Experience an Old West Shootout on the 1880 Train

Step back into the Wild West during the 1880 Train Old West Shootout, a special evening train ride departing from Hill City, South Dakota. This live-action performance brings the legends of the Old West to life with lawmen, outlaws, and classic frontier drama right alongside the train.

The adventure begins at the Hill City Station, where danger is in the air and the sheriff is ready to keep the peace. All Old West Shootout riders must depart from Hill City at 5:00 p.m. This special event train cannot be combined with Keystone departures or earlier departure times.

About halfway between Hill City and Keystone, the train stops for the shootout performance beside the middle of the train. Once the action concludes, the ride continues on to Keystone.

Seats are limited for this special event. Reserve your Old West Shootout tickets today.

What better way to enjoy fall in the Black Hills than riding behind an authentic steam engine while sipping local wines paired with tasty food courses!? The Wine Express is a truly unique experience and one of our most popular events, so don’t wait to purchase your tickets!

Celebrate Oktoberfest on board the 1880 Train!

German immigrants were an important ethnic component in the 1880s European settlement of South Dakota, so Wilkommen to our German-inspired event that brings together our favorite German foods, tasty seasonal beer and of course live polka music! When you combine all of this together with a scenic steam train ride through the Black Hills, you have the perfect outing for a group of friends, family and more.

Holiday Express

Experience the magic as you take a one-hour round trip journey from Hill City all the way to the North Pole where Santa will board the train for the return journey, taking time to visit with each child on the way. Passengers enjoy hot cocoa, a sugar cookie, candy cane and Christmas fun on the way to the North Pole. All kids will receive a bell to ring for Santa and be able to talk with Mrs. Claus and Santa.

Holiday Express First Class

Upgrade to our premium service! Ride in our smallest passenger cars HILYO and ROCHFORD and receive enhanced Holiday Express service. Your hot chocolate is served in a commemorative 1880 Train mug with unlimited refills and your choice of whipped cream, marshmallows, or both! Bonus feature is additional time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Check schedule for dates and times available.

Holiday Express Spiked!

Enjoy everything that comes with the regular ride plus hot cocoa spiked with your choice of Peppermint or Butterscotch Schnapps in a keepsake mug! Adults only (21+) permitted. Spiked! passenger cars are featured on all 4:15 and 6:00 pm runs. This is a great office Christmas party outing or the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. Must be 21 years of age or older. Call 605-574-2222 today or purchase online!

Winter Express

These runs are available this year offering regular and Spiked! options. Even though Santa has Gone Fishin', this Winter train ride provides some after Christmas fun! They are a one-hour, round trip journey from Hill City to the North Pole. Passengers will receive hot chocolate, a sugar cookie, and candy cane, and kids will receive a small bell to ring in the New Year!

Add the Locomotive Cab Experience to your ride on-board the 1880 Train by calling 605-574-2222

Safety

• Your safety and the safety of all passengers and crew aboard the train is our number one priority.
• Cab Rider MUST be at least 18 years of age or older.
• No more than one (1) cab rider in the cab at any one time.
• The locomotive cab is not ADA-accessible.
• Cab Rider must be able to stand, walk, sit and climb stairs and ladders without assistance and without the aid of an assisting device.
• Cab riders who are vision or hearing impaired, that require the assistance of another person or service animal cannot be accommodated in the locomotive cab due to limited room.
• No self-contained breathing equipment (oxygen).
• Climbing into the cab requires strength, balance, and agility using both arms and both legs. Stairs are open metal ladders. Steel decking surfaces may be slippery or uneven. The sensation of motion within the locomotive cab is different than aboard a passenger rail car.
• All terms, conditions and fares are subject to change without liability and notice.

Photographs

• The use of a digital camera for photography is permitted, however, only when the Engineer gives permission that it is safe to take.
• Cellular telephone camera and video is permitted with permission of the crew. We will not stop for any dropped equipment.
• Cellular phones must be on airplane mode or off for the duration of the ride to maintain a safe operational environment for Brakeman and Conductor.

Clothing

• All riders must wear proper clothing (shorts, skirts, and tank tops are not permitted). Full-length slacks or jeans are required. Short sleeve shirts will be permitted, but long sleeves are recommended to prevent burns from equipment. You must wear proper clothing. Natural fiber clothing must be worn. Clothing may get soiled, dress accordingly. Sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.) is recommended.
• Shoes must be non-slip, closed toe and closed heel. Sandals, flip flops, Crocs and high heels are not permitted
• No firearms or weapons are permitted.

Before the Ride

• Cab rides may not be available on some departures.
• Cab rider must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Photo ID will be required at check in.
• Cab rider will receive a brief safety training and will be required to sign a release of liability and photography consent form prior to entering the cab.
• A Safety Pack will be provided to the purchaser. This will include Bottle of water, ear plugs, gloves and eye protection. All safety items must be worn at all times during the ride.

During the Ride

• Our engine crew's primary responsibility is to operate the train safely and efficiently. While engineers and conductors are free to converse with you at their discretion, there are important duties they must attend to, without becoming distracted.
• Riders must carefully and completely follow all instructions from the engine crew. Failure to do so will force the crew to stop the train and remove the cab rider from the locomotive cab without exception or refund.
• If there is any emergency, or in-route repairs, you will stay in the cab.
• Must be physically capable of standing for the duration of the 2 hour train experience.
• At the engineer's discretion, a cab rider may be asked to ride in the coach portion of the train if the engineer feels that the cab rider is unfit or unwell enough to ride in the cab.
• Cab riders who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will have their ride canceled, with no refund.