Once a year the 1880 Train hosts the Wine Express Into The West. Basically it's a two hour train ride through the Black Hills, highlighted by a four course meal and wine pairings, with wine by Prairie Berry...the scenery was breathtaking, and we even caught a short glimpse of Harney Peak, which we planned to tackle the next day.
Lauren Jamison
“This ride was only one of many highlights of my Black Hills vacation. Most enjoyable trip and sorry it took so many years to get there but certainly worth the wait”.
Jack Heiss, July 2011
“We wanted to let you all know that our train ride on Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, was spectacular! We enjoyed our ride to and from Hill City. This was very relaxing and peaceful. Me and my husband were in town on our vacation and decided to take the train ride, Glad we did!! When we got back in to town, we rode out to catch a glimpse of the train from the roadside. It was breathtaking to watch an amazing train roar past us on the tracks. A REAL part of history! Great trip and we will recommend you all to all our friends and family.
Thanks for a great trip!”
Wanda Thompson
“I just had the pleasure to ride your train for the Wine Express into the West. While on the train I had the opportunity to propose to my girlfriend. It would have not been near as special if it weren't for your crew! Especially Carly, she communicated and helped me plan a proposal my fiance and I will never forget. I am so thankful for the time and effort you guys put forth to help me make the day special for us. Thank you so much for putting in the time and dedication, to not only have a great venue, but a crew to provide exceptional service that your passengers will always remember!”
Adam Bishop
“My husband, daughter and I had a delightful experience Sat. afternoon. The camaraderie, food, scenery, friendly service (a lot of people were served with no mess) were excellent. The weather couldn't have been better. One of my best memories ever. We hope to join you again next fall.”
“This is the eighth year our second grade class has ridden the train—the children love the scenic ride! The staff were very informative and courteous—thank you for providing a wonderful experience year after year!”
Susan T., SD 2nd grade teacher
“This is the second year that we have taken
the wine trip. There were 8 of us in our group.
Had a wonderful time. Will do it again next year.”
Gary and Dorene, SD
“We rode the train on October 13th and had picture perfect day. We were pleasantly surprised at how informative and interesting the narratives were while riding your train. Everything about the trip was great and the grounds and train were so clean!”
Skip and Rachel Welsh
“My family and I would like to thank you all for a job well done last Saturday at 2:30. The 25 of us that got to sit all together in one section of the train made it a great time for all the kids and the moms and dads. How about a romantic night train for adults with egg nog and spirits. The cookies were great and the hot chocolate too.”
Thank you from the MacDonald / Harmer family
“This Oktoberfest, our second, provided lovely, colorful scenery, special food and drink and a great chance to enjoy an autumn afternoon and evening with my husband and daughter. Thanks for making this trip possible!”
Donna Ringling, Platte, SD
“I went on the train with my family in August.
I think it was the experience of a lifetime. My
favorite thing was seeing all of the different
trees, animals, and the big walls of rock. I think
it was a perfect ride and I hope to do it again
sometime.”
Gracie
“The total experience was well worth it. Our
narrator did a superb job.”
R. Jacobson from OH
“Thank you for making me feel welcome.”
Alicia, Minnetonka, MN
“A very enjoyable experience, glad we
made it part of our Black Hills vacation.”
Rust, Lakewood, CO
“What fun to step back in time and try
to imagine traveling on a train and life as our
forefathers must have seen it.”
From our train loving family, Petersen,
WI
“This is one of the best merchandised and
friendly gift shops I have every been in or visited.
My hat's off for the extra effort for customers.”
Dennis, Jackson, WY
“The
cars are restored BEAUTIFULLY. The
"steam engines" are the best and both our children
love them to pieces.”
The Donleys, SD
“The employees were all professional,
friendly, knowledgable, and gracious. They were
concerned with our safety and did everything within
their power to provice a memorable time for all,
from the eldest to the youngest. Thank you to
each one.”
E. Conn, SD and E Boelk, WI