All aboard! The 1880 Train in the beautiful black hills of South Dakota is a popular and iconic attraction that sells out during the peak season of summer. After taking my own trip, it wasn’t hard to see why.
The 1880 Train is an authentically restored steam engine train, transporting you back in time as you travel from the charming town of Hill City, South Dakota, to the old mining town of Keystone, home of Mount Rushmore. This is the oldest continuously operating tour railroad in the nation and operates five steam engines, two diesel engines, and multiple passenger cars all beautifully restored to carry you throughout the hills.
Visiting the Black Hills and need a game plan? Check out our itinerary.
If you’re unsure if you should book a trip, keep reading and I’ll tell you about my experience to help you decide.
There is so much to see along the ride and every trip will be uniquely different. Seasonally the landscape will vary, but no matter the season you can be sure it will look stunning.
You may have the treat of viewing some wildlife such as turkeys, deer, woodchucks, rabbits, and birds. The host pointed out an osprey nest as we left the Hill City station and encouraged us to yell out any animals we saw along the journey for all to witness.
There are homes peppered throughout the route, as well as some historical buildings, and old mining camps. It is said that the owner of the Black Hills Glass Blowers never misses an opportunity to come out and wave to the train. We were not disappointed.
I can’t mention enough how beautiful the Black Hills are. From the get-go, every inch of the journey was visually pleasing and the views of the rock formations and meadows were my favorite.
You can even catch a glimpse of Black Elk Peak which is the highest point between the Rockies and the Alps. If you are an adventurer and time allows, I would suggest hiking up to it for incredible views of South Dakota. On a clear day, it is said that you can see 5 states. You can read about how to do the hike in our article How to Do the Confusing Black Elk Peak Hike in Custer, South Dakota.
Going only 10 miles per hour, the 10-mile ride from Hill City takes roughly 55 minutes and the ride from Keystone takes about an hour. The reason is that the ride back has more uphill sections.
Yes, the train has derailed only a handful of times in the many years of operation but as mentioned above, going only 10 miles per hour means this is more of an inconvenience than a major event.
Prices are approximately $39 for adults and $19 for children ages 2-12. This doesn’t include a ~$4 preservation fee or tax. They even offer special events throughout the year for an additional fee. Check their website for more information and exact pricing.
There is also a guidebook available for purchase called “All Aboard The 1880 Train” which is useful to read on the journey as it points out many of the sites you will see with a little bit of history. It also details much of the history of the train.
I think so! This train is an adventure and a piece of history all in one. I felt like a little kid as I pulled up into the parking lot and witnessed the steam billowing out of the engine as they prepared for departure.
The train whistle is a magical sound that will resonate with you. It brought forth a sense of nostalgia for a time period long gone. The host we had was a hoot and she had been riding the train for 23 years sharing her knowledge of the route along the Black Hills.
Be sure to pay attention to all of the details while on the train. The lighting fixtures, windows, and adjustable seats were captivating and my pictures just couldn’t do them justice.
You can book tickets online at the 1880 train website. This way you can choose exactly where you want to sit but make sure if you book a round trip ticket that you sit on the opposite side on the way back to see everything.
You can walk into either station and purchase tickets but note that availability may be limited on short notice.
If you’re like me and like to talk to a person, you can call 605-574-2222 and have them book your tickets for you. They will also book you on the opposite side of the train for the ride back.
The best time to book tickets is AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! In the summertime, the busiest days are midweek and they do book up fast and sell out on the earlier rides.
When school is back in session, the weekends begin filling up fast and the midweek rides are easier to book, but keep in mind the train makes fewer trips this time of year.
The first trip out of each depot is typically the most popular and will sell out. The last trips of the day are underrated because they can be cooler in temperature on the hot summer days and less crowded.
Don’t hesitate to grab a final trip out!
No, the train is not air-conditioned but has many windows for the air to flow. You can open and close them as you please.
If the day is going to be a warm one then I would opt for the earliest or latest trip times.
Yes, you may take food and drinks on the train that are bought on the property. Both depots have snacks and some fresh-made food options for purchase. The gift shop had some nostalgic candy I hadn’t seen since I was a kid.
Hill City’s High Liner Eatery is located next to The 1880 Train (and run by the same company). It’s an excellent restaurant inside a World War II-era heavyweight hospital car and is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Adults can purchase a glass of wine to enjoy on the train. Check out the “hobo meal” for the kids. Cleverly wrapped in a red bandana it includes a sandwich, a fruit cup, a small snack, and a drink for a reasonable price.
No bathrooms are on the train but both stations have very clean and sanitary bathrooms.
Only certified service animals are allowed on the train.
Yes, the train can accompany wheelchairs, however, a reservation is required to ensure availability.
The train runs from mid-May to mid-October for the summer season 7 days a week. Some additional run dates will happen off-season for “special events.”
Come get pampered and receive a special gift including a custom 1880 train champagne flute, a single-serve bottle of orange juice, champagne, a sweet treat, and bottled water.
Every Sunday at 5 starting in June the train gets “held up” midway to Keystone. A fun and entertaining shootout takes place as cowboys board your train.
Get your tickets early before it sells out. The best seats are in the center of the train so don’t wait to book! Make sure you’re on the Hill City departure to participate in this event.
