1880 Train - Keystone Depot

A Johnson

2023-06

…More

T Gomez

2023-07

It was a very unique experience. I missed an opportunity in Virginia city,Nevada. I believe that train was still coal burning. The 1880 train has been converted to burn used motor oil and it is a little smelly for me. Now i was right behind the steam engine. Which in it self a thrilling experience. If you can afford to take the kids. It would be great experience for you and the kids. There are some telegraph poles still standing from the 1800s.

R B

2023-12

If you haven't taken this ride, you should. It's a peaceful journey to and fromThe 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.

Marcus Corbin

2023-06

Had a great experience riding the 1880 train from Keystone to Hill City (and back). Lots of great views with all the black hills trees and rock formations. You get to see many different cabins, views, and lots of people kindly waving at the train! It does go pretty slow the entire way so don't expect a super fast trip. However, enjoy it and take in all the scenery!

Nicole Sipula

2023-07

Really enjoyed ourselves! We are on a roadtrip and planned this as one of our adventures while in town. Took the 1880 train from Keystone to Hill City and back. Rode on two different train cars to get the experience. Open car had wooden bench seats, closed car with windows that could open had cushion bench seats. Beautiful day with beautiful views! Saw deer and other wildlife. Very informative train ride. The whole family loved it. No bathrooms on train but there are bathrooms at both depots.

Dede Farrar

2023-06

Our students loved the train ride. You can have a one way trip from Hill City to Keystone or a round trip that starts at Hill City and then returns to Hill City after stopping at Keystone for a few minutes to let off and pick up passengers. The train goes about 10 miles per hour. Great scenery through the windows. Great steam whistle. Memorable experience.

Thomas D Small

2023-06

It was a beautiful train ride. If you buy your tickets online they want you to pick them up at least 30 minutes before departure. We did the round trip from Hill City to Keystone and back. You can head back 15 minutes after you get to Keystone or take the next train about three hours later. Gives you time to walk around and grab a bite.

Jason Crumrine

2023-06

All Aboard The 1880 Train!!When you're in Keystone, SD or Hill City, SD the 1880 Train in a Must Do attraction! My family is making a two week vacation from Missouri, through SD and on into Yellowstone. We were so glad we made the 1880 Train a stop in our journey. The scenery is so beautiful. The history and character of the passenger cars brings about a rich history of the ole west, and the hour trip each way is great for any age. So if you're unsure if you should ride the train, hop on board.... you won't be disappointed!

Cooper M

2023-09

The 1880 train is by far my favorite historical place to come and enjoy a train ride. Everything is clean and upkept, and the staff is friendly and helpful. They answered all my questions and took time to reflect on their knowledge of the Hill City/Keystone area. One of the only Steam Trains left running a scheduled route in the US.... i will always buy a ticket when im in the area.

Emily Voigt

2022-05

Fantastic ride. You had to book online and have assigned seats, which was a little tricky for booking last minute with kids, but we made it work. If you are in a car towards the front by the engine it is hard to hear the information they are giving out about the area along the ride. Nice thing was they repeat it on the way back.Great views, nice open windows with a breeze and they even offer a few snacks and refreshments while riding.

Alice Melancon

2023-10

…More

David M

2023-10

The train ride was a great addition to our Rapid City area vacation. Something I would recommend. A slow scenic and relaxing trip.

Ellis Oberholtzer

2023-10

We really enjoyed the ride up over the mountain and back again. Its gives you a glimpse of what it was like 130 years ago.

Dan Albright

2023-07

…More

Scott Myers

2023-05

Rather you board in Keystone or Hill City both destinations have plenty to do. 2 hour round trip seeing plenty of the terrain some history and random animals and fowl on the way. Making the trip unique. My wife and I rode the enclosed car Orville and the open car Red fern, from Keystone to Hill City. Hill City has a Train museum and a snack shop. The food was average but a very welcomed snack. No restrooms on the train so make sure you go before you go. They offer candy bars and popcorn on the train along with drinks. Overall very fun and informative ride.

Stephanie Watts

2019-05

This was one of my favorite things about my trip to this area! The train ride was very beautiful and relaxing during the hot summer season! I was able to take advantage of the 1 hour lay over to explore the wonderful town! My 9 year old daughter enjoyed the trip as much as I did. As a parent it was a great fun way to add some educational information while on vacation!

Jonathan McIntosh

2023-05

A real steam engine with cars from the 19th century. The history, views, and staff were amazing. I recommend making a reservation in advance. We went on a Tuesday at 12:45 and it was packed both ways, in addition to the trip before and the trip after.We rode Keystone to Hill City. The “window” cars have windows that slide open, the “open” cars have a roof, but completely open sides.It was hot, but the train was moving, the wind was blowing and the kids were sleeping by the end of the first trip! Trains are so relaxing…Pro tip-we were on Battle Creek which had padded seats. Some of the cars had park-bench seats, others had padded. Make sure you get what you want (long trip to sit on wood slats). The seats flip, so no matter which way you go, you will be facing forward.They sell drinks/snacks on the train (cash only). If you go keystone to hill city, sit up front by the engine. It does a “steam off” as its pulling into hill city which look awesome! Then, while they are filling up the steam engine, walk a block to the west and get an ice cream cone…plenty of time!

Ruth Toomer

2023-08

…More

Ryan Calvin

2023-07

…More

Ashlee Pendleton

2023-08

…More

G Darkow

2023-05

I myself I’ve been on this train ride a couple of times and so decided to take my 10-year-old grandson as part of our trip together. This was the first time he was on a train and he loved it. The fact that it was an 1880 train made it even better. Being able to stick his head out the window and see the steam coming from the engine was one of his favorite parts. Lots of history given on the ride.

Kimberly Ness

2023-09

…More

Barbara C

2023-07

No restroom onboard.Only candy, soda, and popcorn to purchase.DO:- sit in the Edward Gillette train car. It's the last train car from Keystone to Hill City, and you can get a good picture of the whole train going around the bends.- bring activities for young kids. They get bored looking out the window.- Pick the return time that's at least 1.5 hours later because the train only stops 15 minutes in Hill City and returns. The restrooms gets crazy busy, and you won't get to buy snacks or see anything else.

kelsey Walton

2020-05

We absolutely loved this! So worth the money and thescnar absolutely beautiful stunning photos. Plus, with learning some history about the black hills. Highly recommend for a family adventure or just a couple.

Jeremiah Eldridge

2023-05

What a fun experience. I would recommend booking a few days in advance to get the best seats. We sat in the front row of the Mystic car and it was FANTASTIC! We booked round trip between Keystone and Hill City departure from Keystone at 1015a.m.and return trip at 230p.m. I cannot recommend this enough. A perfect family outing once you are done visiting Mt.Rushmore.

Kelly McGugan

2022-05

Our family had a lot of fun! We took the round trip from Keystone and chose the open air car. The truth is they are all open windows, but the open air has more window space to see.We loved hearing about the history of the area and everyone was extremely friendly!

KH17

2024-04

…More

Jim Pierce

2023-09

Nice trip up the mountain when riding the 1880 train circle. Had a nice walk around this Virginia Beach style resort town with no ocean, lots of nice little tourist stops, Depot itself was clean, organized, specific in it's descriptions of the trip itself, some to go food and drinks; restrooms available. Depot is free to visit: train fees are on the website

Claudia Gomez

2023-07

…More

Brooke Larsen

2023-05

…More