1880 Train
Ride a historic steam train through the scenic Black Hills, connecting Keystone and Hill City. A nostalgic journey for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, best views
1880 Train
Best Time
Pleasant weather, best views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic steam train through the scenic Black Hills, connecting Keystone and Hill City. A nostalgic journey for all ages.
"A fun attraction in the Black Hills that is a blast from the past!"
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Popular attraction, book online in advance to secure seats and avoid disappointment. :admission_tickets:
💺 Choose Your Seat Wisely
For best views, consider one-way from Keystone to Hill City. Sit opposite sides on return trip. :seat:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Steam Train Ride
Black Hills, South Dakota
Experience a nostalgic journey on a vintage steam locomotive, chugging through the scenic Black Hills.
Scenic Black Hills Views
Route between Keystone and Hill City
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, forests, and unique rock formations from the comfort of the train.
Informative & Engaging Staff
Onboard the train
Learn fascinating stories and historical tidbits from friendly and knowledgeable tour guides and staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Consider Your Route and Scenery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Popular attraction, book online in advance to secure seats and avoid disappointment. :admission_tickets:
💺 Choose Your Seat Wisely
For best views, consider one-way from Keystone to Hill City. Sit opposite sides on return trip. :seat:
🥤 Snacks & Souvenirs
Popcorn and drinks available onboard. Gift shops at both ends for merchandise. :popcorn:
📸 Capture the Steam
If riding one-way Keystone to Hill City, watch for the impressive steam release upon arrival. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Popular attraction, book online in advance to secure seats and avoid disappointment. :admission_tickets:
💺 Choose Your Seat Wisely
For best views, consider one-way from Keystone to Hill City. Sit opposite sides on return trip. :seat:
🥤 Snacks & Souvenirs
Popcorn and drinks available onboard. Gift shops at both ends for merchandise. :popcorn:
📸 Capture the Steam
If riding one-way Keystone to Hill City, watch for the impressive steam release upon arrival. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore Both Towns
The train connects Keystone and Hill City, both charming towns worth exploring before or after your ride. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the 1880 Train for its scenic beauty and the nostalgic experience of riding a historic steam locomotive. The friendly and informative staff are frequently highlighted as a major positive. While some wish for more detailed historical context, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a must-do in the Black Hills.
"This was a neat ride from point A (Keystone) to point B (Hills City). We did a one-way trip, but I believe you can also have a round trip. I have been to plemty of historic railroads. I did like this one, but I did feel the history could have been explained in more detail, but I realize it is hard to fit that in. The scenery is beautiful, though we went in the fog, so we missed a bit here and there. If you like train rides, this is a nice hour long ride. It's not exactly my thing for that long, but the ride filled its purpose, so I feel it deserves 5 stars. They sell popcorn and drinks on the cars, which makes the journey better, and there are gift shops on both ends with merchandise. The train was very popular and crowded, so I suggest buying tickets early so you won't have to wait too long. There are assigned seats on the tickets."
Adam Phelps
"Wonderful ride, such a beautiful landscape! We did the round trip and there was a big difference between the tour guides, I learned a lot more from the tour guide on the return trip that took us from Hill City back to Keystone. We took the Orville car and the seats were comfortable and windows were easy to open and enjoy the fresh air. I suggest sitting on the opposite side of the train on the ride back so you can see both sides of the train."
Jeni Crabtree
"Great Experience for all ages. Spent the afternoon in Keystone and loved all the views and the workers, all very friendly! This is our second time. Our first time was in 2018! If you're staying in Hill City or Keystone you have to do it!"
Brittany Munoz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The 1880 Train operates between Keystone and Hill City in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Both towns have depots where you can board. If driving, parking is available at both locations. Many visitors staying in these towns find it a convenient attraction to walk to.
Yes, there is parking available at both the Keystone and Hill City depots. It's advisable to arrive a little early, especially during peak season, to ensure you find a spot easily.
Public transportation options directly to the 1880 Train depots are limited in the Black Hills. It's generally recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange for local shuttle services if you are not staying within walking distance of Keystone or Hill City.
The train ride itself is approximately one hour in duration for a one-way trip. This allows for a relaxed journey through the scenic landscape.
Absolutely! Both Keystone and Hill City are charming towns with their own attractions. Keystone is near Mount Rushmore, and Hill City offers shops and galleries. The train ride itself is a fantastic way to connect these two points of interest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary based on age and whether you choose a one-way or round-trip journey. It's best to check the official 1880 Train website for the most current pricing information. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Tickets can be purchased online through the official 1880 Train website, which is the most convenient method. You can also purchase them in person at the ticket windows at either the Keystone or Hill City depots, but availability is not guaranteed.
