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1880 Train, Hill City, SD

Photo: Drew Jacksich from San Jose, California Republic, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

ToursIconicFamily FavoriteHistory Buff

1880 Train

222 Railroad Ave · Hill City, SD

Why you should go…

The 1880 Train, operated by the Black Hills Central Railroad, is a two-hour narrated excursion between Hill City and Keystone, South Dakota. It runs on the former Keystone Branch of the Burlington Northern Railroad through Black Hills National Forest, following Battle Creek past old mining sites. It is billed as the oldest continuously operating standard gauge tour railroad in the country, running steam and diesel locomotives. The line and its brochures are currently owned and operated by World Choice Investments.

  • #history
  • #family
  • #views
  • #train tour
  • #black hills

Good to know

General tours guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Confirm the meeting point

    It is often a corner, a lobby, or a dock rather than the address you searched for. Check it the night before.

  • Small groups fill first

    In high season the intimate departures sell out well before the big-bus options do.

  • Ask how much is on foot

    Knowing how much of the route is walking, standing, or outdoors tells you what to wear and carry.

  • Read the weather policy

    Cancellation windows and rain rules vary by operator, and they are easier to find before you pay than after.

What's around here?

The closest stops to 1880 Train, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Museum at Black Hills Institute

    Under $25

    Fossil and dinosaur museum in the Black Hills with real T. rex skulls and mineral displays.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Stay
    Family Favorite

    Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch

    $50+

    A KOA campground and lodge near Mount Rushmore with cabins, RV sites, pools and Black Hills activities.

    2.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Black Elk Peak

    $25–$50

    Climb to South Dakota's highest summit, topped by a 1930s stone fire tower with views across the Black Hills.

    5.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Black Hills Aerial Adventures

    $50+

    Take a helicopter tour over the Black Hills for aerial views of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park.

    6.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Black Hills Helicopters

    $50+

    Veteran-owned helicopter sightseeing tours over Mount Rushmore, Black Elk Peak, and the Black Hills.

    7.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    History Buff

    Keystone Historical Walking Tour

    Free

    A free self-guided walking tour through historic sites in downtown Keystone.

    8.0 mi awayMore like this