Only one day each September does the 1880 Train offer a relaxing fall trip where you can sip local South Dakota wine and have it paired with delicious food. As expected this does book up fast, so get your tickets as soon as possible.
For a unique adventure join the German-inspired event and taste some food, drink some seasonal beer, and listen to live polka music. Invite some family and friends and get your seats together now. Definitely, something you won’t forget!
Can you get more magical than a train to the North Pole? This trip is only an hour long but features Santa Claus at the North Pole where he will board the train and visit with each child.
Everyone will enjoy comforting hot cocoa and a sugar cookie while listening to a special story along the way. Each child will be gifted a bell from Santa!
First-class seating is also available with very limited availability. All of these events fill up and sell out fast. Don’t wait to reserve your tickets.
Downloadable Quick Start Trip Planner included!
The Hill City Depot has its own parking lot and it is free.
Keystone does have a free lot within walking distance but it has a 3-hour limit. For $5 you can park at the Borglum Story Museum all day.
The Hill City depot has two available parking spots for electric vehicles. You can charge for free if you purchase a train ticket.
Give yourself time to explore whichever city you take your trip to. Get off the train and have lunch, grab an ice cream or some homemade fudge, and browse the novelty shops.
Find out: The Best Places To Eat In Each City Of The Black Hills and Where To Eat IN And AROUND Mount Rushmore.
Home to Mount Rushmore, Keystone has its own old-west charm that will match the vibe you felt on the train. You can grab a legit sasparilla on the wooden sidewalk or eat at Ruby House Restaurant as you’re surrounded by memorabilia from the early 1900s.
If you have kids or are a kid at heart you can do some adventures such as zip lining, riding an alpine slide, or playing a round of miniature golf. Check out 15 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Keystone, South Dakota for more.
This small town holds so much charm and is close to my heart. I never tire of walking up and down the street taking in the beauty and nature, or stopping by Dahls Chainsaw Art for a picture with the world’s largest Big Foot.
Hill City has a charm of its own and has one of my all-time favorite restaurants in the entire Black Hills: the Alpine Inn. This historic landmark was built in 1886 and features house-made German Cuisine. Get a more in-depth look at the Alpine Inn in my article A Gem in Hill City, South Dakota; Alpine Inn.
This is something you can’t miss. The train has even adjusted its schedule to make sure you can make it in time for lunch OR dinner. Of course, if you do miss the mealtime window there are plenty of places to eat in town.
There are many places to shop and even a dinosaur museum all within walking distance from the depot.
Before you jump back on the train or get in your car, consider checking out The South Dakota State Railroad Museum. It’s on the property of the Hill City Depot but is a nonprofit organization. They offer a $2 discount with a train ticket.
It’s a small but wonderful museum with lots of exhibits, memorabilia, and replicas. The staff was so friendly and genuinely concerned that we had all our questions answered. Read our article 13 Awesome Things to Do in Hill City, South Dakota for more ideas.
Check out: The Best Campgrounds When Visiting Mount Rushmore.
Here are a few drawbacks to consider.
The price is a little steep if you have a large family or are on a budget. You could save a little money by only riding the train one way, but you’d have to have someone in your party shuttle you back.
This will take a good chunk of time out of your itinerary if you are trying to see and do a lot of things in the Black Hills and there are a lot of things to do. You can save time by only riding one way or booking the soonest return trip.
Find 15 Unforgettable Things To Do In Rapid City, South Dakota; another great city nearby.
This could be a problem if you have children who get bored easily or have a hard time sitting still for a long time as you cannot get up and walk while the train is in motion.
If it happens to be a really warm or cold day then it could get uncomfortable so make sure to watch the weather and dress accordingly. Bring a blanket in the winter and get cozy!
I had an extremely pleasant trip and would definitely recommend it and do it again! I had the opportunity to get an in-depth tour of the Hill City Depot and learned so much about how they purchase and restore these old trains, and work on them on-site year-round to keep them going!
The staff and crew of the entire facility were knowledgeable and very happy to serve and answer all questions. If you have little ones or are train enthusiasts, you can say hello to the engineer and buy a train-inspired souvenir in the gift shop!
Yes! Planning a vacation shouldn’t be stressful. We created a step-by-step itinerary so you can visit the best places at the right times.
Not only that, but we’ll tell you about the park while you drive with our audio guide! Stop planning and start having the vacation of your dreams now!
BLACK HILLS TRIP PLANNER: To read or watch all of our content about the Black Hills, check out our Black Hills Homepage
AREAS: The Black Hills is home to some amazing national parks and monuments: Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave and Jewel Cave National Parks, Badlands, and Crazy Horse. Plus, the amazing Custer State Park
THINGS TO DO: There is much more to do than hike and look at Mt. Rushmore. Explore the 1880 train, Reptile Gardens, slip down a natural waterslide, or go on a scenic drive
GREAT CITIES TO STAY OR CHECK OUT: Explore some amazing mountain towns including Deadwood, Keystone, Hill City, and Rapid City
GET QUIRKY: Want something REALLY different? Check out Devil’s Tower and Wall Drug
WHERE TO EAT: Check out the best places to eat in and around Mt. Rushmore plus where to eat in each city
WATCH: Enjoy videos of the amazing Black Hills while learning our best tips for visiting by watching our Black Hills YouTube Playlist
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