1880 Train

Gift Shops

Find the perfect souvenir from your 1880 Train ride at our gift shops in Hill City and Keystone.

Souvenirs, Gifts, and 1880 Train Keepsakes

Take home a piece of your Black Hills rail adventure from the 1880 Train Gift Shops. Located at the Hill City and Keystone depots, the shops are a convenient stop before or after your ride for train-themed souvenirs, keepsakes, gifts, and mementos from your visit. Gift cards are also available online, making it easy to share the 1880 Train experience with family, friends, or fellow train enthusiasts.

Interior of the Gift Shop at 1880 Train.

1880 Train Gift Card

Treat your loved ones to an unforgettable journey through the Black Hills aboard the historic 1880 Train! 1880 Train Gift Cards are available starting at $25 and can be purchased in $25 increments. They can be redeemed toward train rides, special events, dining, merchandise, and more, making them the perfect gift for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration. It's more than a train ride—it's an experience they'll never forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 1880 Train?

The 1880 Train is a two-hour, narrated 20-mile round trip between Hill City and Keystone. Passengers enjoy vistas of Black Elk Peak, mining encampments, scenery, and perhaps wildlife. Trains follow the original route of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad laid down in the late 1880s to service the mines and mills between Hill City and Keystone. We are the oldest continuously operating standard-gauge tour railroad in the nation and operate three steam and two diesel engines throughout the season. One of our locomotives is more than 100 years old!

Why is the railroad called the 1880 Train?

In 1957, the 1880 Train was started by a steam railroad enthusiast named William Heckman. He believed "there should be one working steam railroad, for boys of all ages who share America's fondness for the rapidly vanishing steam locomotive." Because he wanted a railroad that was reminiscent of the rapid American rail expansion of the 1880s, the name stuck, and the 1880 Train has been chugging through the Black Hills ever since for boys and girls of all ages.

Who owns the 1880 Train?

The train is now owned and operated by World Choice Investments.

What towns does the train depart from?

The train operates on the original mining rail spur between the towns of Hill City and Keystone in the central Black Hills. You can start your ride from either end.

How long does the ride take?

It's an hour ride each way, with a 15-minute layover time. Budget 2 1/2 to 3 hours for a complete roundtrip if you're returning immediately, or longer if you choose to make a layover.

View More FAQs