Treat your mother to a unique and unforgettable steam train ride through the beautiful Black Hills. Passengers will also enjoy a 45-minute layover in Keystone, giving them a chance to shop. See option details below.

Mother’s Day Express Option. Enjoy bubbly beverages, a tasty treat, a delectable dessert and entertainment. This is definitely an adventure your mother will never forget.

Mother’s Day Standard Option. If you wish to have a scenic ride aboard the 1880 Train without all the extras, regular reservations are also available for the 1:15 pm departure on Mother's Day.

Seating is assigned. In order to sit together, passengers must be under one reservation and one payment. Get your tickets early. Call 605-574-2222 to make reservations or make them online. You must specify which option you would like at time of reservation. Train departs Hill City station at 1:15pm. This train ride will have a 45 minute layover in Keystone allowing passengers extra time to shop. Passengers must allow enough time to re-board the train.

Credit card is necessary to make reservation. Like any ticketed event, all sales are final and no refunds or exchanges are offered unless ticketed train does not operate.

During these two days, kids (ages 0-12, riding with an adult) and active military ride for free. This is the perfect opportunity to ride the 1880 Train with your family. Passengers will also enjoy western-themed characters on board the train for the 1:15 pm departure both days. Adult ticket price is $28. Ticket prices do not include tax.

Advanced reservations are required and must be made no later than 24 hours prior to your desired departure time. Military ID must be presented upon collecting tickets and discount applies only to person on valid ID.

Credit card is necessary to make reservation. Cancellations and no-shows will be charged a cancellation fee of $10 per person. Discount is not valid with any other offer or discount. Make reservations now or call our office at 605-574-2222. For all internet reservations, discount will be applied at time of check in.

The 1880 TRAIN is providing school groups with an unforgettable opportunity to ride a vintage steam train in May! If interested, with prior notice and reservations, your class is invited to attend a 20-minute engine house tour. Trained Operation Lifesaver Presenters will also talk about railroad safety.

Groups must be at the departure point no later than 30 minutes prior to departure. There is a picnic area available for groups at the station in Hill City.

Please feel free to pass this information on to other classes who are interested in riding the train and those who may be studying transportation or South Dakota state history.

Call (605) 574-2222 and reserve your trip back in time!

The 1880 Train, in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), is hosting the first Prairies to Peaks Iron Horse Rail Summer Camp June 10-14 at the Black Hills Central Railroad in Hill City, SD. The camp's main purpose is to teach young people, ages 11-15 years, rail safety around highway/rail grade crossings, railroad rights-of-ways, rail equipment and rail operations. In addition, it seeks to educate them about the many different crafts which are necessary to operate a railroad and strives to expose them to the opportunities available in the rail industry. The goal is to educate and build the next generation of safety conscience railroad employees. An example of the agenda is found here.

The camp (including food and lodging) is free and is sponsored by area railroad companies, rail labor unions, rail safety organizations and the FRA. Applications may be obtained by emailing william.naylor@dot.gov. Campers will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. Campers are responsible for transportation to and from camp. Application deadline is May 25.

Spend time with your dad riding the 1880 Train. Dads ride for a child price when accompanied by a family member. Advanced reservations only (at least 24 hours).

Special train robbery for dads on the 1:15 pm departure.

Seating is NOT assigned for this event. Get your tickets early. Call 605-574-2222 to make reservations or make them online.

Credit card is necessary to make reservation. Cancellation and no-shows will be charged a cancellation fee of $10 per person.

On board for the 6:45pm departure on July 24th, passengers will enjoy a western-themed meal and entertainment. Meal includes: BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Coleslaw, Chips, Watermelon, Dessert and a Soda or Water. Additional beverages and alcoholic beverages will sold separately on board the train. Tickets are $49 for adults, $27 for children ages 3-12, and 2 and under ride for free. Train departs Hill City and takes approximately two hours.

Get your tickets early. Call 605-574-2222 to make reservations or make them online.

Credit card is necessary to make reservation. Like any ticketed event, all sales are final and no refunds or exchanges are offered unless ticketed train does not operate.

This is your chance to enjoy a memorable experience on the 1880 Train during our 10th annual Wine Express into the West. It will feature a tasty meal served with Prairie Berry wines throughout the trip. Ticket price includes food, wine, train ride, keepsake wine glass and western entertainment.

Seating is assigned. In order to sit together, passengers must be under one reservation and one payment. Get your tickets early. Call 605-574-2222 to make reservations or make them online.

Riders must assemble at Hill City at least 30 minutes in advance to check in with a ticket agent and pick up tickets. Train departs at noted times above.

Credit card is necessary to make reservation. Like any ticketed event, all sales are final and no refunds or exchanges are offered unless ticketed train does not operate.

Note: Tickets do generally sell out weeks in advance, so you will want to purchase your tickets early!

Contact: office@1880train.com

Celebrate Oktoberfest on board the 1880 Train! On September 28, the 1880 Train, with support from friends at Eagle Sales of the Black Hills, will hold its fourth annual Oktoberfest Express.

Prior to departure, enjoy fun and festive live music by Easy Sounds of Rapid City. On board, passengers will enjoy authentic seasonal beer while enjoying traditional German foods. A costume contest will be held, so wear your lederhosen!

Seating is assigned. In order to sit together, passengers must be under one reservation and one payment. Get your tickets early. Call 605-574-2222 to make reservations or make them online.

Riders must assemble at Hill City Depot at least 30 minutes in advance to check in with a ticket agent and pick up tickets. Train departs at noted time above.

Credit card is necessary to make reservation. Like any ticketed event, all sales are final and no refunds or exchanges are offered unless ticketed train does not operate. Note: Tickets do generally sell out weeks in advance, so you will want to purchase your tickets early!

New this year, the train is offering daily Engine House Tours beginning May 25 through October 13 in the Engine House located near the Hill City station. Tours last 30 minutes and are limited to 30 people per group. Tickets are $5 each and may be purchased by calling 605-574-2222 or at the Hill City or Keystone stations.

"We are beginning the Engine House Tours to give our guests a small taste of what it takes to operate and maintain the 1880 Train in terms of maintenance and facilities," explains Black Hills Central Railroad President Meg Warder. "Experienced railroad firemen Butch Kruse and Charlie Piper will give attendees a history of railroad lines and will talk about the types of engines and coaches used by the Black Hills Central Railroad, as well as the ins and outs of the Engine House."

This half-day seminar will be held June 22, August 10 and September 7 from 8:00 am - noon. Participants will learn how steam engines work and other information on train operations. A two-hour ride on the 1880 Train is included.

$95 per person and limited to 25 people.

Details coming soon! Call (605) 574-2222 for reservations.

Experience the magic as you take a journey from Hill City to the North Pole where Santa will be waiting to get on board the train. Each child will get the chance to meet Santa and receive a small Christmas gift. Our depot and train will be festooned with holiday cheer so make sure to bring your camera to capture memories that will last a lifetime. This holiday ride is perfect for the whole family!

In order to sit together, passengers must be under one reservation and one payment. Get your tickets early. Call 605-574-2222 to make reservations or make them online.

Riders must assemble at Hill City Depot at least 30 minutes in advance to check in with a ticket agent and pick up tickets. Train departs at noted times above.

Credit card is necessary to make reservation. Like any ticketed event, all sales are final and no refunds or exchanges are offered unless ticketed train does not operate.

If you need lodging, the following hotels are located in Hill City and open during our Holiday Express season:

Super 8
Best Western Golden Spike - 605-574-2577