1880 train ride was a fun experience riding from hill city, SD to Keystone, SD. It takes you back in time to what it felt like riding a steam locomotive and what it may have felt like riding to go mining for gold in the black hills. It's a wonderful experience for family, friends, couples or singles who want to experience a steam locomotive . If you have time for the ride and want to experience a relaxing peaceful ride on a train while in South Dakota hop aboard the 1880 train and get a history lesson. read more

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Giving it a 4 star rating.The announcements were difficult to hear over the PA system about the history of the area and railroad. Maybe, a family car for small children. Lots of crying. Couldn't hear the narrator. Otherwise, it was a scenic 2-hour ride. read more

We were going to the train museum but heard the train was leaving in a few minutes so we decided to ride. It was so cool!!! The ride was scenic, informative and very relaxing. Loved watching the engine refill with water and hearing the steam whistle blow. All the staff was pleasant and it was fun to talk with them. Learned a lot. Would go again. read more

I cannot recommend the 1880 Train's staff enough! We were on vacation in the Black Hills area of South Dakota in early September of 2025, and my wife broke her heel (on the 1st day of vacation, no less). We had reserved and prepaid for our tickets, as is recommended, for four adults in one of the end train cars, with a two hour layover planned in Keystone for lunch and sightseeing. This was well before my wife's accident. We arrived early for departure, not knowing what accommodations could be made to get her onto the train. Turns out, one of the cars is handicap accessible, and they were able to change our seats to that car, and our return train trip, so that my wife didn't have to hobble into Keystone on crutches and a boot. We were able to stay in the same car on the same train, with seats for the return trip just across the aisle (so we would get a different view on the way back). They went above and beyond to help us enjoy the trip and made my wife, who was in pain and feeling awful for "ruining" our vacation (she didn't) feel much better about the situation. Oh, and the countryside is gorgeous! We loved the train ride and the trivia shared on the journey. Would do this again in a heartbeat, but hopefully without any broken limbs! Thank you again, 1880 Train staff! You deserve a raise! read more

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The scenery was beautiful, we saw lots of deer. The staff in the gift shop and train were all so nice and full of information to share about the train and the area. I do wish we would have taken the first train out and last one back. Two hours was a lot to sit and see the same scenery. read more

1880 Train - Transportation Near Me - Hill City, South Dakota

Rode the train from Keystone to Hill City today, 9-19-25. Highly recommend. Was a relaxing trip, Mike the host friendly had answers to questions. Would recommend seat 2-3 seat back from the doors. We sat on the right side from Keystone to Hill City and the return trip say on the other. Seats were a little tighter for larger adults, but were not uncomfortable. read more

I've always wanted to ride on the 1880s train but never had due to the cost and there being so much to do in the area, so when a friend came to visit and wanted to try it, I was looking forward to the ride. This was worth every penny and we both loved it! The views were beautiful and we saw quite a few deer. We traded seat sides of the train going to and back as recommended, which I would highly recommend. My favorite of the two cars we rode in (Bluebird and Edward Gillette) was the Gillette car -- the windows aren't as expansive but I loved the stained glass element of the window upper. We also rode in the front of the train cars on the way there and as the caboose on the way back. Something we didn't do, but I would recommend, is taking an earlier ride out of either location and taking the last ride back so you make a full day of it. Hill City has more boutiques and artisan markets I personally like, but Keystone is more quaint and western with lots of tourist stops like taffy pulling, old west photos, etc. The folks working the train were extremely friendly and the female conductor was kind enough to take photos with kids and train enthusiasts of all ages. read more

1880 Train - Heading from Keystone to Hill City on the 3:45 PM train. - Transportation Near Me - Hill City, South Dakota

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We were in SD on a UTV trip with friends and decided to check out the train ride from Hill City to Keystone. We were told it was a very scenic route. Instead, a majority of our views were of peoples houses and yards (most of which were not eye pleasing) Unless you have kids who love to trains, don't waste your time and money. read more