Yes, it is strongly advised to book your tickets in advance, especially during the busy summer months and holidays. This ensures you get your preferred date and time and guarantees your seat.
The operating schedule for the 1880 Train varies seasonally. It's crucial to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours and departure times for the specific dates you plan to visit.
The 1880 Train typically offers assigned seating. Some reviews mention specific cars like the 'Orville car' with comfortable seats and windows that can be opened for fresh air.
🎫 🧳 Onsite Experience
The 1880 Train offers a scenic, hour-long journey through the beautiful Black Hills. It's a relaxing and educational experience, with informative commentary from the staff. Many find it a delightful step back in time.
You'll experience picturesque views of rolling hills, dense forests, and unique geological formations of the Black Hills. The scenery is a major highlight for most passengers.
Yes, the 1880 Train is a family-friendly attraction. Children often enjoy the novelty of a steam train, and the short duration makes it manageable for younger attention spans.
The 1880 Train typically operates as a one-way or round-trip service between Keystone and Hill City. If you purchase a one-way ticket, you can explore the destination town and then potentially take a return trip or arrange other transportation.
Onboard, you can purchase popcorn and drinks. There are also gift shops at both the Keystone and Hill City stations selling train-related merchandise.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire ride offers photo opportunities! Consider sitting by a window for clear shots. If riding one-way from Keystone to Hill City, the arrival in Hill City with the steam release is a classic photo moment.
Yes, absolutely! Passengers are encouraged to take photos. Some cars have windows that can be opened, allowing for unobstructed shots and fresh air.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the landscape. If you're interested in the steam effect, the arrival in Hill City is a prime time. Check the schedule to align your trip with these moments.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. If you're keen on capturing details or low-light shots, a camera with good zoom capabilities or a wider aperture lens might be beneficial.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography. Professional or commercial photography might require special arrangements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Book tickets well in advance, especially during school holidays. Consider bringing small snacks or drinks, though they are available for purchase. The train connects Keystone and Hill City, so you can easily combine the ride with exploring these towns, which often have kid-friendly activities or ice cream shops.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips: Aim for a one-way trip from Keystone to Hill City to capture the dramatic steam release upon arrival. If doing a round trip, switch sides of the train to get varied compositions. Morning light often yields softer, more flattering illumination for both the train and the scenery. Be prepared for potential crowds, and consider a camera with good low-light capabilities or a zoom lens to capture details from your seat.
🕰️ History Buffs & Nostalgia Seekers
While some reviewers wished for more in-depth historical explanations, the overall sentiment is that the train provides a tangible connection to history. The journey itself, chugging through the landscape, evokes a sense of nostalgia and adventure that was characteristic of early train travel. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the engineering marvels of the past and the role they played in shaping communities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 1880 Train Experience: A Journey Through Time
Passengers can choose between a one-way or round-trip ticket. Many reviewers suggest that a one-way trip from Keystone to Hill City offers a particularly memorable experience, especially witnessing the impressive steam release as the train arrives in Hill City. For those opting for a round trip, sitting on opposite sides of the train for each leg of the journey is recommended to maximize the viewing of the diverse Black Hills landscape. The comfortable seating and the ability to open windows in some cars enhance the immersive experience, allowing passengers to truly feel the breeze and smell the pine-scented air.
Beyond the train ride itself, the 1880 Train serves as a delightful connector between two historic Black Hills towns. Both Keystone and Hill City offer their own unique attractions, shops, and dining options, making the train ride a perfect addition to a day of exploration. Whether you're a history buff, a train enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique family-friendly activity, the 1880 Train promises a memorable adventure.
Maximizing Your 1880 Train Visit: Tips from Travelers
When it comes to enjoying the scenery, strategic seating and route selection can significantly enhance your experience. As mentioned, a one-way trip from Keystone to Hill City is often highlighted for its dramatic arrival. For round trips, switching sides of the train for the return journey allows you to see different perspectives of the Black Hills. Some passengers also noted a difference in the quality of commentary between tour guides, so paying attention to the guide on your specific trip is key to absorbing the historical context.
Don't forget to take advantage of the onboard amenities and the surrounding towns. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, and gift shops at both stations offer souvenirs. After your ride, take time to explore Keystone, known for its proximity to Mount Rushmore, or Hill City, with its art galleries and shops. This combination of a historic train ride and town exploration makes for a well-rounded Black Hills experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit