The Black Hills Central Railroad 1880 Train offers scenic rides in the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills. The steam-powered trip between Hill City and Keystone, S.D., features steep grades and sharp curves, as well as beautiful vistas of Black Elk Peak, the highest point in North America east of the Rocky Mountains.
Choices
The railroad offers a 2-hour, 20-mile round trip ride through the historic, rugged landscape of South Dakota on a route once used by miners and prospectors. The train is pulled by a steam locomotive during the summer months, while diesel power is used during the Holiday Express (a shorter, 1-hour round trip) during November and December. The train includes both enclosed wooden coaches and roofed open-sided excursion cars. Enclosed cars have padded seats, while open-sided cars have wooden seating.
When to go
Rides are offered from mid-May through October, with morning and afternoon departures from both Hill City and Keystone (note that some afternoon Keystone departures are one-way, with a return by shuttle). The wintertime Holiday Train, which makes a 10-mile round trip to the ghost town of Oblivion, includes both family, first class, and 21+ only cars.
Good to know
Keystone, home to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, has numerous restaurants, attractions, and shops. For a more laid-back experience, consider staying in one of Hill City’s quiet motels or campgrounds.
Worth doing
The Black Hills area is filled with must-see attractions. Within a short drive from Hill City or Keystone, you can experience the rugged beauty of the Badlands, explore Devils Tower National Monument, Wyo., and visit the old mining towns of Deadwood and Lead. The South Dakota State Railroad Museum is right next to the Black Hills Central’s depot in Hill City.
Don’t miss
The Black Hills Central Railroad 1880 Train operates a pair of Mallet-type steam locomotives. Built for logging service in the 1920s, they are perfect for the steep 5% grades between Hill City and Keystone.
Getting there
Traveling east or west, Interstate 90 gets you there. To reach Keystone from Rapid City, take Highway 16 to Highway 244. To reach Hill City from Deadwood, take Highway 385.
Location: 222 Railroad Avenue, Hill City; and 103 Winter Street, Keystone
Phone: 605-574-2222
Website: 1880train.com
E-mail: office@1880train.com
See Brian Solomon’s column on Black Hills Central.