We came here before went to Mt Rushmore! The tickets were $39 per person and it took about 2 hours round trip. When I visited the weather was regular then it was rainy and it was cold. Saw quite a few deers and love the view (though repetitive for 2 hours) from a legit train from the 1880s! It's a bit pricey and something that I would like to do once! read more

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horrible experience riding a train past mobile trailers and piles of dead bushes for 43 dollars and an opportunity to ripped off by photographers and candy hawkers. it was an inglorious waste of several hours riding in a smelly train car that was too slow and too stinky. do lot waste your time and money this rip off means nothing to the black hills or anything of historical significance no scenery or value read more

This is one of these attraction that you can partake in because you're enjoying a nice relaxing ride while also getting a history lesson about the places you're passing through. Too be honest, I thought the train ride would be more of a high speed, but it felt more like I'm driving behind of a vehicle that's driving way below the speed limit. The time you're on the train, they'll have a person pushing a trolley of snacks and popcorn for you to purchase. It was really nice to get some awesome pictures which is why the train was moving at a particular speed. read more

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This is a fun way to spend some time in Hill City! We love a good tourism train and this one didn't disappoint. You have to (or at least they strongly recommend it) choose your seats online. We chose the last car and stayed in that car on the ride back. I'm so glad we did, it was a car full of history and interesting tales. First, make sure to get to the train station on time. You'll need to use the restroom before the train leaves, because the train cars have no restrooms onboard. Once that is out of the way, go ahead and find your assigned seats. The seats are really cool (and authentic!) and the backs are able to be rearranged to face either direction the train is traveling. Its a bit confusing to explain here, but the workers on the train will happily show you. The train travels from Hill City to Keystone, both are small towns with shopping and little eateries to explore. We had already explored Keystone, so on that (short!) atop, we found the restroom and got back on the train. On the return trip, they had moved the engine to our end, so we were in the lead car, which is a cool experience. It was an enjoyable, educational journey and would recommend for anyone of any age. read more

As a family we have been visiting the Black Hills since I was a child. I've been on this train several times. When my husband suggested we skip it since we've done it and our youngest is now 16 I was appalled! It might only be a train ride through the scenery but it's still enjoyable for all ages. You can choose round trip or one way. I think next time we are going to stay in Hills City and look around instead of just going right back to Keystone. During the ride you get tidbits of information, nothing exhausting though. You are offered refreshments, cash only. And you get to wave at numerous people who step outside their shops or homes to wave or stop to take pictures and videos of the train passing by. Luckily your seats are assigned because this train does not have an empty seat. Toot Toot! This is a must if you are visiting the area! read more

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Really excited to ride the train this year because we had our 3 year-old grandson with us. We ordered our tickets online and they are non-refundable so make sure you're going to use them. Adult tickets are $32.00 rounds trip and $27.00 one way. Children (3-12)$16.00 one way and$14.00 one way 2 and under free. We rode the #110 steam locomotives that was built in 1928. Come early and you can visit the gift shop and you can buy or pick up your tickets here. There is also a train museum here too. You can watch them put water in the steam engine. They offer special occasion trips like Mother's Day in May And a Wine Express in September it sounds like a good time also in September Oktoberfest express and the holiday express in December. The train ride is from Hill city to Keystone it's a two hour and 20 minute ride round-trip. When you reach Keystone the conductor some how gets the train turned around so it going the other way. I've never watched because it's only 15 minutes stop and you have to go to the restroom or go in the train station to shop one get a drink. They don't sell food or drink on the train. On the way back you pull on the back of your seat and it flips so your not ridding backwards. When my daughter ordered the seats she picked the very back it was nice,it was quiet. So she just picked the same seats on the way back well now the back is the front and the front is very loud because we're right behind the engine. Needless to say we got to hear the train whistle blow over 10 times coming back crossing every streets that it goes over. Just before we got back they released the steam and we got to see that and hear that too but it was fun just before we got back they released the steam and we got to see that and hear that too but it was fun. While you are on the train they tell you about the area and the settlers that lived and worked there. For those who don't want the train ride you can drive your car and meet them in Keystone. You can take the highway or there is a road called Old Hill City Road that runs behind the Holiday Inn that winds around over the railroad tracks and you can wave at all your friends that are on the train and get the Keystone before they do. This is A fun experience for everyone,so put this on your bucket list while you're in the Black Hills. read more

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Took my son on the train ride roughly 15 years ago. Recently went back to the Mount Rushmore area with my grandson. As both my son and I enjoyed the ride I decided to take my grandson. Was not disappointed now we all have a train ride story to share read more

If you're looking for a fun way to get out of the car and enjoy the scenery of South Dakota this is a good option. We took the first train of the day and stayed in town a while. The trip took about an hour one way and was educational and fun. We loved learning more about the train and it's history. The staff was friendly and very welcoming. We had a great group. I will return. read more

We had a wonderful trip from Hill City to Keystone and back yesterday. I'm a Steam Train enthusiast. Having riden several all over the works, the 1880 Train is in my top 5. read more

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Nice relaxing narrated steam engine train ride in the black hills. Allow 3 hrs from check in to return. Hill City to Keystone round trip $70 There's an interesting train museum ($5) pp. All along I was wishing I had an 8 year old boy along who would appreciate the ride. read more

This is a great venue and especially for photographers who enjoy taking images of historically accurate steam trains and rolling stock. We were just in town for the evening so unable to ride the train but very much wanted to. The staff there was very gracious and accommodating, letting us roam the grounds taking pictures .... especially since we weren't even paying customers. We love these old steam train spots and have ridden on a great many of them. The train crews and staff are almost always fantastic. This place was no exception. Very much appreciated! read more

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I love riding trains especially old classic trains. On this visit I only walked around the facilities to look at the station and check out the parked train cars they had on display. It's well worth a visit for any train enthusiast. read more

1880 Train - Chugging along 2020 - Transportation Near Me - Hill City, South Dakota

I have to think that when people regularly rode trains 100 or more years ago, they probably didn't think much of it. Men in top hats and women in dresses needed to go somewhere, and this was a means to that end. Today the experience is so unusual that you want everything to be "perfect" when you do. The locomotive engine needs to be solid black, have a number painted on it, belch large flumes of steam, whistle really loud and otherwise make chugga-chugga-choo-choo noises. This one has all of that and before it lays a scenic, winding, climbing, track through the hills, rocks and fields, not mention all of the locals who greet the train with a friendly wave as it passes. Even the deer seemed to enjoy the opportunity to show off around the train, one of which raced the train and leaped across the tracks. Not simply perfect, it was unforgettable experience. read more

We completely enjoyed the 9am round trip train ride from Hill City to Keystone. We chose an open air car and the weather was fabulous. Fresh mountain air. We drove on the adjacent Old Hill City Road after and it was a very relaxing drive to Keystone. read more

1880 Train - Transportation Near Me - Hill City, South Dakota

My wife and I were in Hill City near Mt. Rushmore and we were looking to kill a few hours. I had read about this train that goes down to Keystone, about an hour train ride. It was about $30 a ticket, but I found it to be a relaxing ride through the beautiful mountains. You could actually get a beer at the Hill City station and bring it on board, so I got a local South Dakota Beer. I would recommend it, it is a train with cars from the 1880's. They are comfortable though. It went right by our resort in Keystone as well. read more

Well worth the money - just do it! We sat in the last seats on the train from Hill City to Keystone, which made them the first seats on the train on the way back. This is a real steam railroad, not one of the ones that barely leaves sight of where it started. As an (electrical) engineer, I am always impressed that railroads like this can keep their older-than-antique engines operating day in and day out. Special shout out to Cesar, an employee who was fun to talk to. He has the same love of old machines that I do. read more

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This was great. I'm not sure how there were so many negative reviews but maybe it was from a different ownership group or something. Being able to ride on a period specific steam train complete with refurbished original passenger cars in some of the most beautiful landscape this country has to offer is worth the small ticket fee. The total round trip is about two hours. We started at Keystone depot and stopped at Hill City Depot. We spent the afternoon in Hill City and took the return trip back to Keystone. We had multiple kids with us and they loved it ! read more

1880 Train - Transportation Near Me - Hill City, South Dakota

Ride an 1880 steam engine train roundtrip through the Black Hills from Hill City to Keystone? Why not? Our toddlers had fun on this slow-moving old timer. The only thing they hated was not being able to move around as we did a few days before on the train in Leadville, CO. Sure, it can be repetitive scenery. Monotonous especially with basically the same narration both directions. But you can sit anywhere you please. We sat towards the middle on the way to Keystone. It was alright. But I enjoyed our ride going back more as we sat right behind the engine. Windows can be opened or closed at your will. The break at Keystone is super short. 15 minutes. Barely enough time to use the restroom and get the seat you want. Service dogs only are allowed at no additional charge. Kids 2 and under are free. Kids 3-12 years of age are $14 roundtrip. Adults are $29 roundtrip. Parking at the Hill City depot is free. The gift shop had some really interesting books for purchase. Also, their kid train whistle are legit, but a little pricey at $9.95 each. We have yet to try the "Red Ass Rhubarb Wine" ($21.50 & made in the Black Hills), but I hope it will be good since it came highly recommended. TIP - if you're worried about being bored, bring an interesting conversationalist with you and some wine or beer! Snacks are also allowed on board. 2017 Yelp Challenge #108 read more

1880 Train - 9/5/17 - Transportation Near Me - Hill City, South Dakota

I had a fantastic time on this trip!!! I love being out in nature, and this was a nice, leisurely ride in both directions. The weather was perfect. There were deer everywhere. The conductors were very personable and friendly and knowledgeable about the area and the landmarks. Betty, one of the conductors, took the time to stop and chat with me about where I was from and what I was doing while in the area. I had already been to Mount Rushmore earlier in the day, but she recommended I go back for the night ceremony which is what I did after the ride was over. This attraction is well worth the price of admission in my opinion, and it is a very relaxing way to spend a couple hours of your time when visiting the area. read more

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This little train ride is the most scenic we have been on, and there have been a few. The elder lady narrator on the ride from Hill City to Keystone was fabulous with local lore, geology, nature and all kind of tidbits. We saw quite a few deer and turkeys. If you have young kids, this is not for them. Sitting still for an hour isn't in their act. The ones near us were not even interested in seeing the wild nature we passed. Look for the FREE parking in Keystone if you depart from there. We screwed up and paid for parking in Keynote. Its $5.00, and none of the nearby stores would break a $20!! The Hill City depot has plenty of free parking. read more

For anybody that grew up around trains, or enjoy seeing old "Iron Horses" still being put to work, this is an awesome stop. We took the opportunity to kill a few hours and take a break from running all over the Black Hills! Coming from a tourist railroad community, it was very much the typical experience you'd expect, long line to pick up tickets and running a few minutes behind.. but, the views were uncomparable. Seats are assigned, and once things get moving, the breeze does a decent job at cooling you off. It may not be an annual stop for us, but it's worth a visit. Would love to see more history added to the narrative of the ride. read more

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If you are in the area don't miss this train. It is a wonderful train ride that doesn't take all day. It's very affordable. The staff is great and the train is amazing. read more

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We had a great experience on the 1880 Train. We appreciated hearing about the landscape along the way to Hill City and back to Keystone. We excited about checking out some of their special events in the future. We thought they offered a nice variety of arrival and departure times. we'll definitely do again. read more

