black Hills is abundant with forests, meadows and wooded canyons. Much of the train route follows Battle Creek, home to gold prospectors before and during the turn of the century. The train passes throughout National Forest Service land on its way from station to station, and passengers can also see the remnants of old mines and mining operations. Some of these mining claims have been turned into residential land, and some houses are visible from the train. County Road 323, along with a few private drives, crosses the train tracks several times, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy the sound of a steam whistle.
The train ride is narrated by a host, and a speaker system allows each car to hear their narration, which includes information about the train, the Black Hills and also points of interest along the route. A guide book is for sale at either depot as well as onboard the train. This guide book tells the history of the 1880 Train, includes technical information about the equipment and has a section in which you can follow along with the train ride.
Our Hill City depot has free parking. In Keystone, a city parking lot is available close by. It has a three-hour limit. The Borglum Story in Keystone also allows visitors to park in their lot all day for a fee of $5. We recommend Keystone passengers park at the Borglum Story.
Train Season: May 11th thru October 13th. Ask about our Special Events!
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