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This is a fun, but pricey excursion. The cost for my fiancee and I was just under $100. The first stage of the trip is narrated by one of the conductors or a recorded voice. Unfortunately, the return trip is largely a repeat of the first, so you're hearing the same spiel again. My biggest gripe is the older lady at the register in the Keystone terminal. Their train schedule isn't the easiest to understand, and more than one person was having trouble interpreting it. I asked her to clarify much time we would have in Hill City before the train returned. I was trying to find out if you had to take a specific train back or if you can just hop on any train returning to Keystone. The lady at the ticket counter literally scowled at me without even bothering to respond. I was pretty put off by her attitude and decided against buying several souveniers as a result. Just know that it seems to be a pretty typical attitude of many locals. They want your money but have no real interest in helping tourists. The conductors on the train were much more helpful and answered my question about the train's timetable almost immediately. FYI...you must depart and return on the train at specific times which are printed on your ticket. We only had 2-3 hours to spend in Hill City which is little more than a tourist trap with restaurants, bars and t-shirt shop. Both the fiancee and I napped most of the return trip because we had heard it before on the outbound trip. All in all, it was a fun and entertaining excursion. But neither my fiancee nor I would do it again. read more

This is the food stop in Hill-City. The menus was rather small and they ran out of hotdogs l. The outdoor seating was nice and clean. This was the best choice for lunch because of time. You have to eat what and where you can read more

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Great experience. Very friendly staff. Wonderful for kids. The staff was incredibly attentive. The views from the train were great as expected. Be careful if you buy a round trip ticket. The turn around is 15 minutes and you can easily miss the trip back if you're not careful. read more

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This train is fun for all ages! I'm about to turn 25 and got excited every time we spotted deer in the Black Hills (which happened at least a dozen times). It's a nice ride, not too bumpy, but it does take about an hour one-way. We took the 9:00am out of Hill City, checked out the shops and restaurants in Keystone, and returned on the 12:30pm train. It was just the right amount of time to hang out in Keystone and not have to worry about driving or parking. You do not need to ride with a child for the train to be fun! It's narrated by both a recording and live host, and you'll learn about some history of the area and old cabins/fields that you pass along the way. There are two types of train cars: one is an open air car with wooden seats, and the other is an enclosed car with upholstered seats and windows that can be opened/closed. Someone will go around the train car selling refreshments and popcorn. But outside food IS allowed if you prefer to bring your own. If you're planning ahead, there is a way to reserve your seats in advance! This IS recommended. We did not reserve seats and the 9:00am train was almost sold out when we purchased our tickets at 8:15am on the day of. read more

1880 Train - Transportation Near Me - Hill City, South Dakota

This is a must do if you're staying in Keystone for a few days. After all, you won't be seeing Mt Rushmore or Crazy Horse every day. Take the Round Trip ticket from Keystone to Hill City and back. It's nice because it's reserved seating, relaxing and great narration by the friendly staff of the train. read more

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We took the round trip from Hill City to Keystone and back. My only complaint would be the timeframe in between return trips: either immediately or 3 hours. But I can't really complain because logistically there is only one set of tracks and that is just how much time it takes to travel between the cities so there's nothing they can do about that (it would be like complaining that the old train had no air conditioning!). Very scenic and entertaining- definitely worth the money. read more

While this doesn't compare to the Durango-Silverton for scenery, it's still a decent little train trip for the money. You have to love the sight and sound of an old steam locomotive! The trip takes an hour from Hill City to Keystone. Very reasonably priced too. read more

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We took this train on a round trip to experience what it must have been like to ride a train 100 years ago. Although it took only a couple of hours and it was a very short time compared to what a trip would've been like back then, it was still wonderful trip that went by very quickly. I highly recommend it for everyone. If someone can meet you at the end of the one way trip, I would suggest that. read more

the train tickets are very expensive and even the grand canyon railroad is cheaper and its a two hour excursion each way but the 1880 train one hour each way and its very expensive and the blow the whistle like 20 times and the only thing I like about this excursion is climbing the hill but you basically go through people's backyards. read more